Solitude

When in Rome…

Recently, I took a trip to roam. Yet, I found myself surrounded by lots of moving pieces and it was hard not to get caught up in the pace around me. In a crowded space, quick not being quick enough, too many I’s to dot, too many T’s to cross, and seemingly no time or place for pause. But then, oftentimes there isn’t, until the room for it is made.

“The inspiration you seek is already within you. Be silent and listen.” – Rumi

How tempting it can be sometimes to fall into place and do as others do, or conversely, step out of line and walk away. However, what often gets lost is the balance that allows for the ground that is known as middle. It is the place where things are less extreme, grips and grasps are loosened, and real freedom is experienced. Not beholden to what is less than, the middle is the place that gives permission for mind and heart to meet, and for the soul to connect. And only then, in action there is peace.  

“…it is something very near to you, already in your mouths and in your hearts; you have only to carry it out.” – Dt 30:14

Resetting the Pace…

After what seemed like quite a lot of time walking and winding our way, up, down, around, and through the wooded area embracing the large pond, we arrived at what appeared to be the center of our journey—the resting place. As we moved closer to the main building, designed for respite and a bite to eat, we were greeted by a wooden barrel holding purple and yellow flowers beckoning us to keep the journey going. Bright and beautiful flowers, they drew us—tired, hungry, weary travelers—in and lifted us up, raising the smile in our hearts to our lips and bringing the twinkle back to our eyes.

No matter the circumstances, the conditions along the way, or how far one travels, Peace is always reaching out, working from within, and waiting upon us.

Faith is the road, but communion with Jesus is the well from which the pilgrim drinks. ― Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Anima Christi

Soul of Christ, sanctify me.
Body of Christ, save me.
Blood of Christ, inebriate me.
Water from the side of Christ, wash me.
Passion of Christ, strengthen me.
O good Jesus, hear me.
Within Thy wounds hide me.
Separated from Thee let me never be.
From the malignant enemy, defend me.
At the hour of death, call me.
And close to Thee bid me.
That with Thy saints I may be Praising Thee, forever and ever.
Amen.

In Every Season…

Flowers and an icicle do not seem to fit together, and yet, they do, or they did yesterday.  From a distance, each called attention in its own manner, a splash and depth of color and a long, glass-like spear.

Up close, and from numerous angles, with the light, and contrasted against the background, the delicate nature of each made prominent. There were so many petals, all the same composition, with similar shapes, and tips with greater variation, but coming together as one in each flower.

Then, the icicle, seemingly one big, smooth flow of water, many molecules, frozen… stuck in time. Yet, stepping nearer, not so plain and clear, layers, twists, and turns coming together to create it.

The beauty of nature in all its various forms comes into presence, like life… like love… like God, in both the expected and unexpected ways.

Embracing the moment, quietly, silently, gratefully, and allowing it to saturate one’s being, is the beginning of knowing, exercising, and extending Love. It is true that Love is timeless, and for the times, but in order to carry on toward fruition, Love must be experienced and embodied. For one can only put forth that which resides within. This is why time, and the way in which it is used, or not, is of the essence.

In the midst of whatever season one might find oneself, the benefit of using, spending, making, or taking time to rest in the love of God, wherever and however it suits one best, is never wasted.

Love takes off the masks we fear we cannot live without and know we cannot live within. — James Baldwin

Waiting to Arrive…

Looking out at the thin ice in the quiet stillness of early morning, I think, “How fragile life is.” As I sit and watch, I feel tired… stretched thin. Until this moment, it has been so busy… too busy.

I survey the area. It seems motionless. I think, “The time is now.” Everyone…everything must wait.

While time continues to tick, I linger, allowing more than just a chance to be still and listen. With each minute that passes, I feel a calm and steady strength growing from deep within. How resilient Life is.

ThinIce

My eyes are ever upon the LORD, who frees my feet from the snare. – Psalm 25:15