“Too late have I loved
you, O Beauty so ancient and new, too late have I loved you! Behold, you were
within me while I was outside; it was there that I sought you, and rushed
headlong upon these things of beauty, which you have made. You have blazed
forth with light …and have put my blindness to flight…” ~St. Augustine
I
joined this circle of caregivers and warmed the hands of my heart by the light of this
Journal’s hearth. For three years, this Journal has been a source of
unconditional Love, reflection and renewal. Each morning I have read an
inspiring meditation written by Reverend Erie Chapman or Cathy Self, along with the
insightful comments by fellow caregivers. I have contemplated the wisdom offered as
I tried to respond in ways that were meaningful. This time of focused
attention and Loving intention has had a profoundly positive influence on my life. It has
changed how “I see” as I move through the ins and outs of my day. My Journal encounters have become a spiritual practice. I realize how fortunate I’ve been to receive mentoring from
a great spiritual leader, my esteemed colleague, Erie Chapman.
Initially,
it was a new and different experience to post a comment on a public forum. I felt
a little intimidated as I thought about what I could possibly write. Yet, as I shared
from my heart, I learned about Love’s expansiveness. For you see, the blessings
of this Journal, continue to ripple out far-and- wide, beyond what is visible
or known, for the benefit of caregivers throughout our world.
As
I reflect upon my new role as a contributor to this Journal on Saturday’s, I
view this challenge as a revered honor. May the spirit of Ruah (Hebrew for “Breath
of God”) blow through us to fan the embers of this sacred fire. May we keep it burning
brightly as caregivers of wonder and possibilities.
This Journal invites us on a
pilgrimage. A pilgrimage can be a journey to a sacred place, especially one of exalted purpose, laden with meaningful
significance. However, rather than traveling to some distant place,
this Journal invites us to take the inward path. We are encouraged to visit the inner sanctuary of our
hearts.
Caregivers are often so busy caring
for others that they rarely take the necessary time to care for their own mind,
body, and spirits. Yet, in this sacred space, we can sojourn as mutual companions
on a path of self-discovery and healing.
"Your identity is not equivalent
to your biography. There is a place in you where you have never been wounded,
where there's a seamlessness in you, and where there is a confidence and
tranquility in you, and I think the intention of prayer and spirituality and
love is now and again to visit that inner kind of sanctuary."~ John O' Donohue
Friends, fellow sojourners bring your weary bones, your
tired hearts and minds, come often to this well to replenish, renew, and heal.
~Liz Wessel
Journal of Sacred Work 
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