Reflections on Philippians 2:1

Do you have encouragement?
Words whispered
inspiring higher
A look or touch
secret message of praise

Do you have comfort?
Holding tight
when times are tough
Looking ahead
when eyes are downcast

Do you have fellowship?
Joined together
with common goals
Resting hand in hand
as you plan to share

Do you have tenderness?
A soft caress
restoring hope
Healing wounds
with gentle touch

Do you have compassion?
Sitting alongside
suffering with
Waiting for the sun
to break through the clouds

Out There

It’s scary,
sometimes dark and overpowering
Out there

I prefer
to be safe in this sanctuary
In here

Yet I’m called
to explore and be adventurous
Out there

That’s OK
but I need strengthening, empowering
In here

So I can
take some risks, be creative
Out there

All the while
longing to return, to receive comfort
In here

This happens
when we share stories and excitement from
Out there

Challenging
all those secure, perhaps locked away
In here

What do you
expect to see, envision, capture
Out there

Can you share
your dreams, hopes, challenges
In here

And then go
strong, hopeful, trusting, empowered
Out there

Uncertainty

The minutes tick by
The moment approaches

Where have the weeks
the days
the months disappeared

Restlessness
Wandering
Uncertainty all arise

What if…
so many what ifs
pushed to the further recesses of the mind

What if…
And yet they are still there
The voices will not be stilled

As
The moment approaches
The minutes tick by

Work, Prayer, Laughter - aTriad

Work consumes
tires and wears out
But only when it
is not connected to
Prayer and laughter

Work is prayer
(laborare est orare)
Except today
they are so far separated
all we can do is laugh

Laughter – the elixer
of life – restores,
relaxes, rejuvenates
Laughter allows work
to resume rather than consume