To Walk with Saints and Scholars

What a complicated thing Mary’s joy must have been – pregnant, unwed, a youth. How does one not swoon at the implications of all that Gabriel revealed? And yet, how does one not touch the womb where God-with-us will soon reside? What a complicated joy.

And so I offer a blessing in that spirit. This is a blessing for all that it requires to say “yes” without knowing how that yes will shape us nor what it will require. This is a blessing on going empty enough to allow God to come in – this Advent and always.

Blessing the Going….Empty

You, who prefers bags packed

         and journeys mapped,

Can you pause for just a moment?

Pause on the precipice of “next.”

Feel the weight of the nothing

you will carry on your way.

Yes!

Butterflies do tug you toward the horizon.

But notice.

Deep-rooted trees do beckon you to bide.

Perhaps this moment is both.

Both a goad to go

and a sense you should stay.

All new beginnings do that, you know.

         Implore…

         Impede…

All at once the same.

So may you find the strength required

to carry the weight of the nothing now.

No expectations, no plans,

nothing but a beginner’s mind.

And may you find the courage you’ll need

to not wrestle the angels each night.

Don’t fight as fears arise.

And may you find the necessary love

to say “no” to staying put.

Move on.  Move out.  Remember, move empty.

Walk weightless

toward all that will teach you next.

Amen.

NB: The song linked below has very explicit language. AND! It is totally worth your time and toleration. May Complicated Joy be with you.