So This is the New Year

When my father passed away the September before last (has it really been so long?), a good friend gave me a very special devotional book. I have read it often and more often than not the daily selections strike a chord in me that I haven’t heard in a long time; chords that sound good again at the playing; chords that both enliven my heart and soothe my soul. The words of the devotional fall like a musical interlude like the one that plays as the children depart our sanctuary after their time in worship, ushering us into a time of prayer and deep reflection.

In the devotional, at the beginning of each week there are some thoughts from the authors that always end with a nice little breath prayer for the reader to put into use.

This week, I’ve put them to good use.

Coming off of the holidays, and sharing together in all the joys and challenges they bring, I am struck by how a few simple little words can affect me. Simple words like, “safe travels,” “fare thee well,” and “I love you” have a surprisingly strong impact when issued by family members at our departures; especially in light of the many miles that separates our homes, especially in the shadow still cast from the loved one we lost. It used to be my mother who would shed a tear at our leavings. Now I too get that lump in my throat.

On the Camino de Santiago, people greet pilgrims with the kind words, “Buen Camino!” meaning “good journey.” I remember how thrilled I was the first time a shepherd issued me this salutation. Two simple words that grew to take on great meaning over the course of my 500 mile trek. Whether shouted with great gusto from my Australian friend Ash, or whispered quietly from a passing woman en route to mass, these two simple words somehow took on the form of a blessing, freely given, gladly received.

As I reflect back on time well spent (and some not so well) during the holiday season, my wish for you is that you too have smiles that still warm at the remembering, that you took some time to be pleased with your life, and that you shed a tear or two as well. I find that the richness that comes from a little breathing space in the schedule of life offers invitations to laugh and to mourn the good and the sad; and I am quite grateful for both.

Looking back on the year that was, and turning now to face a new year, I share with you this week’s breath prayer from my favorite devotional. It is taken from Psalm 4:4, “Take thought in the silence of your hearts” and is simplified to, “in the silence” and, “of my heart.” I hope you can take a little interlude for yourself with this breath prayer, and that for you, as it did for me, the chord resonates in your heart and soul.

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