sr terry was the 5th grade teacher at sacred heart school in prescott, az when i was assigned there. one day, she mentioned that whenever it was windy out during recess, the kids come back to class totally wound up– bouncing off the walls.
“uitwaaien” is a dutch word that literally translates to outblowing. it’s basically the activity of spending time in the wind, usually by going for a walk or a bike ride and something you do to clear your mind and feel refreshed
i see uitwaaien as an aspect of the Holy Spirit/breath. it is in the first verse of the bible–gen 1: 1-2: “in the beginning, when God created the heavens and the earth and the earth was without form or shape, with darkness over the abyss and a mighty wind sweeping over the waters.”
it’s new life from the Spirit
also, in acts 2: 1-4
When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled, they were all in one place together. And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them. And they were all filled with the holy Spirit
it’s transformed life in the Spirit
wind is a gift. too much wind though can destroy; no little wind leaves us with stale air to breathe.
so, get out for a Spirit walk today, hug a tree and feel the breeze in your hair (if you still have hair, unlike myself!) be refreshed, renewed and transformed by the Spirit
let us pray:
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful.
And kindle in them the fire of your love.
Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created.
And you will renew the face of the earth.
Lord,
by the light of the Holy Spirit
you have taught the hearts of your faithful.
In the same Spirit
help us to relish what is right
and always rejoice in your consolation.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Art and Sol Podcast ... Random Musings 
Interesting thoughts! Last night we had very strong winds. The type that make lots of noise and cause your house to creak! I don’t like winds that strong As I’ve aged, they tend to frighten me a bit. So next time I have strong winds, I’ll remember your musings and try to stay more calm! This morning, beautiful blue skies and sunshine with birds singing! Whew! Thank you for your thoughts!
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thanks cher
fear might be one of the more important ways that the Spirit works through our hearts and minds. a lot of people assume that hate is the opposite of love– in many ways, it can be fear. “perfect love casts out fear”
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I liked this alot. I’ve always felt like the wind was God’s way of sending me a hug and I typically open my arms as if I’m getting a hug, so that I can enjoy it more. I couldn’t understand it but this sums it up perfectly!
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thanks for the response. you point to one of the things i LOVE about the Spirit– the mystery and inability to put the graced God encounter in words.
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