wilderness – Carrie's Bench

Lent 1 – Wilderness

Inspired by Matthew 4:1–11:
“And suddenly angels came and waited on him.”

WILDERNESS BLESSING

Let us say
this blessing began
whole and complete
upon the page.
And then let us say
one word loosed itself
and another followed it
in turn.

Let us say
this blessing started
to shed all
it did not need,
that line by line
it returned
to the ground
from which it came.

Let us say
this blessing is not
leaving you,
is not abandoning you
to the wild
that lies ahead,
but that it is loathe
to load you down
on this road where
you will need
to travel light.

Let us say
perhaps this blessing
became the path
beneath your feet,
the desert
that stretched before you,
the clear sight
that finally came.

Let us say
that when this blessing
at last came to its end,
all it left behind
was bread,
wine,
a fleeting flash
of wing.

—Jan Richardson
from Circle of Grace: A Book of Blessings for the Seasons

Image: “Where Angels Love to Tread“

The wilderness constantly reminds me that wholeness is not about perfection….I have been astonished to see how nature uses devastation to stimulate new growth, slowly but persistently healing her own wounds. Wholeness does not mean perfection: it means embracing brokenness as an integral part of life. Knowing this gives me hope that human wholeness – mine, yours, ours – need not be a utopian dream if we can use devastation as a seedbed for new life.

Quote: Parker Palmer, A Hidden Wholeness (from Mindfulbalance)

Image: Garden of Gethsemane, Israel – Ancient Olive trees, Photography by Ruth Guertin

to be aware

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What nine months does for the embryo
Forty early mornings
Will do for your growing awareness
~ Jelaluddin Rumi

Contemplative Monk

Choose to dance…

There is no life without storms. Woven in the fabric of our stories the storm often helps us realize our priorities. Exposed to these elements of nature, we are given time. Time for the waters and wind to wash, to clear our clutter and distraction. Without this wash, our spirits are burdened leaving us with heavy, slow steps as we try to move forward.

The rain is important, puddles are essential. They wash and lighten our load with playful, dancing steps. This is a good reflection as we live into the days of Lent. The act of cleansing is liken to the purge experienced while wandering in the wilderness.

Either way these opportunities bring clarity and can encourage stronger connections to one’s faith and direction. May Lent, these 40 days offer moments enriched by the wash of water and pure cleansing by time in the wilderness.