So many lessons learned.
So many yet to learn.
Learning anew as the street’s stillness enveloped me.
As Patrick (the dog) and I took our customary morning stroll, we listened and we heard…
… nothing.
Then a leaf fell from our neighbor’s friendly oak tree
And I heard it land.
“This…,” I said, speaking into the cloak of silence. “This is what I most need to learn.”
I need to learn quiet.
I need to learn to be alone.
I need to learn to absorb.
I need to learn to both listen AND hear.
I need to learn to BE.
Here – even in the respite of retirement – I still find myself chasing.
Chasing
Going
Doing
Pressing
Striving
Driven to produce
Long after producing ceases to matter.
Lord, help me learn.
Help me learn the fullness of life’s empty places.
Bend my longing toward the richness of no thing.
Allay in me the fear of missing out,
Replace it with the joy of standing still.
Remind me again about the story of your prophet Elijah hearing your voice as a gentle whisper… not as an earthquake, or as a fire.
Find me
Greet me
Pour out your Spirit
Where the hush falls all around.
Abundant blessings;
Russellings of the Spirit 
Aww this is wonderful
Thank you!
Beautiful prayer poem! Thank you!
Thank you so much.
“Help me learn the fullness of life’s empty places.”…Russell, it’s so good to “see” you and read your beautiful thoughts. I understand. The title and your words need to be read by all. Oh to listen, stop, empty, absorb the nothingness of what is everything …and everything IS without US. That’s the beauty! God bless you! I hope you are both doing well. You’re such an encouragement!
Karla; thank you so much for your thoughtful comments. I am not sure where this one came from, honestly. It just kind of oozed out of my fingertips.
I am well, thank you for asking. I see by your recent post that your journey is taking you more deeply into the sanctuary of your faith. I continue to pray for you and your family. Blessings!
You’re so welcome, Russell. Don’t you love when the words ooze out? I’m so glad you are both well. I love the way you described my current journey of faith; it is perfect! My family and I appreciate the prayers. We believe! 🙏🏻🥰