Reflecting on the encounter I had last week led me to a deeper understanding of the situation I find myself in today. I am grateful for the painful experience of bumping up against another person’s boundary. What I am learning about myself as I turn my gaze inward has less to do with that encounter,Continue reading “To Grow in Wisdom and Understanding. . .”
Tag Archives: artmaking
Response . . .
O Comforter, my strength! Let me make amends and start anew; Let me grow in wisdom and understanding. Psalm 59, Psalms for Praying: An Invitation to Wholeness, Nan C. Merrill This verse of Psalm 59 has been with me all week as I have contemplated these words. I have had ample opportunity to grow inContinue reading “Response . . .”
With Steadfast Love
As I read Psalm 59 each day I am mindful of God’s constant presence and support which has many manifestations and faces. In Nan C. Merrill’s translation of what is Verse 10 and 11, the psalmist says, “You stand with me” and “teach me to let go of my fears.” I think of the manyContinue reading “With Steadfast Love”
A Visual Reflection
Oh Mender of broken hearts, create a new heart within me. Psalm 59, Psalms for Praying: An Invitation to Wholeness, Nan C. Merrill
Self-knowing
I begin my contemplation of Psalm 59 not with the beautiful opening I shared last week, but the second stanza which calls for an honest look at self. Forgiveness is a process of inner healing, for both the one asking forgiveness and the one being asked. Ultimately, for me, forgiveness is a gift from God.Continue reading “Self-knowing”
Contemplation
My birthday passed last week, always a time for celebration and reflection. I have a tradition of reading the psalm of my age every year, so this year is Psalm 59. I acquired this tradition on my 30th birthday from a dear friend, Sister Elaine Roulet, CSJ. The Book of Psalms in the Torah orContinue reading “Contemplation”
The Power of Art
A few days ago, it came to my mind that this doesn’t feel like Thanksgiving holiday for me. And then I immediately asked myself, “What do I think Thanksgiving should feel like?” The things that come to mind for me are family, big dinners, good food, happy celebrations of gratitude for what has come toContinue reading “The Power of Art”
Move That Body
When one day seems to be like the one before, and the one before that, and there is no end in sight, . . . I turn to Rumi, a 13th Century poet, for advice . . . “Dance, when you’re broken open. Dance, if you’ve torn the bandage off. Dance in the middle ofContinue reading “Move That Body”
Be Still, and Know. . .
Lately, I have been thinking of Psalm 46, even before it showed up on Monday in my daily readings. It is a powerful psalm of God’s abiding presence and protection. We need not fear . . . It has been an encouraging meditation for me during these days of uncertainty and exhaustion. As I prayedContinue reading “Be Still, and Know. . .”
Water Fall
I created this painting as a reflection on multiple perspectives. I had recently reflected on an experience, and I remembered it in two very different ways. Both memories were true for me, but they brought up different feelings and thoughts. Being able to hold both memories or thoughts at the same time gave me aContinue reading “Water Fall”
