Earth as Original Cathedral – Christine Valters Paintner

…….

May you find sanctuary among trees and stones,

and feel Earth preparing a place for you

to sit and breathe and be.

…….

Let the long limbs of branches

form a canopy above your head,

let the hills open up a place for you to soar.

…….

May the stones form an altar and

see how the sun makes everything shimmer and glisten

so that everything shines forth from within.

…….

Let the tender vine climbing the trunk

show you what it is to reach to the sky,

let all the living creatures that gather,

winged and four-footed ones,

offer a new companionship.

…….

All around you, see yourself as part of this glorious cathedral,

the lake and holy wells are the fonts of baptism,

the river rushes carrying gifts down from the mountains,

the oaks and sycamore create a sacred circle,

the face of the Creator incarnate and immanent

illuminated with each gaze.

…….

Feel the veil between heaven and earth slip away

until you know this sanctuary of soil and sunlight,

listen to the sky whisper her secrets on the wind,

lifted by wings and song.

— Opening poem chosen and read by Nancy L.

After going to Walking in Wonder today we went to Brookgreen and saw the sculptures created after the tragedy of  9/11/2001. Part of our  journey today was looking for the beauty after such tragedy. After viewing the sculptures, we walked the grounds of Brookgreen. We happened upon  the light coming through this magnificent tree, making the Spanish moss glow. Ropes of moss like streams of light flowed from this amazing tree. Streams of hope, faith, light for the fallen, and those left behind. It reminded us, once again, that there is beauty everywhere and we only have to look for it. Laurie wanted to see beauty today, and be reminded of the world around us, of the beauty that is still there… and we found it.

Walking in Wonder was a perfect start to this day, reminding us of the beauty of God’s earth on a day that will always be remembered for the horrible and tragic events of 20 years ago. 

— Photo and reflection by Kim & Laurie F.

……………………………………………

Vines weave and ramble

Interdependent on

These strong sacred hosts.

Small creatures inching

Steady camouflaged movement

Illuminated.

.

Shimmer and glisten

Sanctuary of sunlight

Light and water merge.

— Photos and haikus by Nancy L.