Mtr Taylor Devine

Good morning,

Last week when I had the opportunity to write my Daily Bread reflection, I encouraged our sharing of stories of hope with those we meet.  And of course this week I’m struggling with words, desiring quiet space and room for prayer.  The days and weeks of our lives bring seasons of what feels like too many words, at least for me!  You may too feel this way.  In addition to a good walk and some time in silence, reading can be a good reset for me.  Most recently I’ve been reading a book called Love Heals, by Becca Stevens, the founder of Thistle Farms, and it is just lovely.  I thought I knew all about the story of Thistle Farms, but this book goes above and beyond .   Rev. Stevens weaves the day by day commitments, beauties and challenges of Christian life lived in (very intentional) community, sharing experience and hope that Love Heals.  The chapter that has caught my attention the most is about prayer.  A poem is included that I’d love to share with you, and to invite you into some prayerful time after reading it-it could be in the car once you’ve arrived at your destination but before the car gets too hot, or in a comfortable chair, but more than a few moments to settle into silence.

The Edges of My Heart by Becca Stevens

Sitting on a smooth stone by the river,
Formed by wind and time for weary pilgrims,
I watch birds, fish, and lupine dance on wind.
I hardly move as endless water rushes.
It looks as if I am doing nothing,
maybe wasting time…
that could be spent more industriously
feeding the poor or folding laundry.
Instead I travel toward my heart.  
I take in memory for sustenance
and let imagination be my northern star.
Rapids of worry catch my breath.
I abandon shame and fear as sinking weights 
as the current pulls against the edges of my heart.
I taste tears of familiar longing
I have carried from my youth.
I feel the freedom of a new idea
born in a heart created for more than beating.
The rock under me has not moved.
The birds and flowers still dance
as my heart swells along the river’s edge.
 

She writes “we each long for God’s love and healing like a deer longs for a babbling brook...Love is our deepest desire, both to give and to receive.  That desire is rooted in us and pushes at the edges of our hearts-the places where we grow our capacity to love and be loved.”  Contemplation roots her busy days, and ties us back to, reminds us of God's abiding presence.

With prayers for this new day,
Taylor

 Thistle Farms' Story: https://thistlefarms.org/pages/model-impact
(Quote from Love Heals, p. 82-83)