My friend Kat shared a link with me this week to a TED Talk by Benjamin Zander, conductor of the Boston Philharmonic. In that talk he mentions "shining eyes" and how they are an indicator that you are connecting with people. In this age where the art of listening is being replaced by personal broadcasting, Zander's observation is a helpful and cautionary tale.
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| My Mom's Eyes Shone All the Time |
Are there shining eyes in your world, in my world? Will yours and my shining eyes be a barometer that lets someone know they have adorned our life in that moment with love, joy, understanding, and presence?
When life becomes so full that it becomes empty, it's time to re-learn the art of listening deeply, whether in person, or via a letter, a good book, or long phone conversation.Time to check for shining eyes and shining hearts.
In the lovely children's story, "Charlotte's Web"
by E. B. White, one of the words that Charlotte spins into her web to
describe her friend Wilbur, the little pig, is "radiant." I've always
loved that part of the story. It makes ones eyes shine just to read it.
Shining eyes expand to a total glowing countenance when one is truly present in the presence of God. Moses experienced that on the mountain with God. He glowed so excessively when he came down that he had to put a veil over his face in the presence of the people.
When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the covenant law in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the Lord. When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, his face was radiant, and they were afraid to come near him. from Exodus 34
It's a telling twist that at the hour when Moses' face was shining from his encounter with God, the other people couldn't bear to look at him. They were even afraid to come near him!
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| Caravaggio, Holy Family with St John the Baptist (detail) (Oil on canvas, 1602-4) |
Note the tender moment expressed in the detail above from Carravaggio's "Holy Family with St. John the Baptist." In this detail of the child Jesus with Mary, her shining eyes speak volumes.
Jesus let a couple of his disciples see an ultimate example of shining when he was totally transformed into a shining, heavenly state at the scene of the Transfiguration.
There's a lot to think about in that story, isn't there?
There is so much in this world
that mitigates against shining eyes,
that we have to be conscious,
intentional, and proactive
to lean into shining eye
moments and shining eye days.
I hope in reading this post your eyes have shone just a little. Mine have as I think about connecting in truly meaningful ways with you and those I love and new friends in the minutes and hours of this day.
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MUSIC & LECTURE LINKS
Sure on This Shining Night One of several videos with the composer, Morten Lauridsen, at the piano. Enjoy the clarity and sense of community in this smaller ensemble. I first heard this piece live by the James Madison Singers in their fall concert in Harrisonburg VA in 2007, under the direction of their outstanding conductor, Dr. Patrick Walders. I remember well the shining in my eyes as tears formed at the exquisite beauty of the trio of text, score, and execution. Here's the simple, text, which Lauridsen has set so exquisitely in his composition. The version by the UofUtah Singers is also very well done.
Sure on this shining night
Of star made shadows round,
Kindness must watch for me
This side the ground.
The late year lies down the north.
All is healed, all is health.
High summer holds the earth.
Hearts all whole.
Sure on this shining night I weep for wonder wand'ring far
alone
Of shadows on the stars.James Agee, 1934
Samuel Barber and Z Randall Stroope have notable and interesting settings of this text. Lauridsen's is the most hauntingly beautiful and speaks the most deeply to me. I love to go back to listen to it again and again like visiting with a dear old friend.
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