Fields of Grace - Pumpkin Hanging from Vine

In keeping with the season, here's a pumpkin poem with color photo from my book, Fields of Grace, Everyday Encounters with the Holy

Pumpkin Hanging from Vine

 

 

Grounded fruit

look on in wonder:

"Not for me,"

"Too risky,"

"Unnatural."

 

The vine listens

only to the sun's call;

reaching up,

delighting in

new horizons

above the tall grass.

 

Patience, trust and

perseverance

support the vine

in its quest;

its fruit held fast by

sturdy ropes of faith.

 

Seeds of impossibility

are planted every day;

some see only an

impossible tomorrow,

others see a possible

TODAY

 





Washing the Glassware

Washing the Glassware

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have pieces of red glassware in all shapes sitting on my windowsills.  I love how they bring color into the rooms - especially during these cold months.  One of the challenges of having the glassware sitting out, though, is keeping it dust free so that the sun can freely shine through.

 

Because the dust gradually builds up each day, I'm not usually aware of it until I look closely and notice a thin layer clinging to the surfaces.  After washing things up and placing them back on the windowsills I'm always amazed at how much brighter the colors are, and wonder how I could have missed seeing the impact of the dust.

 

I think that's how it is in life, also.  Most of us don't do anything terribly wrong; there are times, however, when we make choices that are not always compassionate, loving or responsible.  These "specks of dust" collect in time, gradually keeping the Light from shining through as brightly as before. 

 

Usually we aren't even aware of the cumulutive effect until we take the time to honestly look at ourselves; asking forgiveness for our failings and pledging to do better.  The result is that our relationship with the Divine improves: the Light is the same as always, but now our faults and shortcomings don't prevent its fullness from shining through us.

 

Because we don't live in a vacuum, this "dust" will continue to accumulate.  Our task is to free ourselves from the limits it places on us by regularly taking time for honest reflection; allowing the fullness of the Light to shine through us.  We can then, once again, reflect this Light to the world around us, giving witness to the power of Light/Love to transform the world 

Fields of Grace - Bare Trees

Just like the bare trees make it possible for us to see things often hidden by the leaves, pain and difficulties can often strip away things that keep us from becoming aware of a larger Reality.


                         Bare Trees

                                   Surrendering to
                                     Nature's ultimatum,
                                     they've let go
                                     of past glory,
                                     preparing for
                                     winter's austerity.

                                   Their nakedness
                                     offering a view
                                     beyond the immediate
                                     to a vista
                                     hidden in
                                     summer's high growth.

Walking in the Fog

There's something other-worldly about walking through fog - a cloud that's come to earth.  It wraps itself around familiar objects, softening them, and muffles sharp sounds.  In its quiet, gentle way, the fog transforms the world around us.  The fog not only surrounds us on the outside, but is taken in with every breath, becoming a part of us.

As I took my morning walk enveloped in fog, I thought about how God's love surrounds us.  Like the fog, this Love transforms us, quietly and gently, ready to be taken in with each breath; offering a level of intimacy beyond our imaginings.

Prayer:
Loving God, remind me of your Presence, surrounding me always.  Move me to breathe deeply, so that I may be transformed by your Love and carry it forth into the world.   Amen

Symphony of Color from Fields of Grace

The colors of fall are past their peak near us, but this photo and poem show just how beautiful they can be.

Have a good day!

Symphony of Color

 

 

 

                        Like an artist using

                          rich oils of sound,

                          the leaves paint

                          a symphony of color.

 

                        Vibrant reds,

                          bright yellows,

                          deep greens,

                          each play their part

                          to the fullest.

 

                        Melody,

                          harmony

                          and rich bass notes

                          combine,

                          presenting the season's

                          brilliant finale.

 

Falling Leaves

Before the strong winds of a few days ago, it seemed that the fall colors would be bright despite the drought of this summer.  The winds had blown most of the leaves off the trees, whether or not they were ready to fall, and with the exception of a few trees, the color had mostly disappeared.

One morning after a particularly windy day, I was surprised by the scene that greeted me as I stepped outside to get the newspaper.  There had been a freeze during the night, and the morning was brisk with a blue sky and bright sun.  Most impressive of all was that there was not a breath of wind, and yet the leaves were falling.  

They were not being torn violently from the tree, but were dripping to the ground like a golden shower. In the still of the morning, there was only the soft sound of the falling leaves. It was as though the trees were consciously letting go of each leaf, and accepting the next phase of life.

Like the trees, our lives can be altered suddenly by challenges and loss that are beyond our control. Things like death, illness and unemployment can come upon us like a strong wind, tearing away at our very identity.  Sometimes we are left holding on to only a few, tattered remnants.

Other times, change comes about quietly, like the tree letting go of its leaves.  These are conscious decisions we make - deciding whether to stay put, move on to the next step, or if it's time to change direction.

Prayer
O God of life, help me in times of sudden change to know your faithfulness and love hold me firmly.  And in those times of quiet change, guide my decisions as I seek your path.   Amen



 

October Shared Reflection - Weathered Building

Here are my reflections for the photo posted Sept. 28, first in prose, and then in a short poem.  Feel free to share your comments or insights with me - fieldsofgrace.cathy@gmail.com

Weathered Building

The siding and roof on this small building are faded and weeds are growing around the foundation.  There seems to be nothing special about it, and at first glance it appears abandoned.  It's the geraniums in the sparkling, clean window that tell a different story.  The building is not abandoned, in fact it houses some beautiful flowers.

I thought of how people can be like that building - easily dismissed because of first impressions.  I reflected on this and applied it to my life: how often do I miss opportunities to encounter beauty because I don't take the time to really see what is before me? 

                                        Faded,
                                            weathered,
                                            unkempt;
                                            hardly worth a
                                            second glance.

                                        Color
                                            unexpected;
                                            startles,
                                            beckons,
                                            invites.

                                        How many
                                            invitations
                                            have I refused
                                            without even
                                            knowing?

Fields of Grace - The Golden Wood

It's always nice to see the photos from Fields of Grace in color; here's one that's especially appropriate for this time of year, although most of the leaves have been blown off our trees in the past few days.  

Take some time to pause and wonder at the gifts presented to us each season.

The Golden Wood

                   
                    Showers of sunlight

                      fall to earth,

                      dripping silently from

                      branches overhead,

                      forming a golden mist

                      on the forest floor.

 

                    Crumpled sheets of

                      yellowed parchment

                      gather in piles;

                      collecting like a poet's

                      unsuccessful attempt

                      to capture the moment.



 

Moonlight

Moonlight is one of those things most of us are unable to fully appreciate since it occurs while we are usually asleep.  We're familiar with the light of the sun, a light so brilliant we can't look at it directly.  The sun's light encourages growth, and warms us.

But what can we say about moonlight?

A few nights ago I awoke and became aware of a light shining under the bedroom door.  Thinking I had forgotten to turn off a light, I got up to investigate.  Imagine my surprise when I opened the door and discovered the glow was produced not by an electric light, but by the light of the full moon.  The light was streaming in through the picture window, bathing the room in a soft, white light.  I sat down in wonder, enjoying this scene which had been playing out while I slept.  I thought about how the moon itself has no light of its own, but reflects the light of the sun, and I began thinking of the "moonlight" in our spiritual life.

Just as we cannot look directly at the sun, we cannot experience God directly in this life - but we are provided "mirrors" that reflect God to us.  These are the graces we experience through the movement of God in the people and the world around us.  When we pass from this life to the next, we will experience the brightness of God with no need of mirrors or filters.  In the meantime, however, God is revealed to us in our daily life - stay awake and take notice!

Here's a story* which illustrates the idea of experiencing God through the familiar things in this life:

"God decided to become visible to a king and a peasant and sent an angel to inform them of the blessed event. 'O king' the angel announced, 'God has deigned to be revealed to you in whatever manner you wish.  In what form do you want God to appear?'
  Seated pompously on his throne and surrounded by awestruck subjects, the king royally proclaimed: 'How else would I wish to see God, save in majesty and power?  Show God to us in the full glory of power.'
  God granted his wish and appeared as a bolt of lightning that instantlty pulverized the king and his court.  Nothing, not even a cinder, remained.
  The angel then manifested herself to a peasant, saying: God deigns to be revealed to you in whatever manner you desire.  How do you wish to see God?'
  Scratching his head and puzzling a long while, the peasant finally said: 'I am a poor man and not worthy to see God face to face.  But if it is God's will to be revealed to me, let it be in those things with which I am familiar.  Let me see God in the earth I plough, the water I drink, and the food I eat.  Let me see the presence of God in the faces of my family, neighbors, and - if God deems it as good for myself and others - even in my own reflection as well.'
  God granted the peasant his wish, and he lived a long and happy life."

*Spiritual Literacy, Reading the Sacred in Everyday Life by Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat

Your own reflection for photo posted Sept. 28

Reflecting on the photo posted Sept. 28, may be something new to you, but give it a try.  Get comfortable with writing for yourself, remembering that each of us is an individual with unique experiences which will influence what/how we view the photo.

You're also welcome to email any insights to me. (fieldsofgrace.cathy@gmail.com)

Here's a quote about individuality from Beauty, The Invisible Embrace by John O'Donohue.

The Beauty of Individuality

 

"The heart of all creativity is the awakening and flowering of individuality.  The mystery and magic of being an individual is to live life in response to the deep call within, the call to become who we were dreamed to be...it is the call to discover and realize the divine blueprint in the soul...to be an individual is to 'stand out' from the group or the system and such separation always entails vulnerability...Faithfulness to individuality is at the heart of compassion and creativity...The awakening of individuality is a continual unfolding of our presence....Individuality is the creative voyage of aloneness in which the gifts and limitations of real presence emerge."

 

Here's the photo again.  Have a good day - and start writing!!

 

 

 



Fields of Grace Sampler - Tree Branches in Autumn

Tree Branches in Autumn

[from Fields of Grace, (c) Cathy Scherer Stubbs]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                            Wrapped in black velvet,

                              branches and trunks

                              set off amber leaves,

                              providing the

                              framework for

                              Autumn's spectacle.

 

                            Do I remember

                              it is Love's

                              faithful Presence

                              that supports and

                              gives life

                              to my efforts?

 

 

 

 



Clocks

As I said my morning prayer recently, I gradually became aware of the ticking of the clock in the room.  It was a soft sound, and formed a kind of background music.  I thought about how this steady, unhurried rhythm remains the same, regardless of the  weather or the time of day.

Like the sound of the clock, God's Love forms an undercurrent of faithfulness, even when all seems to be in chaos.  God allows us to experience life with all its joys and sorrows, but always remains nearby. 

This steady beat of Love continues, whether or not we recognize it; a reminder that we are never alone or forgotten.

Prayer:
Good and gracious God, thank you for the gift of this life, with all its joys and challenges.  May I always be aware of your Loving Presence, a faithful, steady rhythm in my life.   Amen