Just to be here...

    Sunset at Eastern Point, Gloucester 4/24

     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I'm away on retreat so I'm not posting as often as usual.  I'm praying for you and ask you to pray for me while I'm here in Gloucester.  Perhaps this evening you you might find a quiet place... a quiet time... take a few deep breaths... and join me in prayer...

Years ago, I wrote a song, based on a friend's cross-country bike trip, 

   and the first line was:

Just to be here, not to worry about where else I should be... 

 

That's how I'm feeling on retreat here:

the experience of being in the right place,

at the right time, in the right company

    - your company, Lord!

 

Of course, it's a huge help

to be away from my usual surroundings,

in a place of peaceful quiet,

on the edge of the Atlantic,

all for the purpose of spending time with you...

But I know, Lord, there's no place on earth

and never a wrong time 

to slow down, close my eyes, take a few deep breaths

and open my heart to you:

    you're always standing by, always waiting,

    always ready to keep me company,

    to listen patiently to my tale of woe,

    to offer a shoulder for me lean on,

    and a gentle hand to wipe the tears from my face...

Just to be here, not to worry

about where else I should be...

You're always at my side, Lord,

I don't even need to turn to find you:

    I need only open my eyes, my mind, my heart

    and welcome your presence, your peace,

    your patient waiting for me to say hello...

And if hello is all my prayer can muster,

well, I know you're fine with that, Lord,

because more than anything else 

    it's our meeting that you desire, 

    our coming together, 

    our face-to-face for some quality time

and even if we spend that time in silence, you and I,

there's the gracious opportunity

for me to bask and grow in the love

you're always offering...

Just to be here, not to worry

about where else I should be...

I don't need a whole week, 

or a different place or an ocean's tides 

to set the scene for our encounter, Lord:

    you're always there, everywhere,

    waiting to welcome me to stop 

    and take a break for prayer, in peace,

    with you...

Just to be here, not to worry

about where else I should be...

Amen. 

You Do Not Walk Alone by Elaine Hagenberg

If a video doesn't appear below, click here!

  

May you see God's light on the path ahead 

when the road you walk is dark. 

May you always hear even in your hour of sorrow

the gentle singing of the lark. 

When times are hard

may hardness never turn your heart to stone.

May you always remember when the shadows fall:

You do not walk alone.

 

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