Mountain photo Chris Maio

For many Christians the observance of Lent is a way of preparing the heart in celebration of the central mystery of Christianity; the death and resurrection of Jesus.  Whether or not you are Christian, or religious for that matter, we are all given an invitation to go a little deeper.

 Can we find a few moments to come into stillness, away from the frenetic activities of our day and offer our full listening presence? In this sacred space of reverence, we can acknowledge life's paradox. There are a thousand little deaths that we experience daily in the unfolding of our lives. 

As Whyte suggests, "Can you find the one line that is already written inside of you?"  Is there a word or thought that surfaces for you today? Be intentional. Let it accompany you throughout your day. 

"Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful. John 14:27

All through this day, peace… 

THE JOURNEY

Above the mountains 
the geese turn into
the light again,

painting their
black silhouettes
on an open sky.

Sometimes everything 
has to be
enscribed across 
the heavens

so you can find 
the one line
already written 
inside you.

Sometimes it takes 
a great sky
to find that

first, bright
and indescribable
wedge of freedom
in your own heart.

Sometimes with
the bones of the black
sticks left when the fire 
has gone out

someone has written 
something new
in the ashes
of your life.

You are not leaving.
Even as the light 
fades quickly now,
you are arriving.

From The Journey: in ‘River Flow: 
New and Selected Poems’
©David Whyte and Many Rivers Press

Contributed by Liz  Sorensen Wessel

Photo by my niece, Christina Maio

10 responses to “Days 58-59 All Through this Day”

  1. erie Avatar
    erie

    I’ve read that passage from John many times and every time I have missed the middle phrase, offering peace “…not as the world gives do I give to you.” Somehow this provides new comfort. Of course, Jesus is offering a different kind of peace but John, as you quote him, so clearly emphasizes this that it contrasts, for me, what we CANNOT expect from the world itself. An exception is Whyte who consistently offers peace with the gifts of a courier from another world.
    “…someone has written
    something new
    in the ashes
    of your life.”
    And so you have today, Liz. Thank you

    Like

  2. Amy Martin Avatar
    Amy Martin

    Liz, this is beautiful. Thank you for sharing. I love the concept of finding the one line already written inside of us. Sometimes we get so busy and overwhelmed with everything life brings, we forget to look inside for answers.

    Like

  3. Maureen McDermott Avatar
    Maureen McDermott

    Stillness to go to that deeper place within and there Peace surfaces. Thank you Liz for reminding us of this wonder-filled invitation. May Peace abound for each of us.

    Like

  4. Suan Beng Geh Avatar
    Suan Beng Geh

    Liz: There are many responsibilities in our lives that occupy our mind. When we calm ourselves and focus on our Living Lord that resides within us we find inner peace. The word that just came to me as I write is “Be still and know that I am God”. Thank you Liz for reminding us that there is the “one line written inside us’

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  5. Jolyon Avatar
    Jolyon

    reminds me of a meaning of a mantra…
    Chanting a mantra, singing it aloud, carving it relentlessly in stone, trying to refine the harmony of one’s breath and life with that of the Divine.
    …”so you can find the one line already written inside you”
    A divine love reborn. A harmony with Peace.
    (Nice picture Christina)

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  6. ~liz Wessel Avatar

    ..and thank you for accepting the invitation to go deeper, Erie, so eloquently divine is your response.

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  7. ~liz Wessel Avatar

    Hi Amy, yes, I was having one of those kinda weeks and so this was my soul’s beckoning…

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  8. ~liz Wessel Avatar

    Thank you, Maureen, a peace that surpasses all understanding, a blessing and a prayer expanding out to all…

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  9. ~liz Wessel Avatar

    Be still and know that I am God
    Be still and know that I am
    Be still and know
    Be still
    Be…

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  10. ~liz Wessel Avatar

    Yes, that was exactly what I had in mind Jolyon, a word as mantra… chanting is an enlivening experience, especially when done with others; voices of peace, harmonizing, converging, rising as One.

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