The Desert: My desert is a wilderness place within where I cannot always see the fruitfulness of my life. Having lived in a desert hermitage for 9 months I am aware that in the desert, life suddenly emerges from places that once seemed desolate. I look again and the barren land is laughing out blossoms. That is a good image for the inner landscape of the soul . We do not always sense those growing places even when something mysteriously new is stirring in our depths; yet if we remain faithful to the journey through our desert and if we keep the door of the heart ajar, the light of the star will find us.
The Star: Desert places need a star. Let us take heart; the star is available. Remember! We have left the door of the heart ajar. Even in the darkest of nights I have known that star. Sometimes it is not above me leading me on; sometimes it is within me lifting me out of myself. Sometimes it is a sweet invitation calling me to quiet spaces where I can befriend my desert places.
The Emerging Life: In each of us there is a depth we have not yet discovered. That is why we must make this desert journey. That is the reason we need to believe in the star: the star above and the star within! A desert to travel. A star to discover. Perhaps 2010 will be the year when something deep inside us turns over and opens its eyes, sees the door of our hearts ajar and comes out singing. I can hardly wait.
What a wonderful quote!
ReplyDeleteI know I constantly seek things, actions (and maybe reading blogs...finding "goodies" on the internet?)with which to fill my days.
It is so hard just to learn to "be" and that that "being" is enough!Thank you for reminding us of the star within our hearts!
The desert, the star, emerging life ... this is a wonderful meditation to start the new year with!
ReplyDeleteHaving been through many deserts - currently I thank God to be standing at the well, before I travel on.
And the star - has been many Godly souls who have shown up and their bright lights have shown a way through the shadows. I am so thankful that God sends us light in kindred souls. Many times I knew not where or how to walk forward. These "stars" have given me eyes to see and courage to place one foot in front of the other.
Emerging Life - the child is born ! each morning in my heart and I embrace 2010 with much excitement knowing that I am growing, evolving and emerging and that Christ is my hope of glory ! What total GIFT AND GRACE this Epiphany is.
Macrina, I just posted this quote on FB and then stopped by your blog to find it here, so wonderful (and your breaking open of it is beautiful). I wanted to ask you though - I had seen this quote attributed to Fr. Jim Cusack, so am wondering if you know whether for certain it is Michael Podesta because I would love to give accurate credit. thanks and blessings!
ReplyDeleteChristine, Actually I think I will put my "author unknown' back under the quote. The christmas cards that come out with this quote usually say "author unknown," I got one card that said Michael Podesta, so I changed it only to find out that Podesta is probably the calligrapher because that is what he does. Do you know this Fr. Jim Cusack...I would love to quote the right source. Let me know if you do. Thanks for stopping by.
ReplyDeleteI too looked up this quote. In Simple Abundance (Warner Books 1995)by Sarah Ban Breathnach, she uses the quote for Dec 25. She also says that she called Michael Podesta, and he said he was sent the quote anonymously in the mail. At anyr rate-what I see of your blog is lovely. Thanks!
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