In those times when I find myself in need of solitude, one of my favourite “go-to” authors is Sister Joyce Rupp – a member of the religious order known as the Servites or Servants of Mary.
Sister Joyce writes with great wisdom on the seasons of nature, seeing in them and comparing them to the human journey through the times of Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter.
This week, I thought I would share with you her insight into Winter.
Winter, Humble Servant of Creation, with brisk determination you encompass our land. You clothe us into warm wraps, send us out into the weather to gather the lessons you scatter.
You call us to sit by the fireplace and feed each other stories.
You invite us to listen to that which is invisible.
You are the contemplative season.
In unseen and unknown places, you faithfully do your work.
In the winter storms of our life, teach us patience.
May we learn to trust the goodness of what we cannot see.
As the ground becomes frozen, may we have the courage to visit the frozen
ground of our own lives, believing in the life that is hidden.
You clear the air. You protect the seed. You embrace reality. You, O Winter,
Hold our fears until they can be transformed into trust. You are the beautiful
season that we sometimes overlook.
Share with us your virtues of solitude, contemplation, and faith.
Surround us with your fresh, crisp breath and protect the seed that is
sleeping in the depth of our being.
I hope you enjoy this excerpt from The Four Seasons Prayer
In peace
Beryl
Taken from The Heart’s Journey Through the Seasons, 2005