whitespace is not blank

the absence of busy

does not equal nothingness

the absence of busy

is not empty

the busy itself is the vacuum

the energy drain, set fully open

till nothing is left but the busy

no light

no breath

no meaning

just stop, if you can

for a moment

one moment in time

turn off the noise

listen

He has been calling

through the ages

My beloved spoke 

and said to me,

    “Arise, my darling,

    my beautiful one, 

come with me.

Song of Songs 2:10 NIV

in rest, in Him

in long, slow breaths

there is space

to create

to embrace the new thing

He wants to bring forth

through you

through me

to all who would stop

and come

letting go of the busy

to be

renewed

refreshed

restored

His 

work of art

allowing room for whitespace with Bonnie

this is also what we're doing over at Sandy's as we are working through Making Manifest

 

prairie coyote

prairie coyote

ever the survivor, the solitary

beauty shakes snow from sleek fur

golden, as proud eyes speak

focused, flashing

I will not be afraid

of cold, brave in the waiting

hunger strong, driving

her desire not secret, but silent

relentless, she will

be filled

allowing the Lord to lead in creative pursuit while Making Manifest

walking with Emily and the imperfect
 

reflection

The connections that arise in the scribblings I have been capturing on paper all seem to point to change, not quite knowing what is to come, but finding excitement in the giving in.

freedom and joy walk hand 

in hand with release

the letting go of 

the familiar, becoming

who you never imagined

and looking back, finding 

only scraps and ashes

what you fought so hard 

to hold was nothing 

at all

what a surprise to see 

who you become 

when you choose

to simply

be

yes, that is 

His light

shining back

in the mirror

continuing to learn through Making Manifest

 

free ride

When we started thinking about Malawi I worried about learning to operate a standard shift automobile as well as driving on the opposite side of the road.  I realized I had no need to fear as we were informed we would not have a vehicle but instead had money in our start-up budget to purchase a bicycle for each of us.

Then came a new rush of apprehension.  I ride a stationary recumbent cycle, pedaling like crazy five or six mornings a week for exercise, but a real, moving bicycle?  I hadn't even tried to ride for at least thirty years.

Last Friday, opportunity and challenge arose.  I was visiting a dear friend, who had not one but two bikes in her shed, and the afternoon was sunny, clear and warm.  She asked if I'd like to try going for a ride, knowing both my nervousness and my need to overcome it.

Anxiety tried to tighten its grip, enough so that I left my eyeglasses inside; at least if I fell I wouldn't harm them.  I felt foolish about being afraid, and spoke against the fear.  I would not allow it to hinder my attempt.

Inhale, relax. Exhale slow.
One foot on a pedal.
One foot on the ground.
Life felt precarious.
Inhale. Lift other foot.
Exhale through the instability.
Push pedals. Inhale.
Feel the motion conquering imbalance.
Exhale joy, squealing like a child.
Jesus had me, strong and steady.
The sun was in my eyes, on my skin
the wind gentle in my hair.
Victory was smooth, fast
and free.

We rode for about fifteen to twenty minutes, until the places where my body rested on the seat began to scream with annoyance.  The aches have faded now.

Friday we shall ride again, longer.  Training has begun.

joining Kelli in Unforced Rhythm

 

all time and now

And now to him who can keep you on your feet, 

standing tall in his bright presence, 

fresh and celebrating—

to our one God, our only Savior, 

through Jesus Christ, our Master, 

be glory, majesty, strength, and rule 

before all time, and now, 

and to the end of all time. 

Yes. 

Jude 1:24-25 The Message

connecting with Lisha for Sunday's Give Me Grace

 

getting out

For yesterday's exercise in Making Manifest, Dave Harrity asked us to step away from our regular surroundings, spend ten minutes in still and silent observation then open our journals and write. I couldn't get to it then, but caught up today.  Here's my getting out:

The air has grown warm enough to sit without a jacket, but the wind brings a chill each time it passes through in waves.  I have left the solitude of our end-of-the-road, edge-of-the-world acreage and come to town, both to do this exercise and pick up some items for dinner at the grocery store.

I pulled the car over and left it to enjoy this small park and sitting area that the town built a few years ago.

Stone planters and wooden benches wear placards honoring those who donated the funds to purchase them, for themselves or loved ones. The bench wood is streaked gray through the brown stain. I believe it is weather, not human use that is fading the colour, for I never see anyone making use of the benches, or the paths or the skate park down at the far end.

The park is lonely for users.

The trees are still bare, even as small buds begin to appear.  The branches twist and reach and following them with my eyes is like trying to track my way through a maze.  I loose my way and then can't remember where to begin again.

A large Canadian flag flutters 
proud, even with an edge tattered 
dancing to a tune of its own
like these small towns
not dying, not living
moved by time
and wind
still holding on

I ambled back to the car, and took a drive to look at one of our rivers, hungry to see life.

 

the fullness

Stillness is a decision 

in spite of the world's standards of being, 

despite its assaults, pressures, and norms 

- a bold way of loving one another 

through a posture of peace, balance, and patience.

Dave Harrity - Making Manifest

finding clarity in the silence

joy in the small things

inhaling the fullness 

of His presence

 I settle, here

now

in the stillness with Sandy