Twilight is falling like a gentle rain. I am not ready for this day’s impending demise because there is much left within me wanting – yet it comes, ready or not.
So, rather than fight the inevitable, I pause to collect my thoughts.
What has this day brought to me? What have I given back to it?
Have those I met been better for our encounter?
What is this day’s greatest blessing?
What is undone...can it remain so for now and maybe forever?
What one thing did I accomplish that brings joy to my heart?
Is there someone I need to make peace with?
Simple questions.
Profound answers.
Within this sacred pause, I am both graced and confronted. Yet, in order to live my life mindfully they must be asked.
For too long, I have toddled along my life’s path from moment to moment missing the holy in the midst of the mundane.
Too often I ventured from the good way because the wrong way looked so right. Those missteps have carried a heavy price.
In these twilight opportunities, we are given opportunity to draw down the shade of this day and wrap ourselves in the great silence of night. Waste not this chance.
Soon, very soon, the grace of another dawn will rise.
O’ Lord, support us all the day long, until the shadows lengthen, and the evening comes, and the busy world is hushed and the fever of life is over, and our work is done. Then, Lord, in your mercy grant us safe lodging, and a holy rest, and peace at the last; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
John Henry Newman
© A Sacred Longing 2009
Beautiful picture and nice reflection. Reflecting is the first step in growth -- and probably the one least taken. Thanks for sharing so openly.
ReplyDeleteI love those sacred pauses and beautiful skies that accompany them!
ReplyDeleteoo often I ventured from the good way because the wrong way looked so right. Those missteps have carried a heavy price.
ReplyDeleteIn these twilight opportunities, we are given opportunity to draw down the shade of this day and wrap ourselves in the great silence of night. Waste not this chance.
i can so identify. Thank God the dawn is rising! Praying yours is a splendid display of grace, Denise.
Have those I met been better for our encounter? I always want the answer to this question to be yes. But, i know that at times I fail and then to know "Soon, very soon, the grace of another dawn will rise," brings such hope to my lack.
ReplyDeleteSo much to ponder...
ReplyDeleteHow many times have I asked myself these very same questions at the end of a day?
ReplyDeleteSomeday, I'll have some good answers in response.
God's blessing and peace to you this weekend, Denise.
~elaine
Lovely post, lovely photograph.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your thoughts so beautifully.
Love
Lidj