Category Archives: Poetry

On My Dad’s Passing

Posted on August 2, 2024 by Esther Hizsa

We left the hospitalto let my dad rest.Before we could return,the doctor called.with the news of his passing. I should have been there. The dull ache of regretlingers even thoughI have all the right words to release it. Regret,blame, disappointment,guilt, … Continue reading →

Posted in Aging, Poetry, Reflections | Tagged Esther Hizsa, Max Frehner, Ron Frehner, Rumi, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver, Steve, The Guest House | 12 Comments

Terrors and Arrows

Posted on July 24, 2024 by Esther Hizsa

You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day.–Psalm 91:5 It happened again and again and again.Moments when my body and mindwere in the same place enjoyingthe taste of freshly picked raspberries,the smell of … Continue reading →

Posted in compassion, Mindfulness, Poetry, Reflections | Tagged Coldstream, Esther Hizsa, Ian Spence, Kalamalka Lake, Lukas Stifter, Psalm 91:5, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver, Vernon | 6 Comments

I Have Arrived

Posted on July 13, 2024 by Esther Hizsa

It was 38 degrees outside when I entered the cool of the seniors’ residence with a potted cyclamen for my mom. Yvonne, my favourite resident, asks “Do you ever stop?” I could have said, “Yes.” and told her about my quiet times and … Continue reading →

Posted in community, compassion, Mindfulness, Poetry, Prayer, Reflections | Tagged Acts 17:28, Esther Hizsa, faungg's photos, Muurbloem, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver, Stop running, Stop?, Sylvia Sassen, Thich Naht Hanh | Leave a comment

Jesus’ Itinerary This Weekend

Posted on July 5, 2024 by Esther Hizsa

So Jesus went with them.–Luke 7:6 Jesus will be in the seat next to this oneon his red-eye flight,in the car,and at the memorial of his loved one. Jesus will be up at dawn,grabbing his pack and joining another on … Continue reading →

Posted in compassion, Poetry, Reflections | Tagged Deuteronomy 31:6, Esther Hizsa, Jesus' Itinerary, Luke 7:6, Monk, Sarah Horrigan, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver, Susanne Nilsson, Together, Walking Together | 4 Comments

A Message in Surround Sound

Posted on June 29, 2024 by Esther Hizsa

The odometer on my bike flashes 9999.9. Until it’s reset, it won’t report my distance, time, or average speed– .only how fast I’m going right now. Signs on driveways and outside schoolyardssay, “Slow down.” I notice how long it takes Fred to end … Continue reading →

Posted in community, Mindfulness, Poetry, Reflections | Tagged Confessions of a Guilty Bystander, Esther Hizsa, John Reynolds, Please Slow Down, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver | Leave a comment

My Peace, I Give You

Posted on June 22, 2024 by Esther Hizsa

You came through locked doors and into our anxious hearts and said, “Peace, be with you.” We passed it off, a greeting. You said it again, “Peace be with you.” And we remembered,You promised to give us your peace otherworldly and unaffected by circumstance.You … Continue reading →

Posted in compassion, Mindfulness, Mystical, Poetry, Reflections | Tagged Door and lock, Esther Hizsa, John 14:27, John 20:19-21, Lawrence OP, Luke 13:18-20, rainy city, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver | Leave a comment

The Truth That Set You Free

Posted on June 14, 2024 by Esther Hizsa

Sitting on the hillside,listening to the preacher,you can’t remember the words exactly–something about the kingdom of Godand the list of who are blessed and belong–and it dawned on you:it’s everyone.Everyone.Everyone belongs in God’s forever kingdom of love,including you. Tears filled … Continue reading →

Posted in Childhood, community, compassion, Poetry, Reflections | Tagged Esther Hizsa, James Finley, John 8:32, Luke 23:34, Matthew 5:1-12, Sermon on the Mount, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver | 4 Comments

Paradise Today

Posted on June 7, 2024 by Esther Hizsa

Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”–Luke 23:43 When You told the criminal,“Today, you will be with me in paradise.”I’ve always heard a promise of heaven,his final destination. But for the first time, … Continue reading →

Posted in compassion, Poetry, Reflections | Tagged -Reji, 2 Corinthians 4:18, Esther Hizsa, John 1:5, Luke 23:43, Quiet Melody at Dawn, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver, Theives on the cross | Leave a comment

Ghostly Visitations

Posted on June 2, 2024 by Esther Hizsa

As soon as I heard his words, my mind left the room and entered the moment of regret. I wondered what I could have done, should have done. While Blame was accusing,not just pointing out my faultbut rubbing it in,Widsom interruptedand pointed out a … Continue reading →

Posted in compassion, Helpful Images, Poetry, Reflections | Tagged 2 Corinthians 3:17, Curtains, Esther Hizsa, freedom, Ghosts, JR_Paris, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver, Yulianti is away | Leave a comment

Julian’s Prayer

Posted on May 24, 2024 by Esther Hizsa

God, of your goodness, give me yourself; you are enough for me.—Julian of Norwich, Revelations of Divine Love Under the treesin the early morning,I listened to the birds sing to each otherand breathed a prayerthat was once only words: God, … Continue reading →