Another morning of learning . . .

 

Thirst
Mary Oliver

Another morning and I wake with thirst
for the goodness I do not have. I walk
out to the pond and all the way God has
given us such beautiful lessons. 

Oh Lord,
I was never a quick scholar but sulked
and hunched over my books past the hour
and the bell; grant me, in your mercy,
a little more time. Love for the earth
and love for you are having such a long
conversation in my heart. 

Who knows what
will finally happen or where I will be sent,
yet already I have given a great many things
away, expecting to be told to pack nothing,
except the prayers which, with this thirst,
I am slowly learning.

Look Within . . .

What lies behind us

 

And what lies before us

 

Are small matters

 

Compared to what lies

 

Within us.

(emerson)

To Hold and To Let Go . . .

 

Loving Spirit of Wisdom, 

guide my thoughts and my memories.

  

In the light of your love, 

may I see 

what is important for me to remember,

what is important for me to

hold to my heart, 

and what I need simply to

let go of in peace,

for I trust you to be my guide

even when the path

seems unclear to me.

Through Jesus Christ,

Amen.

Sister Rose Hoover 

Looking as a spiritual exercise . . .

 

Look to this day

for it is life

the very life of life.

In its brief course lie all

the realities and truths

of existence

the joy of growth

the splendor of action

the glory of power.

 

For yesterday is but a memory

and tomorrow is only a vision.

But today well lived

makes every yesterday

a memory of happiness

and every tomorrow

a vision of hope.

Look well, therefore, to this day . . .

 

~ an ancient Sanskrit poem ~