Spirit to Spirit Writing Project
The word Lent comes from an old English word meaning lengthening of days. In Christianity, it refers to the time before Easter, traditionally observed through repentance and learning. It's a season to be intentional about changing and growing. Some people give up items to create space and time for new life and habits to grow. Instead of giving something up, I invite you to try to commit to answering these writing prompts each of the 40 days of Lent. The discipline it takes to set aside time each day to reflect and write about God and your relationship with spirituality is a journey that you will emerge from with a renewed spirit. Every writer has their own special voice to add to this project, whether poetry, prose, essay, thoughts, lists, or through comments, prayer, and encouragement.
How do I participate?
Each day, a writing prompt will be posted. A prompt is a question or statement that is meant to inspire your thoughts in whatever genre you feel moved to write. Post your reflections as a comment under each day's prompt (for further instructions, see 'How To Post' on the right side of the page). It is up to you if you write, read, or pray along with us each of the 40 days of Lent or just drop in from time to time when the spirit moves you to participate. Writing regularly is a discipline that many writers struggle with and this is a way to involve that discipline as a Lenten practice. Through writing and leaving encouraging words for others in this project, we become a supportive spiritual writing community
Peanut Butter and Jelly Blessing
ReplyDeleteEach morning, after wiping sleep out of my eyes
feeling around in the darkness
and pouring a little milk, a lot of coffee into this morning's mug
each morning, after the coffee takes effect,
I pad down the hallway to wake up my girls
sing
poke
cajole
tickle
promise a bowl of Lucky Charms or an Eggo waffle with butter
I take my place at the bend in the counter
across from my breakfast-munchers
and make lunch for them to take to school.
every day for 3 years I’ve made a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
usually two.
The ingredients and equipment are simple:
peanut butter (Adams creamy, no-stir)
jelly (without chunks of fruit floating around)
bread (Orwheat Oatnut, which I stockpile when it’s on sale)
I select a butter knife from the drawer
tear two half-sheets of paper towels from the roll
spread jelly on one half
peanut butter on the other (thin layers, all the way to the edges)
and ‘slap!’ the two pieces together.
It’s the ‘slap!’ that is a holy moment.
A present from Mama
right in the middle of their day.
a blessing of love, hope, care
every day.
Such a servant you are! A mom who knows the best ever lunch.
Delete(an editorial moment: paper towel sandwiches are a bit dry. lol)
ronaldo
hehe!
DeleteOrdinary
ReplyDelete[Joyous Light]
As we rise this gentle morning, open ears, our eyes make bright,
Waken us to simple wonders; give to us Your joyful sight.
Now we walk in your garden, every step a prayerful tread,
Nothing taken for granted, all from Word being said.
Can it be we are Your servants, gainfully employed this day?
Spirit guiding our endeavors all along this miracle way;
Open hearts we reach to others, neighbors near or distant live,
Building bonds of grace and mercy, sharing all the love you give.
Daily chores we give attention, making our households a joy.
Every thing you have provided; daily food to children’s toy.
Nothing should we overlook here, Your abundance is replete,
Out of our hands we share first fruits; Despiser shall we defeat.
Loving hands attend to all needs; gentle care brings Your dear touch,
Tapestry of finest linen Word Made Flesh freed sin’s harsh clutch.
We your people go to all folks, bringing hope and not despair.
This world’s in need of light and wisdom, gospel hope we do dare.
Walk with us and share our day’s care, You are all we need or want.
Daily choices guide our next steps, move all blocks, by nothing daunt.
When we come to this day’s closing, may we rest from labor’s dear.
Maker of All do smile upon us, You’ve removed our every fear.
The Rev. Ronald Allen Melver, M.Div.
14.3.14
I love the holiness of simple routines! Mom's and Monks have things to teach us. Pastor Larry
ReplyDeleteWATCHING SKY
ReplyDeletegrowing up in the Big Sky State,
staring at the sky, watching clouds go by in daylight,
lying on my back on lawn or blanket in a meadow,
focusing out the car window so I wouldn't get carsick,
sitting at the edge of a lake with fishing pole,
seeing sky in the water
watching my children play outside while
visiting with neighbors, yet
paying attention to the fluffy white clouds
joining together and darkening to prepare for
rolling, advancing wind, thunder, rain, hail
grabbing clothes off the lines,
herding kids to the house and quickly
shutting open windows.
staring at sunsets along Pacific coastline,
differing and uniquely spectacular,
experiencing in Hawaii to cermonial
beating drums, dancing,
lighting torches.
connecting when I first awake,
gazing out my upstairs bedroom window,
capturing glimpses at times of
rising sun's magic crayon touch to sky,
showing me holiness in color, textures, patterns,
reflecting the consistent, yet
moving, unconfined love of God.
driving to or from wherever, it's always
capturing my attention, never
failing to intrigue and amaze me.
Holy, Holy, Holy.
Marlene Obie
March 13, 2014
ReplyDeleteEVERYDAY HOLY
for Carren
Washing the outside of a toilet
carefully, thoroughly
who knew this job would be so sacred
like washing the feet of Christ
Knowing that the person
for whom I am washing
is lying in the next room
racked with the pain of Parkinson's
never complaining
still nurturing others
in the midst of her agony
I massage her cramping arms
again
She smiles
amazed that I would help
I go back to my sacred duty
washing the outside of her toilet
carefully, thoroughly
as if washing the feet of Christ
for His sake
Sara