a place of peace

I've been searching for a place, an inspiration, hope, a renewal.  

It happens, now and again, that I begin to doubt my way and find myself retreating from life.  It happens, sometimes, that I get frustrated with myself and my response to the seemingly endless sense of being overwhelmed.  It happens, often, that I spend my internal thoughts dreaming of the places where the grass is greener, where I might find contentedness and peace of mind.

In those dark and inward times, I find myself searching for a place which might slow or shift my thinking.

Thankfully, today, I remembered our pond walks from the summer.  We took a few of those walks with the cousins around our backyard pond.  This place...this quiet little place.. is one which causes me to pause.  It beckons appreciation for all that is life. It encourages curiosity.  It quietly whispers 'Breathe.'

So for a moment today I'll pause to remember that feeling, that safe space away from the busyness that is life.  I'll feel protected.  I'll sink into the security I find there.  And I will breathe a breath that connects me to those little ones I shared this time with in our very special summer together.

Namaste...

birdsong

Spring has sprung a little early this year.  That fact, despite my new found connection with the rhythms of nature, makes me very, very happy.  You see, the sun doesn't often shine in our corner of the world.  So, when it does, we all breathe a little easier and walk a little lighter.

Sunday morning, I found myself in a spot that has often served as a place of connection and renewal.  My parents have a quaint house on the better part of an acre surrounded by undeveloped woodlands (not owned by them).  This is not the house in which I grew up, but have come to love.

This place has always allowed for me to leave behind the hectic pace of life and connect with the slower, more patient pace of nature.  When I was first married, it was often a weekend retreat spot.  Now that we live closer I've found myself immersed in their sanctuary more often by accident than by design.

This is a place where the hardness in my soul cannot take hold.  Where it drowns and the inner sanctum of peace fills me.  

This is a place where my children and I spend our moments "in the moment", leaving the angst of planning and weekly preparations behind.  

This is a very special place.

So, I found myself there this glorious Sunday morning, quite by accident really.  The cool air whipped against my skin.  And I heard the most beautiful symphony coming from every direction.  Each tree seemed to have in it a small section of the chorus.  And soon, I saw them.  Some small, some large, some colorful, some plain.  Each singing freely to the brilliantly blue sky.  And I stopped to listen.  For. a. long. while.

                                                   

And my soul, if only for a minute, felt safe and strong.  Welcome Spring!  Welcome!

prayer

This is my prayer . . .

O Universe, good and gracious God,

Your call is growing louder and stronger.  My desire to solve this mystery and find the answer is creating too much noise for me to hear.  The 'what if's?' and 'how will change effect my family, my children?' only cloud my vision.

So, I give this to you to reveal in your time, in your way.  I ask for peace of mind, to genuinely and truly let this go.  I ask for patience to stop seizing control.  I ask for eyes and heart fully aware of each moment because I trust that your purpose for me will be revealed only in the moment just before me.  I trust in You that my family, my children will be cared for in whatever journey you have in store.

Fill me with your presence each day.  Open my heart and my mind. 

Amen

autumn love

Exhaustion.  Sheer exhaustion.

The kind that wraps you in joy and love as your entire being hits the bed.

This is where I am after a weekend of warm autumn sun, autumn tradition, and loads of time with children.  Sunny blue skies, hayrides and horses, apple cider and bees.  Writing and creating.  Wonderful music.  Last of the tomatoes from the garden made into salsa.  Pulling plants and putting away the stakes.  Long sleeve shirts and lots of outdoor play.  Rosy cheeks and the realization that long sleeve shirts may be too warm for this 80 degree day.  Colors and scenes from storybooks.

This is perfection.  This is peace!

Here's a glimpse...