As we greet this day, I wish for you moments of quietude, to simply breathe, a little space to release the stresses, the worries and the to dos. Pause for a moment with me. Breathe in deeply. Let that breath expand and release a lingering anxiety…just for this moment. One moment… that leads to another. Gift yourself with these momentary pauses throughout your day. This one simply extraordinary day.

Morning Light

"Each day holds a surprise. But only if we expect it can we see, hear, or feel it when it comes to us. Let's not be afraid to receive each day's surprise, whether it comes to us as sorrow or as joy It will open a new place in our hearts, a place where we can welcome new friends and celebrate more fully our shared humanity." Henri Nouwen

Thank you for accompanying us in a momentary respite, here with friends on the Journal of Sacred Work.

I dedicated this reflection to you.

Liz Sorensen Wessel
Watercolor by ~liz

8 responses to “Days 257-258 Gift Yourself”

  1. erie chapman Avatar
    erie chapman

    What a dazzling watercolor, Liz. Reminds a little bit of the figures in the boat in the Turner painting that appeared in the very first Journal post in 2006. You are so gifted in so many ways (including your permanent role as a certified Saint!)
    Thank you for your invitation to each of us to cut ourselves a break. And thank you for Nouwen: “Each day holds a surprise. But only if we expect it can we see, hear, or feel it when it comes to us.” And, importantly, he includes accepting the surprises of grief.

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  2. Maureen McDermott Avatar
    Maureen McDermott

    Your creative painting Liz, by its colours and spaciousness invites me to sit on the canoe in trust; to be, to savour, to enjoy and be immersed in that precious moment. May you also have moments of quietude. Thank you Liz.

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  3. Jolyon Avatar
    Jolyon

    What I like about the Journal is finding new thoughts. Experiences that Liz and Erie have been shaped by. Words and pictures that shape us through their sharing. I would not have known of Henri Nouwen had I not stopped by and been greeted by this post…to breathe and let go…to stare at the morning light of the quiet paddling near the shoreline. Thank you for letting us have a bit of morning with you.

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  4. ~liz Wessel Avatar

    In gratitude to you, Erie. It has been an an incredible journey of sharing, dear Anam Cara Friend. Thank YOU for all the gifts you have so generously bestowed and for all the encouragement and nurturing you have shown me along the way.

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  5. ~liz Wessel Avatar

    Hey Julie, thank YOU for entering into the circle of our friendship. I hope you are lingering in a sacred pause…

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  6. ~liz Wessel Avatar

    Greetings Maureen and sincere thanks for your lovely presence and the blessings you so freely offer.

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  7. ~liz Wessel Avatar

    and thank you for entering in to share in this experience Jolyon, exceedingly grateful!

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