Midwinter, my husband and I escaped to New Mexico to care for a ranch owner’s two fancy dogs and two fancy horses. Time on this beautiful ranch tending these animals and being a part of the landscape at the foothills of Los Cerillos was renewing and restoring.
Before the owner left, he fortunately gave directions about how to muck stalls, feed horses, and stay out of the way of being kicked by them. The horses were big, bold, and bossy. The tiny dogs were silly, needy, and sweet. The landscape was generous with solitude and mystery.
The owner spoke about another animal presence on the ranch: the ravens. You cannot miss the ravens, who are brassy and beautiful and frightening. “The ravens have befriended us” he said, “and diligently leave leave shiny and obscure objects along the path from the barn to the house for us to find.” He showed us his collection of raven gifts, treasures from across the landscape – such clever heist!!
It was a relaxing week on the ranch, dining at tiny restaurants not yet discovered by the masses, popping in on musician and artist offerings in the area, and being around these beautiful animals. Twice a day we walked the path to and from the barn to tend the horses, and each time we looked diligently for any raven tokens left along the path. Although we kept our eyes peeled, we never did find what we thought was a worthy raven treasure. I wondered what it takes to be schooled in distinguishing ordinary from extraordinary… did we perhaps pass by some treasures that week?
Our trip was before Ash Wednesday, and we are now nearing the end of the liturgical season called Lent, my favorite season in the Christian calendar. There are no gifts to buy or cards to write, no cookies to bake, or even fancy meals to plan. Just a six week gap with the sacred intent to slow down, to listen internally, and to focus our attention on that of essence. This season for me has renewed the art of recognizing and integrating that which is gift. The gospel writer Matthew both whispers and yells: “where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Matthew’s words are cautionary, practically an admonition. It reminds me that attention can be trained to abide with that which is most lovely and life-giving. What is our treasure?
Matthew 6 is a chapter filled with reminders to not withhold the treasure that we find. Matthew 6 also concerns us with the dangers of loving the treasure more than the Source of the treasure. Lastly, Matthew 6 also gives guidance on how to pray and live so that our worries do not overtake our quest for finding beauty and treasure in the art of everyday living. If you want to see this chapter and its richness here it is:
Chapter 6 from Matthew’s version of the Gospel
Blessed Holy Week. Blessed be your treasure hunt. Blessed be the treasure.
May you never neglect treasure that lies directly beside your feet.
May you leave enough treasure behind for the one who comes after you.
Maia (and co-editor Anne)
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