Bright Sadness
In
Eastern Orthodox religions, Lent is known as a “bright sadness” and they take
breaks from Lent and fasting on Sundays.
In your life, how do you take a break when you have suffered times of depression, grieving or deep processing in
order to sustain yourself? Do you observe a Sabbath in the process of your Lenten journey?
I have found that talking with someone who has a similar experience is liberating. Over reflecting limits me to only what I can imagine or understand. I have to thank my Daughter Ruth for the many deep insights she has given me over the years. Our times together are not just deep or challenging, but happy and wonderful, as well as ordinary as tea. A dad and a person can't ask for better than that. Doug Millar
ReplyDeleteA joy indeed.
Deleteronaldo
Bright Sadness
ReplyDelete[Bunessan]
In the dawn’s fair light, Spirit does summon,
Promises healing, rest from all cares.
Nothing can vanquish Creator’s sure love,
Place in the Lord’s hands all the day dares.
Life brings us challenge, asks of us answers,
Pushes for solace, from busyness balm;
Resources empty, our minds distracted,
Only in God’s care can we find calm.
Walking fair Lent’s path, deep contemplation,
Word Made Flesh ‘sures us, we’re not alone,
Ours a fine mission serving and caring,
Together vision, grace we condone.
Gentle our journey, soft the path’s surface,
Gone the restrictions, birdsongs delight,
Solitudes kindness, friend’s consolation,
Hugs, reassurance, fear takes to flight.
So ‘midst sad longing, in each day’s wholeness,
We find a safe place, to rest our heads.
Restored in spirit, renewed for journey,
Our hearts uplifted, gone the world’s dreads.
The Rev. Ronald Allen Melver, M.Div.
10 March 2014
The two hands I hold in the seasons of sadness, are friends and memories.
ReplyDeleteFriends remind me that I am not alone. Not so much in their words but in the comfortable presence. In their gracious years of togetherness I am gifted.
Memories call me to the love I couldn't always see at the time, but often came to the for as the years past. Memories are the great bouquet in my life that never fades but stands at the ready to go with me on the journey "Remember when..."
Friends and memories are two of the greatest gifts to me.
Pastor Larry
SUNBREAK BASKING
ReplyDeleteHow can I count them? The breaks in dark clouds
that allow the sun to get through.
I could write a book, wait, I am,
about the horde of radiant beams
that will not let me sulk, cringe,
throw my guilt over my head and give up.
At every curve in my crazy, winding road of a life
there have been friends, Pastors, counselors, my daughter,
who have helped me rise from sadness, notice the sunlight,
and grab at the rays.
A lot is up to me and God, whose nudges are seldom subtle.
I go to water aerobics, line dancing, zumba where
my concentration is necessary so I don't bump into people;
I throw my sadness and anger onto the page,
I seek resources to learn and advocate,
I read books that draw me into the stories,
get into the beauty of nature, I plunge
into my faith community for prayer,
encouragement, humor and activity.
I listen to Garrison Keilor, Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me,
and Vinyl Cafe and laugh out loud at our common dilemmas.
and when we have clear skies and bright sunshine, I try
to pass on what I've learned.
Happy Sunny Day today!
Marlene Obie