guest poem and photo by Monique Watt Heintzman, with permission, originally posted on Faith Today
Take a walk in the woods,
where life surges and recedes through the seasons like waves on the shore,
where new treasures await your discovery everyday.
Walk regularly, paying attention –
to the light, to the smells, to the sounds,
to what has changed, to what is the same,
and marvel at the beauty that greets you.
Wonder.
Wonder why.
Wonder how.
Consider a leaf.
Ponder its life cycle through the seasons.
Notice tree trunks’ bark –
some smooth looking and to the touch,
others thick and rough,
protecting their precious core like armour.
Observe their form –
their straightness or crookedness,
their scars and tumours.
Each one has a story to tell –
just like you and me.
Gaze upwards at tree branches
reaching heavenward in praise and thanksgiving.
Slow down and contemplate the rocks –
how even these hard, solid ones wear, soften and crumble over time,
becoming pebbles and sand under your feet.
Notice the heart-shaped hoof prints that accompany you along the path.
Let your thoughts meander and wonder where the deer went,
and how the bears know when to hibernate,
or the birds know where to migrate.
Perceive how your definition of beauty expands and changes through the seasons,
how it’s not only the colourful blossoms of spring and summer,
or the rhapsody of autumn leaves that are beautiful –
there’s beauty too in the dying and in the letting go,
and in the crunch of your boots on the snow.
Feel your heart swell with gratitude and joy,
and praise your Creator God,
the Divine Artist whose fingerprints are everywhere!
Monique Heintzman lives in Chelsea, Quebec, Canada with her husband and teenage daughter. She is a homemaker, contemplative photographer, writer of poetry, and an avid walker. Monique is passionate about the beauty of God’s Creation and delights in trying to capture and share glimpses of it through photos and poetry in the hope the others will fall in love with God and Creation. She and her husband also volunteer with A Rocha Canada hosting Christian environmental stewardship outdoor activities and learning events from their home in Gatineau Park.
Join Christine Sine and Lilly Lewin tomorrow! Wednesday, March 23rd, 2022 at 9 am PT (check my timezone) for our next FB Live happening on our Godspace Light Community Facebook Group! Can’t make it? No worries–we upload the sessions on our youtube channel so you can still enjoy the lively discussions and interesting topics. And catch us live for the next session–happening here!
Here in Seattle it is the beginning of spring. Daffodils seem to dance across the garden with their bright yellow faces turned towards the sun, and cherry blossoms delight me with their fragrance and beauty. My front porch bulges with lettuce, spinach and other greens, and tomatoes and basil sit snuggly on heat mats and under grow lights waiting for warmer weather. I might have started some of them a little early, this year, but I am desperate for spring – not just in the garden but in the world around me too.
Spring is the greening season. Seeds scattered in autumn lie dormant over the winter, then send up their first tender shoots and new growth adorns my overwintered shrubs.
We love to see this greening and the delightful display of vibrantly colored flowers that accompanies it. This is what we feel spring is all about, so it always seems strange that it coincides with Lent, when we are encouraged to eat simply, fast and pray.
It is entirely appropriate though. This was once known as the hunger season and in some parts of the world still is. An anxious hopefulness and uncertainty hangs over farmers watching the carpet of green spread across their fields. They pray for spring rains – not too much to flood the fields and not too little so that the seed withers and dies. They eke out their diet from what remains of last year’s crops – mainly dried seeds and lentils, the same as the Lenten diet still eaten by some faith traditions, and pray it will be enough. Purchasing seed could bankrupt them. I have row covers, heat mats and grow lamps to hurry my seeds along and if they fail it does not bankrupt my life. There is little if any risk in my garden practices, only delight, and for that I am grateful.
I used to struggle with the offering of first fruit to the priests. Can you imagine what hardship this was to the poorest and most vulnerable in the community? Then I read that the corners of the fields left to be gleaned by the poor were not subject to this law and I thought “Thank God, who did not subject the poor to such hardship.” Our God is merciful and just. If the wealthy honored the true practice of first fruit offering, the poor would still be provided for.
This year the juxtaposition of Lent and spring taught me a lot. Spring, like Lent, is an uncertain and sometimes stressful season and this year it seemed particularly taxing. The beautiful greening of the landscape and opening up of our communities after the COVID lockdowns carried with it the promise of abundant life to come and gave hope for the future, but the shadow of war in Ukraine and rising prices in our economies made us feel as though God has withheld the rain and we were still existing on a subsistence diet of beans and lentils.
I love to wander my garden looking closely to see which seeds, scattered in autumn are sprouting. These are always the strongest and healthiest plants. So I wonder “What did God plant in us over this last year that is now sprouting and should be nurtured into strong healthy plants?
Some communities survived the hunger season better than others because of their strong sense of responsibility for each other. Sometimes even landowners freely gave from their own hoarded grain to help the poor around them survive. Others always made sure they left the gleanings that were meant to be for the poor. I wonder: What of God’s provision are we hoarding but should be sharing?
Last but not least: Did I plant the wrong seeds, in the wrong place at the wrong time? Maybe in my haste to get started this year I didn’t pay attention to some of the basic principles of gardening. Know the feeling? The number one organic gardening principle is “build up the soil.” Maybe I should build up the soil around the gifts and talents within me that I believe should be flourishing now. The best way to build up soil is with good old compost – that rubbishy stuff from the kitchen that we throw out. When matured and changed it becomes black gold.
Maybe what we all need is a little more patience. And while you wait be encouraged by these words in Joel 2:21-24
Do not be afraid, land of Judah;
be glad and rejoice.
Surely the Lord has done great things!
22 Do not be afraid, you wild animals,
for the pastures in the wilderness are becoming green.
The trees are bearing their fruit;
the fig tree and the vine yield their riches.
23 Be glad, people of Zion,
rejoice in the Lord your God,
for he has given you the autumn rains
because he is faithful.
He sends you abundant showers,
both autumn and spring rains, as before.
24 The threshing floors will be filled with grain;
the vats will overflow with new wine and oil.
Lent continues, the season is still full of possibility and promise. Are you finding ashes and desiring beauty? Now available as an online course, this virtual retreat will help you to lay out your garment of lament and put on your garment of praise. Gather your joys and release your grief with Christine Sine and Lilly Lewin! Click here for more info!
by Carol Dixon
To go on pilgrimage isn’t to withdraw from the world, rather it is a way of setting aside time to spend with God in order to reinvogorate our souls and get ‘God’s eye view’ on life.
In steps of saints from long ago who came to serve on this small isle, we tread the pilgrim path and draw apart from daily work awhile.
We share our journey on the way with others searching too for peace, and find God present in each one who honestly and humbly seeks.
We long for space to hear God’s voice, and find it in the milling crowd as well as hushed in holy church at prayer, in silence and aloud.
We gaze upon the sunlit sea, or stroll along in mist and rain, rejoicing that our God is seen and understood in joy and pain.
In steps of saints we travel on, forever changed, yet still the same; we serve and follow in Christ’s way in daily work, to praise his name.
(Words © Carol Dixon. Music © Greta Wrigley)
The holy island of Lindisfarne, photo by D. Dixon
One of my favourite books about Saint Cuthbert is David Adams’ Fire of the North in which David tells the story of Cuthbert’s life. It is a very moving and evocative account of the Northumbrian patron saint who was embraced by the whole of England after his death because of his example of holiness and humility. I have been looking through this lovely book again recently and the Chapter that caught my eye was entitled “Plague Days” which seemed very pertinent for our times. After his call to become a monk, Cuthbert joined the Abbey at Melrose as a novice, but his particular skills soon caught the Abbot’s attention and he was sent to set up a new Foundation in Ripon.
Anglo-Saxon crypt Ripon cathedral (Photo: used by permission) Melrose abbey (Photo: © Jo Woolf’ Used with permission) Cuthbert statue, Holy Island (Photo: C Dixon)
Because of his love of welcoming strangers, Cuthbert was appointed as guest-master and his commitment to prayer and praying for others for many hours at night gave him great joy. Unfortunately, dark clouds were gathering on the horizon. The Celtic mission was falling out of favour and when Wilfred arrived from Rome with a group of monks intending to follow the Roman tradition of worship, Cuthbert and his Celtic Christian brothers were expelled from Ripon and had to return to Melrose.
As they journeyed north Cuthbert felt weary- sad at heart, low in spirit, and exhausted in body. On top of everything, Cuthbert had caught the plague which was raging through the entire country as well as further afield in Europe. This yellow sickness had caused the death of many in the population and day by day Cuthbert was getting weaker. As he lay in bed in his cell the brothers prayed for him all night and when one of the younger novices came to see if Cuthbert needed a drink and told him that the whole of Melrose was praying for him Cuthbert said ‘why then do I lie here for I do not doubt that God has listened to the prayers of many good men; give me my shoes and staff.’ Although very weak he went to the Abbott, his dear friend who was dying of the plague and sat with him as they read the Gospel of John together.
St John the evangelist in the Lindisfarne Gospels. From the British Library.
Cuthbert was saddened to hear that he had been chosen to succeed Abbott Boisil, as it was his desire to become a hermit but bowing to the greater knowledge and grace of God he took up the reins of leadership and led the Abbey for many years before his call to become Bishop of Lindisfarne. Although he was happy at Melrose, he longed for the solitude of the small islet, Hobthrush just off the shore of the Northumbrian island close to his heart and he often repeated the words of a saint Columba from Iona:
‘Delight it would be for me, to be on a pinnacle of rock that I may often see the face of the ocean deep, that I might watch its heaving swell when foaming white horses chant music to the Father upon their course. That I might look at its sparkling shore and hear the thunder of the watery waves and its constant ebb and flow.’
Hobthrush, later known as Cuthbert’s Isle (Photo: C Dixon)
My friend Rose Reeve wrote a musical ‘Cuthbert, Bishop of Lindisfarne’ based on his life and ministry. One of the most beautiful songs from it is Whisper of Peace. (Words below – apologies for sound quality, as recorded live in church)
Whisper of Peace
Sea, rhymical and raging, Roars, harsh of voice, demanding, Ruthless, unrelenting, Rushing at rocks and carving channels, Wild movements never cease.
Sea, calm in early sunlight, Blue gentle waves and shimmering light. Smoothest sand and flowing tides, Foaming and white, stretch out to touch the shore; Soft voices whisper, ‘Peace’.
Birds, white and wheeling overhead, Seals weaving through the water, Silver fish dart through the deep, Rock-pools that teem with tiny creatures, Everything has its place.
Home, isle of contemplation, Man, lone, but one with sea and sky, Friend to otter, bird and seal, Watching the slowly circling seasons, While sea songs whisper, ‘Peace’.
© Words & Music Rose Reeve.
On St Cuthbert’s day this year (20th March) as we recover from this worldwide plague of our time and learn to live with Covid all around us, let us take heart and rejoice with St. Cuthbert whose Faith, compassion, and years of service resonate down the ages.
Featured Photo St Cuthbert’s Isle, off Holy Island (Photo: C Dixon)
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Prayer cards are available in the shop for many occasions and seasons–from everyday pauses and Lenten ruminations to breath meditations and Advent reflections, enjoy guided prayers and beautiful illustrations designed to delight and draw close. Many are available in single sets, sets of three, and to download–even bundled with other resources!
I have a prayer practice that I lead usually at the beginning of the Lenten season, but it feels like we all can use it right now to reconnect to Jesus and pay more attention to where we are…
You will need: A bowl of water, and some sponges of different kinds…
I believe our bodies know that the anniversary of the pandemic lockdown was this past week. I know for people in China and Italy, the pandemic and all it’s trauma started much earlier, but for us in America this past week was a two year anniversary…The World Health Organization declared it a pandemic on March 11, 2020 but Americans didn’t wake up until the NBA, National Basketball Association, called off all their games on the same day! The president declared a national emergency on March 13, 2020, and most states shut everything down starting on March 15th. I remember that the mayor of Nashville canceled St Patrick’s Day celebrations and many restaurant and bar owners rebelled. Students went on spring break and didn’t come back to school in person for months! We may be feeling extra tired or grumpy this week and not know why but our bodies know that it’s been a very long two years!
Also here in the States, we moved our clocks forward for daylight savings time last weekend and that one hour of CHANGE, always changes my sleep pattern and takes me a week to get over. It’s nice to have more daylight for walking the dog in the evening and it’s nice to know that the first day of spring begins this weekend on March 20th with the hope for warmer days ahead. But how is it already the third Sunday of Lent this coming Sunday? Time is just moving on by even if we are not ready for it.
So what can we do to process some of this?
As you all know I believe strongly in visual and tactile practices. I use “Props to Pray with,” everyday things that we will see again and remind us to pray. I also love to leave these visual reminders out where I will see them again and remember to connect back to Jesus.
Get out your bowl of water, a towel, some sponges of different kinds…
Consider where you are right now with your relationship to yourself and with Jesus
Find some sponges
Consider sponges…the kitchen sponge comes in various forms and you might have some in your cupboard or kitchen that are new, and some that are old and worn that you’ll use on messier cleaning projects.
NEW SPONGE: When you open a new sponge it’s clean, springy, fresh and ready to absorb!
A fresh sponge can absorb lots of water and is ready to go to work.
Old Sponge
OLD SPONGE: A sponge that sits around for a while gets dried out and brittle…in need of water.
DIRTY SPONGE: Some sponges are just dirty and worn out…used up, spent. Yet these too can still absorb water! Maybe this is how you are feeling these days.
Look at the sponge or sponges that you found.
What kind of sponge represents how you are feeling? Maybe you are more than one depending upon the day.
Are you feeling absorbent or dried out? Fresh or used up? Are you feeling brand new or ready for the bin/trash?
Talk to Jesus about this.
LIVING WATER
Now look at the bowl of water.
Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, 14 but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” John 4:13-14
Jesus says that he is the LIVING WATER! Jesus longs to refresh us in his love!
Jesus wants to help us absorb more of his peace, love and joy each day.
What do you need in your life right now? What do you want to absorb more of in the days ahead? More Peace, more Refreshment, More Hope, More Rest, More Compassion, More Love? What else? Talk to Jesus about this.
NOW Take an actual sponge and place it in a bowl of water…
Ask Jesus to help you absorb more of his love today and in the days ahead.
As you put your sponge in the water, whatever kind of sponge you choose, know that Jesus will help you become more absorbent!
Allow your sponge to sit in the Living Water and just absorb it!
Allow yourself to be a sponge as you shower or bathe. Be refreshed in the Living Water of Jesus.
HOLD A SPONGE AND PRAY:
Living Water! Holy God!
We are all spent.
We are all dried out and used up and in need of your help and healing.
Refresh us in your love.
Help us to be sponges of your love so
we can love ourselves and others well.
Living Water restore us again. AMEN
HOMEWORK: If you are using a sponge to clean up…ask Jesus to clean your heart and help you absorb more of his love today. Allow yourself to be a sponge as you shower or bathe. Be refreshed in the Living Water of Jesus.
©lillylewin and freerangeworship.com
Lent continues, the season is still full of possibility and promise. Are you finding ashes and desiring beauty? Now available as an online course, this virtual retreat will help you to lay out your garment of lament and put on your garment of praise. Gather your joys and release your grief with Christine Sine and Lilly Lewin! Click here for more info!
Happy St. Patrick’s Day! For weeks, my local grocery store has reminded me that the feast day of Patrick was coming. In addition to green flowers and green cookies, Irish cheese, Irish butter and Irish beer are readily available. Corned beef and cabbage are easily found and Irish whisky is highlighted. St. Patrick has morphed from a saint of Ireland to an American culinary icon!
St. Patrick has left the world a much larger legacy. Born in the late 4th century in what is now England, at age sixteen, Irish slave traders kidnapped the young man. They took him to Ireland where he was sold and forced to work as a shepherd slave. He writes in his Confession that this existence was harsh; as he was forced to live and work in poverty and in terrible weather. Yet, it was in the midst of the rain, wind, and wet earth that he began to pray and experienced the living Spirit of Christ dwelling within his own body.
After a few years, Patrick was able to escape his captors. Making his way home, he studied and received Holy Orders in the Church. Then at age 48, he received a call to return to Ireland. His call was confirmed and Patrick became the world’s first missionary bishop. He remained among the Irish for the rest of his life, dying at around the age of 70.
Patrick had a unique ministry among the Irish people. Rather than focusing on conversions and moving on to the next village; Patrick and his assistants settled down among the people and lived the Christian life. He and his fellow monks cared for the poor and children in the local villages. He helped interested women find refuge in monasteries. Patrick’s mission was built on attraction and inclusion. At least forty of the one hundred fifty Irish tribes became Christian. Yet, remarkably there were no wars, no blood was shed and no martyrs were made during his mission.
Perhaps this was because Patrick was able to adopt and adapt local customs into his teaching and preaching of Christianity. For example, it is believed that Patrick devised the first Celtic Cross, drawing a Christian cross on a druidic standing stone. Though not the work of Patrick, pictured below is an example of such a standing stone.
Standing Stone, Inish Mor, Ireland
At the same time, Patrick experienced obstacles in his ministry. On my last trip to Ireland, I was able to visit the island, Inchagoill (meaning island of the foreigner) on Lough Corrib. Local history (folklore?) claims that St. Patrick was banished to this island by pagan chieftains of the area. There Patrick built a small church whose ruins still stand today. Beside the church is a grave marked by the Stone of Lugna. Shaped like a ship’s rudder, it is the oldest Christian inscribed stone outside of the catacombs in Rome and it reads “the standing stone of Lugna son of Limanin.” She was the sister of St. Patrick and Patrick’s navigator believed to have discovered Lough Corrib.
The Stone of Lugna, Inchagoill, Ireland
Patrick’s banishment to that place and the death of his nephew there must have brought back memories and feelings of his earlier enslavement. Being in that place was certainly an experience of standing on holy ground. My fellow pilgrims and I stood in the ancient open-air chapel and sang a version of St. Patrick’s Breastplate. Christ’s Spirit permeated the place as we remembered St. Patrick.
St. Patrick’s Chapel, Inchagoill, Ireland
Sadly, Patrick also had conflict with the Roman Church back home. While he was successful in planting a fresh expression of Christianity, adapting it to the culture where he was, he was criticized for not doing church ‘the Roman way.’ He was especially chastised for speaking out against human trafficking and slavery. During his lifetime, Patrick endured physical hardship, slavery, hostility and criticism. Despite being rejected by the Church he lived to serve, he lived in a spirit of forgiveness and reconciliation.
Thomas Cahill, in his book, How the Irish Saved Civilization, summarized Patrick’s legacy in this way. “Patrick prayed, made peace with God, and then looked not only into his own heart but into the hearts of others. What he saw convinced him of the bright side of spirituality —that even slave traders can turn into liberators and even murderers can act as peacemakers.”
What are the gifts that St. Patrick has offered me and perhaps other spiritual seekers? Patrick planted the seeds of what we now call Celtic Christian Spirituality. From Patrick we received the tradition of praying in and with the elements and all creation. The tradition of encompassing prayer, or praying for protection as in the Lorica or Breastplate prayer is closely associated with Patrick. He also wrote of his experience of praying without ceasing and the understanding that the Spirit dwelled in every human heart. He modeled a ministry that was not stuck within the confines of institutional practice. Celtic Spirituality has a history of social justice and inclusion. It has also insisted that God is found in the rhythms and lives of ordinary people. Irish hospitality is legendary.
I suppose that might include eating and feasting! Today, many Christians observe St. Patrick’s Day as a feast day – even in Lent. Celebrate if you will and also take a moment to give thanks for his mission to the Irish people from which we have inherited a remarkable spirituality. Now more than ever, like Patrick we need to practice a religion or a spirituality that is based on a generosity that leads us to be in right relationship with the Earth and with people who may have different values, cultures and religions. We are One in the Spirit of God! May your St. Patrick’s Day be blessed.
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Celtic Prayer Cards include 10 prayers inspired by ancient Celtic saints like Patrick or contemporary Celtic writers like John O’Donohue. A short reflection on the back of each card will introduce you to the Celtic Christian tradition, along with prayers by Christine Sine and beautiful imagery crafted by Hilary Horn. Celtic Prayer Cards can be used year-round or incorporated into various holidays. Available in a single set of 10 cards, three sets, or to download.
words and photos by June Friesen
Recently as we have been hiking, I have taken time to observe the trees. I am so amazed at the intricacy, the uniqueness, the differences, and then the likenesses. And I ponder, “How did God have such an imagination when He was creating things?” The colors, the leaves, the barks, the blossoms, the seeds, the twigs, the branches, and so much more.
And then – listen – shhhhh… listen… there is the whirring of a hummingbird somewhere, there is the chirping of a sparrow, there is the cooing of a dove, there is the chattering of a blue jay, there is the song of the cardinal and so many more…oh yes, and then there is the squawking of the blackbirds too. And I am drawn back to remember the words of Genesis 1.
Genesis 1:20-31 – New Living Translation
20 Then God said, “Let the waters swarm with fish and other life. Let the skies be filled with birds of every kind.” 21 So God created great sea creatures and every living thing that scurries and swarms in the water, and every sort of bird—each producing offspring of the same kind. And God saw that it was good. 22 Then God blessed them, saying, “Be fruitful and multiply. Let the fish fill the seas, and let the birds multiply on the earth.”
23 And evening passed and morning came, marking the fifth day.
24 Then God said, “Let the earth produce every sort of animal, each producing offspring of the same kind—livestock, small animals that scurry along the ground, and wild animals.” And that is what happened. 25 God made all sorts of wild animals, livestock, and small animals, each able to produce offspring of the same kind. And God saw that it was good.
26 Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth,[c] and the small animals that scurry along the ground.”
27 So God created human beings in his own image.
In the image of God he created them;
male and female he created them.28 Then God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it. Reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the animals that scurry along the ground.”
29 Then God said, “Look! I have given you every seed-bearing plant throughout the earth and all the fruit trees for your food. 30 And I have given every green plant as food for all the wild animals, the birds in the sky, and the small animals that scurry along the ground—everything that has life.” And that is what happened.
31 Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was very good!
Yes, God looked – and it was good.
Have you looked recently? Have you seen the goodness of God? Have I seen the goodness of God? Have I taken time to say thank you to God? I shared a couple of views through the trees… the beauty of the water and different mountain terrain. I ponder a bit more this uniqueness, this beauty, and I wonder… I share the beauty of the cardinal, the beauty of a hummingbird… so different and yet the same in some ways.
I wonder if I allow others to see the beauty of God’s creation when they look at me? Yes, God desires that each one of us allow His creativeness to be shared in this world as each one of us is uniquely made for the time, for the space, for the people, where we find ourselves living. I wonder if each one of us embraced the wonder and beauty of all of God’s creation if our spirits could be more at rest and peace within us? Would we reach out in tenderness, kindness, and love rather than judgment, anger, and distrust? I wonder… yes… I wonder… do you?
THE SONG AND DANCE OF THE LEAVES
I cannot wait to spring forth and grace this twig.
I cannot wait to spring forth and reach for the sky.
I cannot wait to spring forth and look down on the beautiful roses.
I cannot wait to spring forth and with my friends make shade from the sun.
I cannot wait to spring forth in full life, all green and fancy –
Oh, I know – I will have ruffle edges,
While my friends with have flat edges,
And others will have points and so much more.
I cannot wait to spring forth
And drink from the sunshine giving the branches and trunk new life,
And yield shade to those who desire to lean back and dream,
And bless the night with renewed oxygen for the air.
I cannot wait to spring forth into the fullness of summer
And then I can give shelter to those little chirping babies,
I can let go of a leaf or two and let it flutter to the ground,
Where a worm or a bug can find shelter and rest too.
I cannot wait – can you?
For my life to move forward into another day anew –
What will I be able to gift into the new day –
That will be fresh and new – and bless the world with life.
I cannot wait for a new beginning –
As yesterday seemed such a disappointment
Even though my friends said it was great
Somehow it just didn’t have that freshness – actually it seemed rather stale.
Ahhhh…..today the sun is shining in fullness –
I stretch my arms wide, embracing its beams –
I inhale deeply of the morning air –
And let go the staleness that may linger from my rest.
I cannot wait to have that first drink –
I cannot wait to have that first bite –
I cannot wait to nourish my body to start another new day.
I cannot wait to share this new beginning with everyone I meet.
I will dance – to the fullest of my energy
I will tell – of the wonders of God’s work
I will sing exuberantly – of praise for the blessings I have
I will pray – with a fervent and reverent spirit
Believing God will continue this wonder He has begun –
And continue to grow it until
My life blesses the world, the people and God as well.
Amen and amen!
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by Sue Duby
“The Quiet Exit.” A name daughter Krista crafted for the freeway exit near our townhouse, just four years ago. “You’ll love it, Mom! No traffic and so easy!” And then … it changed.
A beautiful, clapboard, white barn just outside the back gate. Topped by a massive iron weather vane. Pastureland and grazing horses. All surrounded by a white picket fence, so reminiscent of the rolling hillsides and farms we left behind in Tennessee. Worthy of a grateful smile every time I passed by. And then … it changed.
Bulldozers arrived. The barn disappeared in a matter of days. The fence toppled down, the horses vanished and a bleak landscape remained. I grieved the loss of “my barn.” I grumbled when a 3-story apartment complex began to rise. I mentally rated all progress in architectural features, landscape and layout with abysmal scores. Until … my vision began to change.
My eyes fixed on the new mini-lake in the middle of the old pasture. Two fountains send tandem cascades of spray, producing a calming presence. Boulder-laced waterfall drains … no more flooded road to navigate! All encircled by new trees, promising leafy beauty in a few months. Even a new tucked-away side road … my “shortcut gift” to the grocery store.
No more “Quiet Exit.” Acres of green that first welcomed us to our corner of Northwest Arkansas now sport restaurants, a music amphitheater, office complexes, and gyms. I loved the “old” and then … it changed. Eventually, so did my level of irritation. Grumbling slowed. Wonder arose. Tacos, concerts, frozen custard, and of course, lattes … all less than a mile from our driveway. And my backyard garden, still a quiet oasis in the midst of it all.
I love change when it’s my idea and my creation. Adventure and “the new” under my terms. All stirring excitement and anticipation of what will unfold. However, when change comes my way by surprise, in the unexpected and without understanding, watch out! I resist. Digging my feet deeper. Reacting. Poised for battle. Looping my thoughts on “how it used to be.” Holding fast to my list of complaints.
Change involves making something different, replacing it with something else, or giving a new course or direction. Alteration, transformation, or substitution. Each time, an opportunity to choose a way forward. Either remaining locked in my frustration, or taking a quiet breath and asking Him to help me see through His eyes. And hopefully, then, to step forward with anticipation into the “new scene”.
When grandsons Jack and Sam arrived, the Dollar Tree became my best friend. Always cheap treasures to discover. So easy for Nana to exercise her gift-giving passion. Delight for me … delight for them. Until … they suddenly became teenagers. Shoes that dwarf mine, with price tags past the “Santa budget.” No more sleepovers in our bedroom, since their sprawling height now requires a real bed. Heart grabbing change, and yet … Conversations go deeper. “Presence” with them matters more than “doing” (especially hanging out at the baseball field). Little things count (“Thank you for the ride” “I love it when you take care of me when I am sick”). Sweet times on the other side of change.
After many years of fielding emails, training volunteers, chasing hurricanes, sailing the seas, and boasting titles, retirement felt so very strange. No longer, “I do ____”, “I work here”, “I am soooo busy!”, but a challenge to welcome the change in season and watch His steps unfold. Now, mostly past the unsettling stage, we see His goodness once again. Time to spontaneously help a friend. The luxury of coffee dates to encourage others in the middle of the day. So many “yes” moments, when kids and grandkids need us. Quiet moments waiting for His next assignment. The wonder of a new kind of richness on the other side of change.
When change lands at our doorstep, may His grace abound in giving us fresh eyes with a heart that says, “I believe you have this in hand, Lord. Show me your plans and purposes. Let my gratefulness overflow for the ‘old’, while trusting Your goodness and love in the ‘new’. “
There is a season (a time appointed) for everything and a time for every delight and event or purpose under heaven—
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