Morning sun nudges away night’s sharp chill, paints golden edges on field grasses and distant woods, as my four year old granddaughter laughs music into the air, chasing her beloved dog across the wide meadow, unreservedly loving this moment with all she is, pulling me into this corner of heaven, immersing me in this sweet glory you have given us to share. … [Read more...] about This Corner of Heaven
Grace Rises
Grace rises, a full moon moving up and over us, building shimmering bridges across great ocean divides, lighting the way in the darkness of night, raining radiance on us through the arch of life. Grace, a full moon, rises. … [Read more...] about Grace Rises
Earthen Vessel
Death’s shadow appeared on the nearby hills a few years back. In those darkened days I was, by some grace, given a surprising glimpse of the glory here with us— rising as light from my feet, filling the air around me illuminating everything. Today my feet still caress the earth, cling, dust-to-dust, astonished by this temporary housing where I curl up, a wild cat purring praise near the hearth of … [Read more...] about Earthen Vessel
Bread Making
Sensuous ball of satin white elastic you are more than a lump-of-clay. You are a responsive, living thing. You stretch, yet hold yourself together as I pull against your structure. You yield, then spring back with counter force as I press my weight against you. It is as if you know this interplay will open space to give you breath that you might rise to nourish life in others. … [Read more...] about Bread Making
The Ancient Door
I have been staring at that door again, perhaps because people I know are lining up at it, reluctantly taking numbers. I cry when they pass through and are gone from sight forever. I’ve sat near the door, from time to time, keeping people company in their waiting— sensing, at times, a crowd of angels and loved ones pressing close, waiting with us, while we’ve read a psalm, held hands and kept … [Read more...] about The Ancient Door
Promises
We were given rainbows on Saturday as we stood together on top of the hill. A gentle rain danced with the setting sun making shocking neon strobes of colored light rise up from our feet and arch in double ecstasy across the sky. Two separate, complete rainbows united in their celebration of hope. “Rainbows are a promise,” I whispered in your ear. Their westward feet were so close to our own that I … [Read more...] about Promises
Wrong Side of the Line
We are like children imagining we can capture God like sunlight in our mason jar— screwing the lid on just right holding our unique treasure tight oblivious of all the sunlight filling and spilling past our yard, running across fields, brightening meadow and trees, waking sleeping cities, dancing across vast seas. We are like children drawing a line in the dirt unconcerned we are causing … [Read more...] about Wrong Side of the Line
Wake Us
Wake us to your dream of us— to the lovers, grievers, healers you dream us to be. To the makers of beauty, the creators of peace. Wake us from the stupor of our hatred, divisions and greed. Wake us to your dream of us— seekers of justice, lovers of mercy, humbly walking with you. Wake us from fear and frenzy, to your dream of us— joyful servants, embracing neighbor and stranger, sharers of heart … [Read more...] about Wake Us
I Have No Power to Save
When storms rake paths of death. leaving lives uprooted and bereft, I have no power to save. When the sun beats hard—drying earth and air, creating death-by-thirst for everything, everywhere, I have no power to save. When powers-that-be oppress because of ethnicity and race, terrorizing communities, leaving people demoralized, debased, I have no power to save. When nations fight wars that can … [Read more...] about I Have No Power to Save
So Broken
We are all so wounded and defended, and often unaware of all the ways we spin like tops— trying to control, jockeying for the best spot, managing our image, dressing up in judges’ robes, using words like weapons of war. When bruised or threatened by another’s spin I am tempted to fight, defend. But to knowingly strike back would make mine the greater crime. Help me, is all I can pray. In your … [Read more...] about So Broken