Visit the Abbey of the Arts online retreat platform to access your programs:

Login Here
Back to all

Sparrow

(photo of sparrow taken while sitting on a park bench in Riga, Latvia this summer)

-Christine Valters Paintner @ Abbey of the Arts

You might also enjoy

Monk in the World Guest Post: Kathleen Deyer Bolduc

I am delighted to share another beautiful submission to the Monk in the World guest post series from the community. Read on for Kathleen Deyer Bolduc’s reflection Light in the Darkness. One of my favorite scriptures—one that I repeat to myself often—is from the book

Read More »
December 10, 2025

Monk in the World Guest Post: Mary Bellon

I am delighted to share another beautiful submission to the Monk in the World guest post series from the community. Read on for Mary Bellon’s poem and reflection Return to the Ocean. This poem reflects a journey back to origins, which for me includes the

Read More »
December 3, 2025

6 Responses

  1. amy and christine–it’s my favorite line, too! the photo is so wonderful. i am envious of you sharing space with that precious little creature. :-) the poem and photo are also a very nice way to end a busy day! ahhhh…

  2. The little sparrow – we’ve fallen in love with them this year as two birdhouses were filled with at least 3 nests of new birdies in our backyard. Then the youngsters didn’t leave, they hung around and flocked across the yard from fence to fence, to birdbath, feeders and back. So much fun to see them. We’ve noticed the last couple of days that they’re inhabiting the houses again and wondering if they are going to settle in for the winter?

    Thanks for the beautiful poem from Mary Oliver and your sharp little sparrow!