Days 257-258 Gift Yourself

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.

"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

Published by

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Categories: Reflections, Holidays, Spirituality

Tags: Erie Chapman Foundation, Henri Nouwen, Liz sorensen Wessel, The Journal of Sacred Work

8 responses to “Days 257-258 Gift Yourself”

erie chapman

September 14, 2019 at 5:39 pm

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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Julie

September 15, 2019 at 12:26 am

thank you!

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Maureen McDermott

September 15, 2019 at 5:14 am

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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Jolyon

September 15, 2019 at 5:12 pm

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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~liz Wessel

September 16, 2019 at 11:27 pm

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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~liz Wessel

September 16, 2019 at 11:29 pm

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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~liz Wessel

September 16, 2019 at 11:31 pm

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

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~liz Wessel

September 16, 2019 at 11:33 pm

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

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