The Circle of Life

Life as Cycle

“Not in entire forgetfulness,

and not in utter nakedness,

but trailing clouds of glory do we come,

from God, who is our home…”

                          William Wordsworth

                          Exerpt from “Intimations of Immortality”

         We were driving through the mountains of North Carolina with our two young sons in the backseat.  I pointed toward the exit for the small enclave of Cullowhee and said, “Mommy went to college right over there, boys.”  Without a moment’s hesitation, Ian, who was then about two, asked, “Where was I?”  I explained, “You weren’t born yet, honey.  Daddy and I hadn’t even met.  I was still a child myself.”  From the backseat, “Well, where was I?”  I glanced at his father with the first stirrings of discomfort growing in my belly.  I knew I had to think fast.  Nine-year-old Jake was there, too, and I didn’t think it was the right time for explaining the birds and bees.  “Well, Ian, you were partially in my body and partially in your daddy’s but you, as a person, didn’t really exist yet.”  Stupid, I know.  Now, a roar from the toddler who had grown tired of my mealy-mouthing, “JUST TELL ME WHERE I WAS!”  I quickly said, “You were with God.”  To which he replied, “Oh.”  End of discussion.

         I am of the opinion that children remember, however vaguely, where they came from.  Perhaps we all have an inkling memory throughout life.  For me, we see paradise reflected in nature; the beauty of springtime, the opulent fertility of summer, the amazing clarity of fall, and the quiet stillness of winter.  Yes, even storms hold a glimpse of the power of the created order.  The cycle of seasons reflects the cycle of life—from the Greek word kyklos, meaning circle.  We end where we began.

Wordsworth’s description of God as ‘our home’ was echoed by theologian, Paul Tillich, who called God “the ground of being.”  We come from God, and we return to God, and hopefully, in between we learn something that furthers our soul and the souls of all humanity.

                 In the spirit,

                 Jane