Two weeks ago I was in Virginia at a retreat for contemplative leaders. I learned much, but, most importantly, I realized again how vital it is for my spiritual health to take quiet time (yes, even time of silence) to be attentive to God's presence around me. I had been neglecting (here's my confession) that steady practice of silent prayer in order to "get things done." No … [Read more...] about A Tapping on My Car Trunk
Archives for October 2009
Does the tree get a chance?
Jesus told a story:A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came looking for fruit on it and found none. So he said to the gardener, 'See here! For three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree, and still I find none. Cut it down! Why should it be wasting the soil?' He replied, 'Sir, let it alone for one more year, until I dig around it and put … [Read more...] about Does the tree get a chance?
River Vision
See, sometime in the night,in the great silence,see the river with heronce smooth breastnow pierced jaggedwith jutting rocks thatcleave her one intent.Or so it seems.See, undeterred shetumbles, spilling somersaultsinto laughing swirls andsweeping splashes. Sheflings bits of herself highand confetties the skywith brief sparks, herversion of tossed light.Thus, she teases those … [Read more...] about River Vision
Night prayer
I'm becoming a fan of night prayer, also called compline. It is the last prayer that a community prays together before turning in for the night. In our hymnal (Evangelical Lutheran Worship) it is set to unaccompanied chant. We have begun singing it at the end of choir rehearsals, and soon, when we know it well enough, we are inviting anyone in our congregation and beyond to … [Read more...] about Night prayer
Enlarging the couch
Admittedly, I haven't blogged for over a week. There is something about trying to get the porch railing painted before winter, getting ready for two weeks away from the office, keeping up with the start-up of fall activities AND adopting a new canine member of the family that has me a bit overwhelmed. Yes, there are now four of us on the couch.That means our community in this … [Read more...] about Enlarging the couch