Category Archives: Poetry

Rhythm and Rest

Posted on October 14, 2023 by Esther Hizsa

I was amazed to discoverhow much I could accomplish–without a good night’s sleepor morning quiet time–when I had to. Then, help came and nowI don’t have to.I get to rest. I’ve returned hometo familiar faces, spaces, and silence. You were there,being … Continue reading →

Posted in Aging, compassion, Poetry, Reflections | Tagged Bloedcicade, Esther Hizsa, Frederick Buechner, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver, Sylvia Sassen, The Sacred Journey | Leave a comment

Today

Posted on October 7, 2023 by Esther Hizsa

Will you come and follow me if I but call your name?Will you go where you don’t know and never be the same?–John L. Bell, The Summons On the fifth morning after moving into the seniors’ residence,my dad enjoyed getting … Continue reading →

Posted in compassion, Poetry, Reflections | Tagged crom shin, Esther Hizsa, John L.Bell, marneejill, Morning, Psalm 139:10, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver, The Summons, Trail walking | 2 Comments

Light in the Darkness

Posted on September 23, 2023 by Esther Hizsa

There are just some losses that are unbearable, the loss is so deep. But if we don’t panic, if we don’t panic and walk in the loss, we can see starting to shine out through it, lessons about fragility and … Continue reading →

Posted in Poetry, Reflections | Tagged Candle light, Esther Hizsa, James Finley, John 1:5, Peter Lin, spiritual director Burnaby, Tom Ek, Wait... | 5 Comments

Caregivers

Posted on September 15, 2023 by Esther Hizsa

I have been an independent womandoing what I like since I became an adult. Then suddenly I becamea caregiver.Now, my life is not my own.My thoughts are about someone else–their needs, their health. Life as I knew it was swept off … Continue reading →

Posted in Aging, community, compassion, Poetry, Reflections | Tagged caregivers, Chronic Joy, Esther Hizsa, Jesus healing Peter's mother-in-law, John 21:18, Rembrandt, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver | 7 Comments

For a Time

Posted on September 8, 2023 by Esther Hizsa

Long ago, You became fleshand dwelt among us. For a time,You moved into the neighbourhood,stepped into people’s lives,answered their questions,comforted their hearts,healed their bodiesand cast out their demons. And what were you doing before and afterthose thirty years?And what are … Continue reading →

Posted in Poetry, Reflections | Tagged Esther Hizsa, Guercino, John 1:14, Rosary Team, Samaritan woman, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver, The Good Shepherd, The woman at the well | Leave a comment

State of Emergency

Posted on August 25, 2023 by Esther Hizsa

Fires out of control Smoky skies, scratchy throat Bags packed and ready to evacuate Lord, have mercy. Diagnosis Prognosis Chemo Side effects 70-80 percent successful She’s the one the doctor’s talking to Lord, have mercy. Clutching a cardboard sign on … Continue reading →

Posted in compassion, Homelessness, Poetry, Poverty of Spirit, Reflections | Tagged AKASH U.K, Always With Me, candle, Esther Hizsa, Kelowna wild fires, Paul Zach, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver | 5 Comments

Take and Receive

Posted on July 21, 2023 by Esther Hizsa

What does it mean to surrender myself to Love,to ask God to take and receive my life,and follow Christ into suffering? On the road to discovering thatI’m learning that it’s not saying yes to every need that arisesyet it’s being … Continue reading →

Posted in compassion, Ignatian Spirituality, Poetry, Prayer, Reflections | Tagged David Benner, Dr. Matthias Ripp, Esther Hizsa, Isaiah 40:11, Jesus the Good Shepherd, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver, Surrender, Surrender to Love | 3 Comments

Moments: Part 2

Posted on July 14, 2023 by Esther Hizsa

You, my dear reader, might think that when life-changing stuff like this happens that it would be so easy to meet God in prayer on retreat,but it was not. I struggled to stay present. A couple of times I fell asleep. … Continue reading →

Posted in compassion, Ignatian Spirituality, Poetry, Prayer, Reflections, Stories | Tagged 8 day retreat, Daniel of Uranc, Esther Hizsa, Fritz von Uhde, Ignatius of Loyola, Loaves and fishes, Luke 24:13-35, Mark 6:34-44, Mark 8:27-30, Road to Emmaus, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver, St. James the Greater Catholic Church, Take and Receive, Thomas Merton, Walking on water | 1 Comment

Moments: Part 1

Posted on July 7, 2023 by Esther Hizsa

When I was alone with you for eight days,there were moments I will never forget. On the first day, there was the moment you said,“Go ahead. Ask for what you want.” I asked to fall in love with you again and … Continue reading →

Posted in Ignatian Spirituality, Mystical, Poetry, Prayer, Reflections | Tagged Anne Yungwirth, candle, Droplet, eight day prayer retreat, Esther Hizsa, Father Richard Soo SJ, Ignatian prayer retreeat, Irene Fennema, Mechthild of Magdeburg, praying with the imagination, Reflecting moment, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver, The Cloud of Unknowing, Thomas Hassel, William Manaker SJ | 5 Comments

Coming Home

Posted on June 16, 2023 by Esther Hizsa

Sometimes I feel likeevery part of me’s beenflung up in the airand caughtin slow motion floating, swirlingand falling leisurelydown to earth. Transitions are hard. Departures and arrivals unsettle me.I have to let it be and wait with You until all these parts of mefall … Continue reading →