So this is the way we grow old...
Time is a scruffy kid racing outside our reach
And each time we think of friends
We become distracted.
Just for a moment...
While I can,
I am thinking of you.
Labels: age
This blog is the work of a seeker and poet. Walking stick in hand, I head out into the world, not of the world, but in the world. My words and my friends carry me along and light the pilgrim path of spiritual journeys.
Labels: age
Labels: compline, Gethsemani Abbey
Labels: compline, Gethsemani Abbey
Labels: Gethsemani Abbey, vespers
Labels: arrival, Gethsemani Abbey
Labels: Gethsemani Abbey, retreat
Labels: men's work, retreat
Labels: men's work, retreat
Labels: men's work, prayer, retreat
Labels: men's work, retreat
Labels: men's work, retreat
CONSOLATION
We missed the bus to Tobermory,
so we drowned our tears
at the Keel Row Pub.
Grizzled, stinky whiskered fishermen
in yellow slickers pounded down pints.
We ate our greasy lunches,
and drank our opaque ales
as we huddled ‘round a wee table
in a midnight dark corner
at midday,
and laughed
until the ferry boat came.
This was my first ever effort at writing an icon, and if you’ll pardon my lack of humility, I’m pretty proud of it. I know it isn’t perfect, but neither am I.
Labels: icon, transfiguration
Labels: Gethsemani Abbey, poetry
I've mentioned my dear friend, John, before. We have a remarkable friendship which survives many miles of distance. More often than not, there is a daily exchange of emails between us. Sometimes I bleed all over the laptop with stories of my life. I tease John that his "drive-by" return emails overlook my trials and tribulations. But the next day we carry on just the same.
John writes a remarkable blog that you should add quickly as a bookmarked destination. Now, if you are the stubborn or lazy type, here is a quick and easy link to the posting that I specifically want you to read: Lost and Found and Lost . John's blogs often resonate with me. This one appeared at a perfect time.Labels: holy, John, pilgrimage, toast
The grounds of the Abbey of Our Lady of Gethsemani are a blessing. Just across the highway from the Abbey and Retreat House lie undulating hills and woods with numerous winding paths that call us to explore. On the first day of my retreat, I found myself taking steps toward this land. Although this was my third trip to Kentucky and the monastery, this was my first experience in early spring.
Fields, bushes and trees were in various states of bloom, showing off colors not seen at other times of the year. Mesmerized, I carried on along a path until I sensed a small body of water – a pond. I made my way through some higher grasses and came upon a beautiful body of water. Just as I moved the last blocking branch of a bush from my line of sight, I saw a blue heron take flight from the surface of the pond. Its long neck and graceful wings reminded me of a ballet dancer. I felt a sense of gratitude for having witnessed such beauty.
A simple smile crossed my face.
I turned around and headed back to the Abbey as there
I entered the shadowed Abbey and sat in silence prior to the service. One by one, each of the monks slowly entered and blessed themselves with water from the holy font. I closed my eyes and recalled the sight of the heron taking flight. Suddenly it occurred to me that this gift was not intended for me alone. Each day, scenes like this occur whether I am there to witness them or not.
A simple tear of joy fell from one eye.
Labels: Gethsemani Abbey, gift, simple
Labels: Gethsemani Abbey, Merton, trailer
Labels: monk