“The longer we live/The more of your presence/ We, find laid down, Weave upon weave/Within our lives.” -John O’ Donohue

As Father’s Day approaches images surface; weaving's of our fathers lives intertwined with ours; yours and mine, of fathers beloved, of those who went missing and of the generous souls who stepped in to offer wisdom and guidance along the way.

There are happy memories, and sad goodbyes, poignant life lessons, and perhaps a few misgivings that beg forgiveness.

Life begins as a small seed that travels the distance so that we may have life, such is love’s longing. All movement is toward Light. Just as a sapling grows and sprouts through earth reaching for the sun, a baby pushes forth from a mother’s womb towards the light of day. This is the miraculous intelligent design of love.

All movement comes full circle, our stories are passed on from a father to child, and on to their children and their children’s, children. If not in words, then through every cell in our body, in our heart’s beating and our blood pulsing, circulating to nourish us.

I know an exuberant father to be for the first time and I am aware of orphaned children longing to be held. Some of us have experienced the great care of a loving father and still others are neglected and abused.

Whatever our circumstance in life, the privileges life affords and hardships that befall us, the caring we give and receive amidst a world that is in desperate need of healing, it helps to remember that Love is in the midst of it all that is.

In times of enormous tragedy, love springs forth in solidarity. Love manifests through us when we are receptive conduits of Love’s energy. Love asks us to show up, grow up, and become as a Father who lives for the common good of all.

 OUR FATHER offers unconditional love and in celebration of all Fathers, I offer this reflection credited to Rabbi Abraham Joshua Hershel.

“Faith is not the clinging to a shrine but an endless pilgrimage of the heart. Our goal should be to live in radical amazement, get up in the morning and look at the world in a way that takes nothing for granted.

Everything is phenomenal; everything is incredible; never treat life casually. To be spiritual is to be surprised.

Prayer begins on the edge of emptiness. Wonder rather than doubt is the root of all knowledge. Just to be is a blessing. Just to live is holy. We can never sneer at the stars, mock the dawn or scoff at the totality of being.

Self-respect is the root of discipline: The sense of dignity grows with the ability to say no {or yes} to oneself. The primary purpose of prayer is not to make requests. The primary purpose of prayer is to praise, to sing, to chant. Because the essence of a prayer is a song.

When I was young, I admired clever people. Now that I am old I admire kind people. Know that every deed counts, that every word has power…Above all, remember that you must build your life as if it were a work of Art.” -Rabbi Abraham Joshua Hershel

Because it is and you are, Blessed Father’s Day!

Deep appreciation to Erie Chapman who fathered the Journal of Sacred Work! This is the 16 year anniversary since the inception on June 7, 2006! Erie, you have shared your artistic creativity, wisdom, heart and soul so generously on these pages as a well spring for caregivers. Your constirbutions to changing the landscape of healthcare are monumental and can not be underscored. Throughout your dedicated service and visionary leadership you pioneered Radical Loving Care. You have mentored and guided countless leaders to trnasform the culture of healthcare. We are indeed grateful!

With love and gratitude for our Fathers!

Liz Sorensen Wessel
Photo/Birdsong image by ~liz