Let there be an opening into the quiet that lies beneath the chaos, where you find the peace you did not think possible and see what shimmers within the storm. ~ Jan Richardson, Blessing in the chaos
Where is the opening for you?
Opening
Strength to be free
“Give me the strength to be free. Often, “being free” means to be where we are not at the moment, to be released of a particular set of chores or responsibilities …means movement, change, reordering. To be free may not mean any of these things. … Give me strength to be free. … It is the manifestation of a quality of being and living that results not only from understanding of one’s situation but also from wisdom in dealing with it.” ~ Howard Thurman
What does “being free” mean to you?
No words
Sometimes there are no words in the face of fear and despair.
How does one companion in such a time as this?
At peace
When we are at peace, we find the freedom to be most fully who we are, even in the worst of times. We let go of what is nonessential and embrace what is essential. We empty ourselves so that God may more fully work within us.“ ~ Cardinal Joseph Bernadin
How do you make room for that peace?
Let us pray
“Enable us to carry out from this place peace and strength that here we gain. Because we have talked with You here, may we be able to work more patiently for Your kingdom, bringing light upon the problems that perplex the world, dispelling the night of doubt and fear with Your sheltering love.” ~ from Meditations of the Heart
How do you carry peace?
Traveling
People travel to wonder at the height of mountains, at huge waves of the sea, at the long courses of rivers, at the vast compass of the ocean, at the circular motion of the stars . . . and they pass by themselves without wondering. —St. Augustine, Confessions
How do you marvel at yourself?
With the Eyes of the Heart 