A Rich, Full January

Integrating back in after my Sabbatical season.

The wonder is that such an eye, that lets not
even the smallest sparrow fall from notice,
beholds me also. That I might walk the currents
of our days with red and golden feathers
in my hair, my plain tongue laced with music.
That we, the birds and I, may be text and
illumination in your book of common prayer.

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This excerpt from Barbara Kingsolver’s poem “Love Poem, With Birds” WAS my sabbatical in a nutshell.

But I’d rather just jump right back in. Right here, right now. My soul is FULL. These January days as I integrate back into normal (or new normal, really) have had some absolute magic to them.

I celebrated 42 turns around the sun as an arctic blast moved in. I wanted nothing more than a new and cozy soup recipe, popcorn and a movie with my family, and of course, chocolate cake. We hibernated by the fire and celebrated as the temperatures dropped.

All that week, you’d find me wearing my favorite green knitted scarf, hands in it’s brilliant pockets, a mug of hot tea in hand, and dressed in layers including sweaters and cozy bathrobe. And my beanie was an absolute must.

We had soups every single night (my very favorite way to eat in Arctic weather). Although my family doesn’t quite share the same enthusiasm for them and requests were made to have something different. Oops.

Friday we got a big for us snow. ❄️ It was a breath-taking winter wonderland- Truly magical being tucked back here in the woods. We feasted our eyes on each snow layered branch and enjoyed the silence that a good snow brings.

My soul has rested, cradled in a basket “hoisted onto shoulders far mightier than I” (aren’t those BEAUTIFUL words?) as I venture into the new territory of yoga certification.

AND! Oh! Be still my heart! Yesterday was full of richness and beauty! I had the opportunity of observing the wonder and creating beauty for a dear friend’s ministry! I was asked to partner with her in creating video and photos for the Velvet Ashes retreat this Spring. We cooked up a beautiful feast, royally made a huge mess, practiced artistic abilities with my dining room table for a canvas, and then feasted with our families. What an honor to be part of it with her and those who will be blessed by the retreat’s content this Spring.

It’s good to be back in this space. Lovely to catch up with you, but I do have a question…Would you consider yourself a regular and consistent participant of rest? I don’t necessarily mean sleep or just taking a day off. I mean do you practice intentional, life giving soul rest? If not, are you interested? Do you even know where to begin?

I’ve got something in the works for those of you that may be interested. Can’t wait to tell you about it. In the meantime, I want to leave you with this poem to consider- a teaser, if you will…

Through the Gates by Malcolm Guite

Begin the song exactly where you are,
For where you are contains where you have been
And holds the vision of your final sphere.

And do not fear the memory of sin;
There is a light that heals, and, where it falls,
Transfigures and redeems the darkest stain

Into translucent color. Loose the veils
And draw the curtains back, unban the doors,
Of that dread threshold where your spirit fails,

The hopeless gate that holds in all the fears
That haunt your shadowed city, fling it wide
And open to the light that finds and fares

Through the dark pathways where you run and hide,
Through all the alleys of your riddles heart,
As pierced and open as his wounded side.

Open the map to him and make a start, 
And down the dizzy spirals, through the dark,
His light will go before you. Let him chart

And name and heal, expose the hidden ache
To him, the stinging fires and smoke the blind 
Your judgement, carry you away, the mirk

And muted gloom in which you cannot find 
The love that you once thought worth dying for.
Call him to all you cannot call to mind.

He comes to narrow He’ll and now to your
Well-guarded fortress let his love descend.
The icy ego at your frozen core

Can hear his call at last. Will you respond?

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Thanks for reading, friends.