Category Archives: Stories

Surrender’s Shadow Side

Posted on November 3, 2023 by Esther Hizsa

“You went out for lunch without me?” I blurted, unable to contain my hurt and anger. “Don’t get me wrong. I’m glad you did,” I added. I meant it, too. But that awful feeling of being left out and forgotten … Continue reading →

Posted in compassion, Reflections | Tagged Brian Evans, Esther Hizsa, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver, Susanne Nilsson, That's one angry bird | Leave a comment

Surrender

Posted on October 28, 2023 by Esther Hizsa

Yesterday, there wasanother letting go.What I wanted was set aside for the good of someone else. This morning, there was another noticingof how dark and dull another life would beif I were not here to lift the blinds or change the batteries. … Continue reading →

Posted in Aging, compassion, Poetry, Reflections | Tagged Esther Hizsa, Hold Me Jesus, leaf, Rich Mullins, Seyed Mostafa Zamani, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver | 1 Comment

At the Edge

Posted on October 20, 2023 by Esther Hizsa

For months now, I’ve had to be “on” with an endless to-do listand little time to sink downinto You. And now that I have time,for a while anyway,I can’t seem to find my way home.I can’t enter into Your silence. Just when … Continue reading →

Posted in Reflections | Tagged David KK, Esther Hizsa, Galiano Island, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver, Take It Easy, The Porter's Gate | Leave a comment

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

In the Valley of the Shadow of Death

Posted on September 30, 2023 by Esther Hizsa

When we imagine surrendering our life to God, we often brace ourselves for unwanted change. Of course, we do, fearful creatures that we are. But after I asked God to take and receive my life at the end of my … Continue reading →

Posted in Aging, community, compassion, Reflections, Stories | Tagged Esther Hizsa, Glacier National Park, naserke, Psalm 23:4, Rogers Pass, Shepherd and His Flock, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver, Tobias Nordhausen | 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

Calling in the Angels

Posted on September 1, 2023 by Esther Hizsa

The rhythm of the everyday pilgrim includes coffee in the morning and a spacious amount of time to quiet her mind and open her heartto meet God in silence. Her Rule of Life reminds her toget outside, eat well,and look for God in … Continue reading →