If, as Herod, we fill our lives with things,
and again with things;
if we consider ourselves so unimportant
that we must fill every moment of our lives with action,
when will we have the time
to make the long, slow journey across the desert as did the Magi?
or brood over the coming of the child as did Mary?
For each one of us there is a desert to travel
A star to discover
And a being within ourselves to bring to life.
Some years back Paul and I sent the card above to our friends at Christmas. It seems appropriate to use it again this year. The artist is Michael Podesta and the author unknown.
As you may imagine, I’ve been offered lots of time for the desert and for brooding this year. Some of it has brought me fresh insights and self-awareness, and some has met with resistance since I’m definitely not in control of anything! The star is still elusive but it beckons. May we each hold that image before us as we move toward more light along our life’s path.
I continue with my chemo with the exception of taking a pass this week. That is just as well since I spent last night in the ER for the definitive diagnosis of acute diverticulitis which I’ve been dealing with for a week. Hopefully it will calm down with the new meds and I will regain some energy. I’m a slow learner (if avoidance can be learned!) because I went through this exactly a year ago! I prefer the chemo, if you can believe it!
Christmas-tide blessings to each of you who continue to walk with me on this journey.
Ann's Hummingbird
A blessed Christmastide and a joyous Epiphany dear Ann!
I remember that card…..I loved it then and am glad to have it again. Soooo very sorry about your discomfort….bummer of a Christmas gift…..wishing you recovery and a chance to enjoy the joy of the season. Much love, Nancy
thanks for sharing your card and yourself with us, dear Ann. i hope that diverticulitis is a thing of the past – fast ~ so star-watching can lead you in to a strong and beautiful Christmastime.
The card is a beautiful expression of Christmas. So glad you decided to send it this year. Wishing you a blessed holiday.
Your message is exactly what I needed to hear this morning.
You, Ann, are a gift and a blessing to all who are near to you.
You are so loved.
Merry Christmas,
Rebecca
It is Christmas Eve and very quiet here.
Are you able to get to the Summit House with your family?
Thinking of you and wishing it were possible to roll the years back for a short while. Imagination and memory will have to suffice.
With love from Ann in London
Our prayer is that you will experience deep within you (and even touching that diverticulitis!) and all around you (with family and friends) “the peace of God which surpasses all understanding.” As we’ll lift high the candles during worship tonight, we’ll remember “the desert to travel” and the “star to discover,” and pray for you on your journey.
We’ll also be praying for a friend who is being held hostage in Syria, now for more than 5 months. Journeys vary, but there is One who is always with us.
Lovely poem and so true… we must slow down and enjoy what really counts — our family, friends, and the beautiful world. We will driving home from KY yesterday and today and came upon a snow storm that we drove thru — beautiful and slippery… trees covered and ice coming down the sides of the mountains… wonders to behold… Hope u will recover quickly from the Diverticulitis. My hubby has been dealing w/that the last few weeks too… yuck! I pray u ‘n your family will have a blessed Christmas… Luv, Jan xo
hope by now the diverticulitis is a fading memory and your energy has returned.
who was it that said that history is just one damned thing after another? i hope 2014 will be just one blessing after another for you and yours.