The last day of the month of July turned into a forty-seventh-anniversary celebration even after weeks of a lingering cough. While we could not travel to a pre-determined destination site in Virginia, I made the most of the anniversary weekend by turning my attention to family and spiritual thoughts.
During COVID I missed attending church in person. While the virtual experience provided an opportunity for my family to bond together, I missed the community mingling, friends gathering, and the spiritual presence of the Lord. Lately, we have attended Mass in several churches. Upon entering the church, I felt once again the power of a spiritual place filled with peace. This past Sunday of our anniversary weekend, we traveled to a beautiful church where my two grandchildren were baptized. Unbeknown to me, my daughter planned on attending with her newborn baby girl. I was so surprised to see them joining us in our pew. With a smile, I held the baby in my arms and prayed with a thankful heart for family and the peace surrounding us. When I turned to all during the sign of peace, I knew that I was in a sacred place.
Upon reminiscing about the baby in church with the family, the Byrds song, Turn! Turn! Turn!, popped into my mind. It is one of my favorite songs with such beautiful lines as an opener.
To everything, turn, turn, turn.
There is a season turn, turn, turn
And a time to every purpose under Heaven.
It is my turn to pause and reflect. Thoughts become a vivid whirlwind. I feel a calmness. I turn away from circumstances and problems that do not provide solace and peace. I accept the open-door invitation to rest and be. I look forward to the family vacation in Cape May, New Jersey at the shore. I honor the spaces that bring joy and contentment to me. In the silence of the night, I turn to read an article, The Spirit of a Place by Bahram Akradi (ExperienceLife.com). I take a pen in hand and list in order words and phrases from the article that inspires me. From this exercise, a found poem evolves. Its words speak to me; I refine thoughts that will become a turning point this summer, bringing me to peace.
The spirit of a place
Welcomes a necessary shift in life,
Allows us to reflect on time, and
Recognize the value of place.
The spirit of a place adds
Meaning and value to
the process of nurturing our lives.
We can discover who we are
and feel the energy in each space
That has a soul.
Be still; Identify those places.
Be present in the quietude.
Choose sacred places;
Find possibilities.
Become the best version
of self.
©CVarsalona, 2023
I sit and ponder a Bible scripture, "Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor dressed like one of these." -Luke 12:27 Wildflowers stand tall in nature's meadows and pathways. They bask in the beauty of their sacred place while turning toward the sun, soaking in its brilliance. I find peace in this thought knowing that turning heavenward brings a measure of serenity. The spirit of places like nature's landscapes, insides of homes, and churches connect me to concepts such as warmth, love, and tranquility. These places lift me up and inspire me. I choose to find possibilities in life in the spirit of a place. Join me to find your best version of yourself in a sacred place of joy. If inclined, share a photo or image poem of your favorite summer place that brings you contentment.
Now I join Linda Mitchel and the Spiritual Journey Thursday Community here.
Photo by Linda Mitchell
IN ADDITION:
Today is a double dose of inspiration and poetic goodness.
I also join the Poetry Friday Roundup hosted by teacher, author, poet, and embroiderer, Mary Lee Hahn. Below is an inspiring sample of her work.
POETRY FRIDAY
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Sent from Marcie Flinchum Atkins
Little does Marcie know that this card cheered me up since I have been under the weather for 2 1/2 weeks now.
There is much to savor in your post, Carol. I love the idea of ‘not even Solomon’ & your surprise at church! And, I am so happy that you are better! 😍 ~ Linda B.
ReplyDeleteLinda, we just came home from the beach and I am tired but so happy the vacation was a lovely one for all the little grandgirls and family.
DeleteGood Morning, Carol. I'm so sorry you've been under the weather. No fun! But, now that you are able to get back to church to feel that power of spirit...I'm grateful. I love your phrase, 'the spirit of a place.' My goodness, how true! There are many places I return to just for the spirit of the place. You've got it! Keep getting better and stronger. I'm wishing you a peaceful and healthy day.
ReplyDeleteI love how your poem brought together your musings about PLACE and TURNING. Here's to a turn for you towards better and better health!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your well wishes, Mary Lee. Better health is slowly coming along.
DeleteCarol, I am glad that you are feeling better. What a nice surprise that your daughter joined you. I am sure that the joy you felt at being at Mass was compounded by holding your new granddaughter during the service.
ReplyDeleteI often wonder why, if wildflowers are smart enough to turn to the sun for its life giving force, we are not smart enough to turn to the Son as well for our nourishment.
Carol, your words speak of deep consolation - an Ignatian word I understand as peace. I would always feel that - back in the day - at our parish liturgies. I do miss that sometimes, though I have found it among those wildflowers, too. I'm preparing to officiate my niece's wedding in a couple of months. I'm inspired by a sense of finding the best version of oneself in the sacred place of a chosen-someone...in a marriage. I'll have to think more about this, but it feels like something true. Thank you for this.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing all of this, Carol. I'm sorry you couldn't travel for your anniversary, but glad you made the most of it anyway. <3
ReplyDeleteOh I'm so glad the postcard brought you a cheer. I hope you are on the mend. And I love that you got the surprise visit of a grandbaby in church. What a beautiful experience.
ReplyDeleteThe postcard is sitting on my desk. It is a lovely one in beautiful purplish colors. It poured here in Gainesville this afternoon but the sun is out again like the swoosh never happened.
DeleteCarol, what a peace-filled post you have created here. The quiet time and turning toward God in church is a powerful experience. I appreciated your found poem, especially those ending lines:
ReplyDelete"Be present in the quietude.
Choose sacred places;
Find possibilities.
Become the best version
of self."
I hope that cough has taken leave of you now!
If you can believe, I still have a lingering cough. The PA says many patients are complaining of this. I am being vigilant about my health but my middle grandgirl has the croup again so I am indulging in tea and honey daily. Have a wonderful August.
DeleteBeautiful, Carol, in so many ways! My husband and I recently visited Omaha and before heading home, we attended Mass in a huge, largely attended (with little ones) church. It felt bittersweet to hear and see the activity of so many little kids and made we miss the days of getting the six of us up, out the door, and into a pew. Gratitude for being "at home" away from home eased that lump in my throat. And I would be flipping out with even more(!) gratitude if I had the surprise you did with your daughter and granddaughter showing up. What a treat.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Karen, for your little story about mass with your family. We just came back from a family vacation in Cape May, NJ. We all love the ocean and now we introduced the newest 2 month addition to the beach/ocean.
Delete