Journal of Sacred Work

Days 1-3 May I live this Day

 

I arise today
By John O'Donohue

Trees reaching to sky Lisa
In the name of Silence
Womb of the Word,
In the name of Stillness
Home of Belonging,
In the name of the Solitude
Of the Soul and the Earth.
 
I arise today
 
Blessed by all things,
Wings of breath,
Delight of eyes,
Wonder of whisper,
Intimacy of touch,
Eternity of soul,
Urgency of thought,
Miracle of health,
Embrace of God.
 
May I live this day
 
Compassionate of heart
Gentle in word,
Gracious in awareness,
Courageous in thought,
Generous in Love.
 
 
 
 
On New Year's Day a friend wrote to me, "This morning I found this poem from John O’Donohue and for some reason I just wanted to share it with you." I receive her gift of Grace and in turn wish to share it with you. Blessings be upon thee in this New Year!
 
Contributed by Liz Sorensen Wessel
Photo by my niece Lisa Gayle , Chester Springs PA

 

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6 responses to “Days 1-3 May I live this Day”

  1. Jolyon Avatar
    Jolyon

    The picture taken by your niece really sets the tone for John O’Donohue’s poem. The trees are sprinkled with snow yet look like they are reaching for the clouds. Stare at the trees for a bit longer and the clouds become one with the branches. Puffy white leaves adorning and billowing about their outstretched limbs. Baptized by the snowflakes, but eager for another blessing from God.
    May I live this day…

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  2. erie Avatar
    erie

    Thank you, Liz. Jolyon enhances our experience more by inviting us to SEE and EXPERIENCE more in your niece’s photograph – and in O’Donohue’s poem as well. Too many moments and too many days are thrown away – especially by people who explain why they do some things by saying “I’m just trying to fill my time.” Is that living? Yes, “May I live this day.”

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  3. Maureen McDermott Avatar
    Maureen McDermott

    How both Lisa and John capture the sense of the ‘beyondness’ that greets us as we welcome in another year. May we rise each day with the hope and the conviction that every day is a gift, a blessing to be savoured and shared. Peace be yours today and every day. Thank you Liz.

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  4. ~liz Wessel Avatar
    ~liz Wessel

    Thank you Jolyon, I appreciate your way of seeing. It is a glorious photo. Lisa is gifted. I searched and searched for the photo and this one seemed to be the perfect accompaniment for O’Donohue’s poem and the hopefulness of a new year and in living this day…

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  5. ~liz Wessel Avatar
    ~liz Wessel

    Yes, I agree Jolyon has provided a lovely melody for the exquisite image and poem. Yes, too much of life is taken for granted as we sleepwalk. May I live this day in gratitude for a friend such as you.

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  6. ~liz Wessel Avatar
    ~liz Wessel

    Your presence is such a grace-filled gift, Maureen. Thank you for your wisdom and blessings of peace.

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