Tag Archives: nature

Gentle Greeting

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”

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”

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”

Heartbeat of God

I still myself enough, My cheek against the ancient tree, cut in half by lightning, then trimmed by machine’s saw. I hear the roots cry up to the large wide stump: “Listen!” Lo and behold: I feel the heartbeat of God. “I will keep growing.” Smaller branches sprout from the sides, Tiny heartbeats with newContinue reading “Heartbeat of God”

Leaves and Life Lessons

Stepping gingerly onto fallen leaves under a quiet colorful canopy in autumn, I feel that I belong, though it’s my first visit on this mountain, through these woods, on this path. Yet it’s home. The unending grandeur surrounding me beckons participation. “Come deeper, further into this story of existence,” I hear Christ’s invitation. Every rockContinue reading “Leaves and Life Lessons”

WISDOM WAVES

Standing at the ocean sand’s edge, never-ending waves of Wisdom rush toward me. My feet stay dry on the sand, as I observe, inwardly silent, listening to loud beach sounds of crashing waves and calling gulls. The vast ocean houses hidden life. I know that there are fish, creatures, dolphins, underwater plants, and debris inContinue reading “WISDOM WAVES”