Be thou my vision,O Lord of my heart,
Be all else but naught to me,
Save that thou art;
Be thou my best thought
In the day and the night,
Both waking and sleeping,
Thy presence my light.
Lyrics: unknown but attributed to Iris Christian poet, Saint Dallân, translated by Eleanor Hull
Music: Irish/Celtic
Place your mind before the mirror of eternity.
Place for soul in the brilliance of heaven.
Place your heart in the figure of the divine substance.
Transform your entire self into the image of the Godhead so that you too may feel and taste the hidden sweetness that God has reserved for his lovers.
On this feast day of St. Clare of Assisi, I offer this poem/prayer for all of us who may find it challenging to sit in quiet – to meditate or pray. Clare gives us an image of what meditation can be.
In its simplicity, one step at a time – may we go to God in mind, soul and heart – to see ourselves in the mind’s mirror filled with the warm light of heaven and the sweetness of God’s love.
(prayer found within a letter written to Agnes of Prague. St. Clare Prayer Book, author – Jon M. Sweeney)
A day to be grateful for our abundance.
May our blessings strengthen us to reach out and support those in need. It doesn’t have to be complicated, We all have that is needed to offer care and shelter to a world seeking peace, shelter and sustenance.
When I began writing a blog I did not realize how many people I might meet along the way. As connections were made it became clear that my words and thoughts would be shared with people in places far from where I call home. The diversity of writers and images have inspired my writing and encouraged me to stretch.
Each of us write with certain people and situations in mind. During these months of unpacking and resettling in a new town and home, I have grown to appreciate the writers who have become a new type of community for me. They are as diverse as the world we live in, sharing their perspectives and thoughts many forms.
Below I share a poem written by one such writer. Millie has appeared on my blog before and probably will again. Her words are honest and creative. She speaks from her heart and stirs the hearts of her readers.
Thank you, Millie.
Moments with Millie (a link to her blog)
I spoke to the sun searching
For the warmth of a mother to hold
The fears to release me.
I cried to the earth
Looking for a father to comfort
The empty vessel inside.
I stared into the ocean
Hoping for the answers to secrets
The heart cannot subside.
I touched the ground
Caressing its holiness to give
The spirit inside certainty.
I smiled at myself
Knowing I am to allow
The wisdom of divinity.
I realized that by letting it out
I was finally free to be.
MEMORIES AND STORIES
Sitting in the back of the Unit’s Dining Room,
laughing & laughing.
It all goes away, you understand, all the memories…
of family Sunday dinners & Midwest childhoods
& a young girl’s dance.
And more.
It ALL goes away, memories & stories
taking flight like birds that have stayed
too long in the Fall, and felt a North Wind.
Awayyyyyyyyyyyy it all goes,
even Dignity, of course —
until all that is left is
laughter & companionship.
What else really matters?
A Flock of Memories will wait for us
on the far side of The Green Hill,
like children excited at our Return. Words by Scott Fisher
For more reflections and inspiration visit:
Episcopal Cafe
Carrie's Bench 
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