Blue spruce, Surprisingly soft to touch, Greets me upon arrival for a peaceful weekend. I walk toward the retreat center with a lighter step, Having reached out to briefly hold a branch’s end. “I’ve been waiting for you!” it seemed to convey. Time to return home days later, Walking past this magnificent tree, I reachContinue reading “Gentle Greeting”
Tag Archives: life
Stay Awake!
Drowsy from little sleep, I sit to pray before you, LORD. Can I stay awake for one hour of Adoration? I nod off a few times, wake, then close my heavy eyes again. Head nods, jerking me awake as my neck catches the sudden droop. Somehow, I feel deeply rested. I open my eyes, andContinue reading “Stay Awake!”
Hidden Treasures
The day before Thanksgiving, I wanted to get my dining room table prepared with special settings and decorations to celebrate the family’s gathering. I knelt down on the kitchen floor, in order to reach far into the back of a cabinet, where the nicer dinner and dessert plates are kept. Lo and behold: There wasContinue reading “Hidden Treasures”
Leaf Release
I stood in the Peace garden, just to “be” on this last day of September. A small autumn leaf let gravity take over, after a life time of spring and summer dancing green, and let go. She let go of all she had known: of her leaf community, of the branch which had nourished her,Continue reading “Leaf Release”
What convinces you?
In the Gospel according to St. Luke 5:1-11, Jesus wows Simon. He had just cured Simon’s mother in law the day before. Simon was out fishing all night, as Jesus tended to the people who flocked to him. Word was getting around that Jesus could cure, as he lay hands on them to heal. ThatContinue reading “What convinces you?”
Prayer Song
Sitting in a screen-enclosed gazebo on this early Saturday morning, Searching stillness. A Carolina wren sings to my left. An echo reply song to my right. Again. Back and forth they sing and respond, As God and us in prayer. At one point, their songs overlapped: The union of hearts, of song, of prayer, WhenContinue reading “Prayer Song”
Scrapbook Lessons
This week, as our country celebrates its birth, I’m digitally transcribing what I have written in scrapbooks, recorded over 50 years ago the “old fashioned way”: parts of the story of my life, from birth through college years. Remembering people in events and pictures, forming who I have become. We remember our country through stories,Continue reading “Scrapbook Lessons”
Trees Bridging Seasons
Bare branches are a lovely sight (to some!) in cold dreary months: Their exposure allows us to see a tree’s foundational skeleton. Winter can be a time to focus inwardly: What are we truly made of? Look at our naked complexity! As baby green leaves emerge in early spring months, we see two seasons inContinue reading “Trees Bridging Seasons”
Tangled
The bush grows green at the tips of branches, While twisted vines lurk below. How do we see others? From what’s on top or Do we see the tangles that may snake underneath? I dare say: Some days gnarly notions arise, Surprising even me – how could I have such thoughts?! How do I stopContinue reading “Tangled”
Tasteless Faith
My favorite local restaurant meal lately is a Caesar salad, topped with a bourbon sauce grilled salmon filet. Since the pandemic, I have sometimes ordered this delicious meal as a “carry out,” to enjoy at home. It never disappoints! After 3 years of avoiding Covid, I finally got hit with it! Feeling better after 6Continue reading “Tasteless Faith”
Pondering Christ 