Grace and peace be with you!

I was reading from what I call my “Book of Blessings” this morning (Circle of Grace, Jan Richardson) and I came across this blessing based on Isaiah 43.6, “Bring my sons from far away and my daughters from the end of the earth.” It’s called “The Map You Make Yourself.”

You have looked

at so many doors

with longing,

wondering if your life

lay on the other side.

For today,

choose the door

that opens

to the inside.

Travel the most ancient way

of all:

the path that leads you

to the center

of your life.

No map

but the one

you make yourself.

No provision

but what you already carry

and the grace that comes

to those who walk

the pilgrim’s way.

Speak this blessing

as you set out

and watch how

your rhythm slows,

the cadence of the road

drawing you into the pace

that is your own.

Eat when hungry.

Rest when tired.

Listen to your dreaming.

Welcome detours

as doors deeper in.

Pray for protection.

Ask for the guidance you need.

Offer gladness

for the gifts that come

and then

let them go.

Do not expect

to return

by the same road.

Home is always

by another way

and you will know it

not by the light

that waits for you

but by the star

that blazes inside you

telling you

where you are

is holy

and you are welcome

here.

This is my prayer for you -- that you will open the door that leads back inside to you, and that as you do, you will speak this blessing to yourself aloud; for who you are and where you are is indeed holy.

In gratitude for the privilege of being your Pastor and the holy call of loving you,

Pastor Trish