Birthday Invitation

Glimmers July 23, 2019

Dear Friends,

As I get older, my birthdays seem to speak a little louder. How is it for you? Do you notice the annual movements of your heart inviting you to greater awareness of what it means to be alive?

I have to confess, the meaning of life has been a topic of reflection for most of my days walking upon this earth. Yesterday, though, I was floating instead of walking. I found myself drawn to hidden shadows along Lake Beseck, where the dark water exposed unknown depths not easily seen in the sunlit center of the lake. Tree boughs and water’s edge come together to form a place of respite, a sacred space in the midst of a summer day. The willow’s leaves whisper as I paddle under her long, thin branches. Yes, it was a place of relief from the heat, but it was more than that. Quiet is speaking here, and I am listening.

For so many years, I have been looking backward at the puzzle pieces of my life. I have most of the edge-pieces and have filled in much of the scene. I’ve spent long hours, years really, searching for a few lost pieces. Some relationships and moments help me retrieve those missing fragments of my life, it’s as if I get a second, third and fourth chance to learn the lessons of loss, shame, abandonment, anxiety or fear. Each time is another opportunity to accept my limitations, embrace my gifts and open my heart to Love. Each time, I step into the Holy and experience the mystery of my humanness. Through God’s grace, I sometimes see the preciousness within. As Paula D’Arcy said,

“God comes to you disguised as your life.”

Other people float past my chapel on the lake, but I am still listening to nature’s voice. “Return,” the willow’s whisper touches my heart. “Relax,” the insects sing out at day’s end. “Remember,” reverberates through the light’s reflection, travels across the water and laps up onto my feet. I am one day older, steeped in the Mystery, and grateful for the fullness of life.

With affection, Lisa

 

 

 

9 Comments

  • Reply Vicki Garrett July 24, 2019 at 12:14 pm

    Happy Birthday Lisa! I am touched by this glimmer and have a lump in my throat as I read it. So grateful and happy to read all your glimmers and happy that I was there as they began. LOVE to you my friend.

    • Reply Lisa Irish July 24, 2019 at 3:00 pm

      Hi!
      you are reaching out everywhere!! so fun!
      thanks for this note and for sharing your feeling, that means a lot….yes, we are traveling a road of creative expression together! Gift!!

    • Reply Lisa Irish July 24, 2019 at 3:04 pm

      You’re everywhere!! Love you!
      I’m so glad you connected to this Glimmer Vicki, thank you for sharing your feeling! Yes, we’ve traveled this road together…now both of us offering light through creative expression. peace to you

  • Reply Norma Bohannon July 27, 2019 at 7:20 am

    Reading this over and over again. Each time, I see something new. I can feel the willow branches on my shoulders; hear the water as your paddle cuts through; react to the peace found in the shadows. Thank you, Lisa. You have touched a piece of my soul.

    • Reply Lisa Irish August 12, 2019 at 6:29 pm

      Thank you, Norma – so kind of you to enter the images so gently. This was an important piece for me and I value the connection. Blessings on this new day, Lisa

      • Reply Lisa Irish November 5, 2019 at 2:19 pm

        Thanks much Norma -It was a blessing to write…

    • Reply Lisa Irish November 5, 2019 at 2:20 pm

      It is wonderful to use our senses in our journey – thanks for connecting!

  • Reply Cynthia Bassett October 13, 2019 at 9:50 am

    Thank you, Lisa, for reminding us to simply pay attention and notice. The Mystery of God is all around us and available to everyone. We only have to stop and be still. What a gift!

    • Reply Lisa Irish November 5, 2019 at 2:21 pm

      Thanks Cynthia – grateful for your joining in! God IS all around!

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