Category Archives: Poetry

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 →

Posted in autism, community, compassion, Poetry, Reflections | Tagged All Parts Welcome, beach, beach pebbles, Elizabeth Gilbert, Esther Hizsa, Ib Aarmo, Matthew Henry, pebbles, Psalm 18:16-19, Richard Schwartz, Sounds True, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver, Tami Simon | 3 Comments

Less

Posted on June 9, 2023 by Esther Hizsa

I feel gratefulon sunny dayswhen more is given than I hoped for or imagined. But not so much on days that are less than great,with tedious moments and stress,disappointmentsand sadnessI can’t escape. I want to change the channel,change the scenery,change everyone … Continue reading →

Posted in ADHD, Aging, autism, compassion, Poetry, Reflections, Songs | Tagged Audrey Assad, boredom, Esther Hizsa, Gustave Thibon, Landlady, MissTitty, Restless, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver, Tom Wuest, U2, Underneath the Shadow | 4 Comments

Posted on June 2, 2023 by Esther Hizsa

More.I want more time,more done in my day,more kilometres walked and biked,more dessert,another movie that I enjoyed as much as the last one,more kudos, wins, meaningful prayer times,as if more of anything would make me happier. Then I spend six days … Continue reading →

Posted in Creation, Poetry, Reflections | Tagged Acts 17:28, BC Canada yyjpics., David Steindl-Rast, Esther Hizsa, Gary Malkin, Gratefulness, gratitude, Island View, Louie Schwartzberg, Russell McNeil, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver, Timothy Neesam, Victoria BC | Leave a comment

Always

Posted on May 26, 2023 by Esther Hizsa

The disciples were scared spitlesswhen You sent them off two by two to preach and perform miracleswithout You.But they did it and came back full of joy with stories as long as Your arm. Then when You were arrested, beaten and … Continue reading →

Posted in Easter, Poetry, Reflections | Tagged Carivaggio, Esther Hizsa, Father Lawrence Lew, Frederick Buechner, Oh No!, Sent Out, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver, The Ascension of Our Lord, The Incredulity of St. Thomas, The Sacred Journey | 1 Comment

Notice Me

Posted on May 5, 2023 by Esther Hizsa

As soon as the participants started arriving at the retreat centreI noticed something in meelbowed to the front and shoved my self aside. She wanted a hug from everyone and pouted when she didn’t get it.At the dinner table,she told … Continue reading →

Posted in Childhood, compassion, Easter, Poetry, Reflections | Tagged Bernard Dupont, Esther Hizsa, Gordon Johnson, Michael Levine-Clark, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver, Vervet Monkeys | 4 Comments

The Unholy Three

Posted on April 28, 2023 by Esther Hizsa

Fear is a powerful ally.It curbs my behaviour, motivates me, and keeps me safe.Would I be as nice if I didn’t fear judgment?Would I prepare and work so hard if I didn’t fear failure?Would I watch what I eat and … Continue reading →