Thank you for the beautiful image both in photo and in words. It’s been 2 years since my spiritual and mental crisis caused me to resign my position as pastor and take a leave of absence. Serious heart probing (digging down in the mud) with a spiritual director and mental health professional has brought me nearer to the surface. My word for the year is Emergent. I feel like I’m just below water level and waiting for what God brings next which I pray is something above water. I love your image of blooming petal by petal. A good reminder that emerging can be a slow process.
I love your word for the year, and am so glad you feel you have surfaced in this time in the metaphorical mud. Thank you for your blessing and for reading--many blessings to you, too.
This. Sometimes I read something that makes me feel the author is in my head. The struggle to accept things as they are is so hard sometimes, and I'm under that water myself lately. This poem also reminds me that I'm not alone in the experience described, and those petals will unfurl, sooner or later. ❤️
James - Thank you for the poem and for your wise words about how to weather the difficult times we all face. I remember reading in a book about Buddhism the concept of impermanence. One thought that stuck with me is that if we were happy all the time, how would we know that as happiness. Without some times of sadness, can we truly be happy? Be well
Beautiful! Thank you, James. No mud, no lotus... no cocooned stillness, no 🦋 wings. How wonderful to have nature's wisdom soothe us as we navigate life's muddy and dark times.
Thank you for the beautiful image both in photo and in words. It’s been 2 years since my spiritual and mental crisis caused me to resign my position as pastor and take a leave of absence. Serious heart probing (digging down in the mud) with a spiritual director and mental health professional has brought me nearer to the surface. My word for the year is Emergent. I feel like I’m just below water level and waiting for what God brings next which I pray is something above water. I love your image of blooming petal by petal. A good reminder that emerging can be a slow process.
May God continue to bless your work.
I love your word for the year, and am so glad you feel you have surfaced in this time in the metaphorical mud. Thank you for your blessing and for reading--many blessings to you, too.
This. Sometimes I read something that makes me feel the author is in my head. The struggle to accept things as they are is so hard sometimes, and I'm under that water myself lately. This poem also reminds me that I'm not alone in the experience described, and those petals will unfurl, sooner or later. ❤️
Such truth. I love knowing that fallow seasons nurture what comes next. And the messy, muddy times prepare me for joy. Thank you James. 💕
Thank you, dear one!
This poem expresses a vital truth…no mud, no lotus… thank you for sharing. And the photograph is gorgeous.
I agree--such a vital truth.
James - Thank you for the poem and for your wise words about how to weather the difficult times we all face. I remember reading in a book about Buddhism the concept of impermanence. One thought that stuck with me is that if we were happy all the time, how would we know that as happiness. Without some times of sadness, can we truly be happy? Be well
I love that perspective, Jon.
Leaves rise up for light.
From the muck may we soon bloom.
Roots dig down for fuel.
Beautiful! Thank you, James. No mud, no lotus... no cocooned stillness, no 🦋 wings. How wonderful to have nature's wisdom soothe us as we navigate life's muddy and dark times.
Beautiful truth.
Thank you. I’m hosting a webinar on Leadership in Liminal Spaces next week and I always open with a poem. This will serve that purpose perfectly.