The "season" of retirement

At worship this morning (The Corner Uniting Church) we spent time in reflection on Cedar Prest's stained glass window "Tree ... Seasons" (installed in Spicer Uniting Church).

For me - the reminder that there is a "plain" time, where nothing seems to be happening; but it is part of the cycle, and growth, fruiting, storm and warmth will come.  It's just a matter of waiting with expectation.

This came also through communion - where the wine tasted full and rich.

Haiku #5

When your kingdom comes
in me is new life
and together we bring hope

Haiku #4

A full day
of effective, useful work -
supported by God's strong love.

Haiku #3

Christ-bless'd -
I am to be
alert to God's way,
an eager follower.

Transfiguration

I'm pleased to have found Malcolm Guite's sonnet for the feast of Transfiguration.  I find the last couplet particularly encouraging.

Transfiguration Malcolm Guite

For that one moment, ‘in and out of time’,
On that one mountain where all moments meet,
The daily veil that covers the sublime
In darkling glass fell dazzled at his feet.
There were no angels full of eyes and wings
Just living glory full of truth and grace.
The Love that dances at the heart of things
Shone out upon us from a human face
And to that light the light in us leaped up,
We felt it quicken somewhere deep within,
A sudden blaze of long-extinguished hope
Trembled and tingled through the tender skin.
Nor can this this blackened sky, this darkened scar
Eclipse that glimpse of how things really are.

Haiku #2

When Mary gave birth -
blessed child of God, for us -
Elizabeth wept.

haiku

Gratitude abounds
with blessings beyond number
when Jesus is near.