“To follow Jesus is to be an imperfect sign of God’s perfect love. They will know we are Christians by our messy love.“ — well said, Jake!
During our first year of marriage, Joy and I studied at the Ruhr University in Germany. We were part of a large, diverse foreign-student population. Men and women from Iran, Iraq, Argentina, Ethiopia, and Japan majored in engineering, computer programming, literature, and philosophy. By far the largest group came from China.
The office responsible for exchange students arranged regular, heavily subsidized bus trips to other parts of Germany and to other countries of the European Union. The university’s aim was to encourage international understanding of and relationships with Europe. Secondarily, these trips fostered community among the foreign students.
On one of our excursions, Joy and I sat across from a young Chinese woman whom we had come to know. She asked, “How can you Christians love everyone? I love my family. I will take care of my children as they grow up and my parents as they grow old. But…
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“There is a power we are each called to claim in the midst of our own dark journeys. Certainly we have all been victimized by life in one way or another, we have all had things happen we wish never had, traumas we carry that continue to wound us. We can continue to be victimized by our stories again and again, we can continue the vicious cycle of betrayal and abandonment upon ourselves by cementing ourselves in these patterns. Or at some point we can make a choice to claim the winter journey as a source of power as well as pain.”
— Christine Valters Paintner, PhD The Online Self-Study Retreat ~ A Midwinter God: Making a Conscious Underworld Journey
The sun has set and the Vesper Lights flicker and glow
Thankful for two days and some good news for my Dad
Thankful for safely making it to Minneapolis
Thankful in advance for sleep and much needed healing
If you would say a little prayer for your Padre, I’d be grateful
Dona Nobis Pacem
Grant Us Peace
A wee prayer from the heart of your exhausted Padre…
The sun has set and the Vesper Lights flicker and glow
It has been a long and emotionally draining day, Lord
Walking through so many Valleys of the Shadows
Watching those you love slip into darkness
Walking with parishioners and friends
Walking with family
Remembering those who have escaped this physical sphere
Yet also celebrating friendships
Celebrating relationships
Celebrating the light of Your Love
In your mercy, Lord, hear this humble prayer
Dona Nobis Pacem
Grant Us Peace
A wee prayer from the heart of your Padre…
The sun has set and the Vesper Lights flicker and glow
It has been a long day of traveling
It has also been an emotional day
As we walk through the Valley of the Shadows
As we wonder and pray and seek your guidance
Lord, in your mercy, hear this humble prayer
Dona Nobis Pacem
Grant Us Peace
A wee prayer from the heart of your Padre…
“Poetry has a way of expressing things of the heart so beautifully, of holding the paradox of life and inviting us into a contemplation of the mysteries. When discerning how your own soul is unfolding, keep an ear attuned to poetry or other words that seem to call you to a deepened sense of yourself and of the divine presence in the midst of your listening.”
— Christine Valters Paintner, PhD The Soul’s Slow Ripening: 12 Celtic Practices for Seeking the Sacred
The sun has set and the Vesper Lights flicker and glow
A long day of travel
Yet also a wonderful time of fellowship
Thankful for safe arrival
Thankful for those who sadly work without pay
Thankful for their great spirits
Thankful for a night’s lodging and peace
Now, as my eyelids grow heavy
I lift this humble prayer to you, Lord
Dona Nobis Pacem
Grant Us Peace
A wee prayer from the heart of your Padre…
