Blessed Are the Flexible

For this is what Adonai Elohim, the Holy One of Israel, says: “Returning and resting is what will save you; calmness will make you strong.” – Isaiah 30:15 (CJB) 

In November 1999, I had breakfast with the Venerable Thich Nhat Hanh, “Thay” as his students call him, in his personal residence. 

Until his passing in 2022, Thay was the founder and guiding teacher of Plum Village, a Zen monastery and retreat center in Bordeaux, France.  

The night before, a windstorm toppled trees across the monastery grounds. Several fell near Thay’s small home, some landing within meters. Miraculously, none did any damage. 

After we ate in silence, Thay said, “Matthew, we lost many of our tree brothers last night.” 

I replied, “I think the trees fell very mindfully.” 

He laughed. 

Thay was from Vietnam, where storms with high winds are common. Palm trees thrive there for good reason. Unlike the rigid trees outside his hermitage, palm trees can withstand hurricanes. What’s their secret? 

Flexibility. They bend. 

Martial arts training taught me the same thing: those who are calm rather than tense are more likely to succeed against an aggressor. In many cases, tension is as threatening as the opponent. 

Perhaps Isaiah would agree. He said strength is about calm and rest rather than resistance. That’s not always my instinct when all hell breaks loose, which might mean I am less intelligent, or less faithful, than a palm tree.  

Life is stormy right now. Bending and resting isn’t surrender. It allows us to keep showing up with faith.  

Prayer
When the wind picks up, Lord, palm me.

About the Author
Matt Laney is Co-Pastor of Virginia Highland Church UCC in Atlanta, GA, and the author of Pride Wars, a fantasy series for young readers. You can find original children’s stories by Rev. Laney on his YouTube channel, LaneyLit.