I write for a local ministry’s newsletter once a month. For awhile now, I’ve looked back through old writing and offered that for their publication, but this month I wanted to share something new. Problem was, I didn’t have any “fresh” contemplative experience to speak of (it’s a contemplative newsletter) and I realized you can’t force contemplative experience, you can only make yourself available. Sometimes, even that feels like it’s asking too much.
In the end, I ended up sending this poem I wrote the other day. It seems that one key to contemplative awareness is the willingness to show up where we are, as we are.
With love,
Kelly
Some mornings, it’s easier
to fill the bird feeder
than to fill my soul.
I’d rather trim
the rose bushes
than prune
my heart of its
unnecessary
attachments.
So, I do.
And when
I’m done,
the window
in front of my desk
is brighter,
more open,
and my heart
holds hope
yesterday’s
cardinal will return
and I will
watch him
as he watches
me.
-K. Chripczuk
Question to carry: What task, right in front of you, can you make yourself available to today? Is it possible you might find meaning and presence there?
