(photo of sparrow taken while sitting on a park bench in Riga, Latvia this summer)
-Christine Valters Paintner @ Abbey of the Arts
I am delighted to share another beautiful submission to the Monk in the World guest post series from the community. Read on for Judith Jessop’s reflection on solitude and community. A sabbatical is a precious gift. In my tradition it arrives like clockwork every 7
Imbolc and Brigid Blessing*Spirit of the rumbling ground,help us attune our ears to the renewal taking formbeneath the winter earth,snowdrops and crocusesin white and purple-petaled wonder,hedgehogs and bearsbeginning to stir from sleep.Let Brigid be our guideas we navigate the way from rest to slow emergence,support
I was inspired to share this reflection on Mary as Mother of Mercy by the brave words of Bishop Mariann Budde speaking truth to power: Holy Mary, mother of us all,we see a world filled with violence toward one another,we ask for mercy.We see children
6 Responses
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…
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!
amy, that is my favorite line too. :-)
thank you Tess and Suz, Mary Oliver is always a great way to start anything!
Mary and Christine…I love you both!
What a wonderful way to start the week.
The photograph is stunning – as is the poem.
“they could not tame me, so they would not keep me”
love that.