Cathedral of the Stars
Posted: Thursday, June 17, 2010
by Richard Radtke
http://www.cottagebythelane.com
Every once in a while someone asks me what church I attend, and then look at me strangely when I reply that I really don't attend one regularly, but I suppose you could consider me a member of the Cathedral of the Stars. Their reply is usually in the form of a question like, Where or what is that?, a cult or something?. I suppose in one sense it could be, although I don't think of it that way, perhaps it would be best if I explained to you, the reader, exactly what it is, since I really never have explained it to anyone else, mainly because it is never the same thing twice.
The sun slipped lower in the sky, as though seeking to rest itself upon the bosom of the land, far beyond the last hill silhouetted on the horizon, setting the clouds ablaze in a burst of colors that until that moment existed only in the mind of a dreaming artist. As I listened, I could discern the slight rise in the chatter of the birds as though they too, were in awe of this sudden beauty that was the sky they so often called home. The chatter too, adds its own chorus to the concert around me. It builds to a shattering crescendo; the wind, trees, river, and birds meeting in perfect harmony with the color-ravaged sky. Everything is separate, yet melds into a perfect harmony. Then suddenly, almost before it has arrived, it's gone. Slowly, the last glowing crumb of the sun sinks to rest behind the rising hills, and the shadows grow long.
Trailing the sun's waning glow, twilight, like a blanket being gently pulled over a sleeping child, slowly..., hesitantly..., drapes itself over the land. The trees shiver to a stop and their leaves hang silent and still, as the wind blows itself into nothingness. The bird, quiet now, flit to and fro, singly or in pairs, finding their perch for the night in the shadow-filled trees. I stand, so it seems within a stately cathedral, built with far more perfection than any human hand could ever attain. The tall, silent trees become the fluted columns, and their branches overhead the high flying arches that strain ever upward to support a star-flecked ceiling that reaches to eternity.
Over the years since, I have attended this service many times sometimes at a river bank, or perhaps in a park, there have even been times I have just pulled the car off to the side of the road and stopped to stare at the stars as they wheel above. The Cathedral of the Stars is as ever-changing as life, and it will last far longer
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Top-level comments on this article: (8 total)Your words are very touching. It's great that you can hear HIS "still small voice"! You are not religious, you have a relationship! Thank you for writing this. :)Actually I am religious, I just do not believe that churches are the only places of worship. Generally I have found that many churches are still open to cliques, and hypocrisy.A Quote I found "The only reliable product of an organized religion is a flock of hypocrites who feel that only *their* hypocrisy is divinely sanctioned."
I loved your beautiful article, Richard. Your Cathedral of the Stars is the best church of all.Thank you for your kind words, they are appreciated.
The stars have always fascinated me ever since I was a child, I believe heaven is made up of the stars above.I agree with you on that
Great article. I could actually feel myself returning to my cathedral in the stars. Excellent.Thank you for positive feedback, I do appreciate your kind words.
Very nice.Thank you, for your comment
Hi Richard.This is really beautiful. Your words painted such a vivid picture that I was right there with you. Thank you for writing this.Dianne
Great article, Richard. You have a wonderful way with your words and I enjoy reading your work. What better place to worship God than in the midst and awareness of his majestic creation. I also enjoy being an active part of a body of believers. For whatever reason, I've been blessed with a great church filled with some hypocrites, I'm sure, but also filled with transparent people who have lived life, maybe been hurt and can be Jesus with skin for those around them. It's not perfect, but it's a pretty cool place to be in. A place to minister and be ministered to. I am content worshiping, thanking and honoring God in a building with others or looking over the railing on the deck of a cruise ship.
richard,very nice and fine, smooth word-smithing...stars can give us a good dose of humility-and inspiration.
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