Those who have sat in the darkness know how the shadows give way to desire. Without sight, without our heads swimming with the images of what others tell us we want, we can turn our gaze inward and search our souls . . . What longs to be born in us in this season? —Jan Richardson

In the shadows
I hear what has been silenced by
loud voices telling me
what I should do,
what I should be.

In the stillness
I know
what I don’t want to do.
I know that
trying to make myself do it
isn’t working.

As I wait and listen deeply to my soul
I hear
possibility.
I can stop doing what I should.
I can let go of trying to make myself become.

A kind voice asks,
What would you like to do?

Relief and spaciousness fill my chest
as I hold the possibility
that my soul glorifies the Lord.
If I listen to it,
I will become
aligned
with the mysterious forces
that overshadowed Mary.

I hold the possibility
that I can be as brave as Mary
and do what isn’t expected of me,
and become exactly what is needed.

Mary said,
“My soul glorifies the Lord. . .”
–Luke 1:46

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Love Mischief for the World

On Sunday, we light the third Advent candle for joy. What possibility is your soul offering you that brings you joy? What do you hear when, as you “let your shy soul speak”? When you read today’s post, what resonated with you, disquieted you, or inspired you? Could this be the mysterious forces at work in you?

What love mischief are you and God doing for the world?
Let me know and I will include it in an upcoming post.

Credits and References:
Opening quote by Jan Richardson, Illuminated Advent Retreat, Dec 5, 2020
“Shadow” by myrealnameispete. Used with permission.
“Annunciation” by Fra Angelico, 1437. Wikimedia. Non-commercial usage allowed.
“3ter Advent” by grosskopf_photography. Used with permission.
Quote “Let your shy soul speak” by Parker Palmer, A Hidden Wholeness: The Journey Toward an Undivided Life

© Esther Hizsa, An Everyday Pilgrim, 2020.
Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without permission from Esther Hizsa is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used provided there is a link to the original content and credit is given as follows: © Esther Hizsa, An Everyday Pilgrim 2013-2020.  http://www.estherhizsa.com