Do not, in the midst of one,
Long to be in another
Season. Revel in blossoms,
Though bees and thorns, in pale snow,
Though numbing. Saturate yourself
With what is, just then, even through
Uneasy transition,
Even sorrow, so not
To forfeit actually
Living.
(c) Deanna Harrington Christiansen
September, 2014 All Rights Reserved
Dear Deanna,
This poem is beautiful and SO TRUE. I have always felt that my husband, Ray, and I did this – we didn’t enjoy fully what God had given us because we were always so busy looking ahead to when “things would be perfect or at least better!” Thanks for putting that concept so beautifully and clearly in a lovely poem. I am definitely living fully and enjoying what God is so generously giving me now – each day!! Thanks for gently and beautifully reminding me to do that!!
God bless your Lord’s Day!!
I love you and thank God for you and right now for the gifts He has so generously given you!!
Shirley
A common human thing, I think, Shirley. It is god-like to live in the now. It requires God’s presence and present help, and our practicing it in his presence.The exercise of faith in him, trusting him.
Several Christian formation writers have said that the only place that God can meet us is in this present moment! He cannot meet us in the past because though he is there we are not. He cannot meet us in the future because though he is there, we are not! This truth has radicalized my willingness to practice being–here.
Bless you for taking the time to write. I love you too, Shirley. It is strengthening to witness the growing grace of God in your life.
Deanna, A Hope bearing thought. Henri Nouwen refers to being fully in the present moment as requiring patience. “Do not in the midst of one” is a striking and meaningful phrase. Thank you.
Thanks to you, Jerry. Doesn’t it require patience, though! And practice. Nouwen the insightful.
Practice. Practice. Then it grows in attraction for one, so–like silence, solitude, sitting with Jesus, prayer, listening–we look forward to it and welcome it.
This blog is really cool. I have bookmarked it. Do you allow guest post on your site ?
I can provide high quality posts for you. Let me know.
Not at the present time, Nathan, thank you for asking.
I hope indeed to add some posts! Meanwhile it’s good that you are reading.
Deanna
This is a topc that is newr to my heart… Best wishes!
Where are your contact details though?
Here, in reader comments on the Journal, or go to http://www.deannachristiansen.com for more on my writing, books and audio CDs, and an email address. Thank you.