What I take with me...

Dear Urban Abbey Members and Friends:

I found the meditation below by Steve Garnaas-Holmes to be very intriguing. This one of those writings that can (I think) be most useful by engaging it in a Lectio-style approach. I plan to go back to this and sit in quiet and see what ‘speaks’ to me. I love the imagery I get from this poem. One example for me is the phrase “I take mindfulness”. This is a reminder to me to try to live in the present, be fully engaged in what I’m doing now not worrying about the past moments or what will come in the future. This is especially important when I’m with someone – give that person my undivided listening and presence. There’s much more work to do with gratitude, trust, freedom, love, wonder, etc.

What does this poem say to you?

Shalom and blessings, George

_______________________________________
Dearly Beloved,

Grace and Peace to you.

Packing for the journey,
leaving much behind,
what shall I take with me?

I take mindfulness,
so that wherever I am
I may actually be there.

I take gratitude,
by which everything,
everything is a gift.

I take trust.
How much I can sow,
knowing the seeds will sprout!

I take freedom,
not from accountability,
but to live by my choices.

I take love,
my connection with all,
my only true power.

I take wonder.
There is always more.
It is all mystery, all grace.

I take courage
for all of life's yieldings
and steadfastness.

I take gentleness and kindness,
a way of being a blessing
that cannot be taken away.

I take an open heart,
open hands, open eyes.
All else I leave on the curb.

Find me on the road,
and find The One
—I do not go on my own—
by whom
I myself
am taken.

Deep Blessings,
Pastor Steve
______________________
Steve Garnaas-Holmes
Unfolding Light
www.unfoldinglight.net