For Abbey - February 19, 2016, on her second birthday.
"Two"
I held out my hand and yours clutched around my finger.
We stepped out onto the empty street
Each step a careful new beginning;
Unchartered territory.
Looking down we watched our shadows lead us,
not knowing or caring where they took us or how long it would take.
The sun was bright and the wind quick,
A breezy reminder that winter still lingered somewhere in the clouds.
We stretched out our arms wide
You were so little you almost sailed away;
And clenched my finger tight.
I would have sailed with you.
Up in the sky a bird was gliding from barren tree to barren tree.
Her wings too big and the trees too bare, she could not hide from us.
And you squealed with joy.
We crossed the yard and waved to cows munching dry grass.
You attempted their language; they replied with blank stares.
Still, you smiled.
A big and simple day.
Winter's reprieve, if only for a moment,
Let a girl explore her world through brand new eyes,
And let her mommy do the same.
Showing posts with label world. Show all posts
Showing posts with label world. Show all posts
Saturday, February 20, 2016
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
Writing to God: Wednesday of Holy Week
John 11: 1-44
"John 11:35"
A quick note about today: My prayer prompt comes from the story in John of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. A range of emotion fills this story.
Though today is Wednesday of Holy Week, and according to the Gospel of Mark, on this day Jesus is at Bethany with his friends; at the home of Simon the leper. Interesting this unintentional common point between the two readings for today - different homes, different stories - same place (Bethany) and common thread of the anointing of oil in preparation for Jesus' burial. John 11: 1-44 mentions it and says that it is Mary, sister of Lazarus who anointed Jesus. Mark's account credits this act of extravagant love to a woman whose name we do not know. And he tells his disciples that, because of this, she will be remembered forever.
___________
God, how many times did Jesus weep for Jerusalem? For his beloved city and beloved people? For the ways that power and wealth was abusing and ruling the poor and the common? For the way so many were desperately trying to remain faithful while others were giving up and giving in. How strikingly similar his world is to ours. How many times does he weep?
God, what did the laughter of our Savior sound like? Was it high-pitched and sharp or a deep chuckle that rolled up and out from his belly? Did he laugh and make snide remarks about the absurdity of all he saw? Of all that was taking place?
When his closest friends denied, or betrayed, or died, how many times did Jesus laugh at the memories and weep in sorrow for his loss?
He showed us how to love. And we forget or refuse to laugh out loud at the joy of life; the gifts that cost nothing but our time, our energy, our care.
He showed us how to love. And we seldom weep for the state of the world we love. For our Jerusalem - whatever it might be.
Because, (we've been told, or we tell ourselves) to cry is to show weakness. To cry is to be vulnerable and we should never be vulnerable. To cry is to lose control of the situation.
And Jesus wept for his dear friend.
Lord, forgive us. Father, have mercy. Lord forgive us all.
Amen.
"John 11:35"
A quick note about today: My prayer prompt comes from the story in John of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. A range of emotion fills this story.
Though today is Wednesday of Holy Week, and according to the Gospel of Mark, on this day Jesus is at Bethany with his friends; at the home of Simon the leper. Interesting this unintentional common point between the two readings for today - different homes, different stories - same place (Bethany) and common thread of the anointing of oil in preparation for Jesus' burial. John 11: 1-44 mentions it and says that it is Mary, sister of Lazarus who anointed Jesus. Mark's account credits this act of extravagant love to a woman whose name we do not know. And he tells his disciples that, because of this, she will be remembered forever.
___________
God, how many times did Jesus weep for Jerusalem? For his beloved city and beloved people? For the ways that power and wealth was abusing and ruling the poor and the common? For the way so many were desperately trying to remain faithful while others were giving up and giving in. How strikingly similar his world is to ours. How many times does he weep?
God, what did the laughter of our Savior sound like? Was it high-pitched and sharp or a deep chuckle that rolled up and out from his belly? Did he laugh and make snide remarks about the absurdity of all he saw? Of all that was taking place?
When his closest friends denied, or betrayed, or died, how many times did Jesus laugh at the memories and weep in sorrow for his loss?
He showed us how to love. And we forget or refuse to laugh out loud at the joy of life; the gifts that cost nothing but our time, our energy, our care.
He showed us how to love. And we seldom weep for the state of the world we love. For our Jerusalem - whatever it might be.
Because, (we've been told, or we tell ourselves) to cry is to show weakness. To cry is to be vulnerable and we should never be vulnerable. To cry is to lose control of the situation.
And Jesus wept for his dear friend.
Lord, forgive us. Father, have mercy. Lord forgive us all.
Amen.
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