Sunday, May 31, 2009

On the Edges


A few days ago, I was inspired to take some pictures outdoors. The weather was lovely, and many of our flowers were in bloom.

After enjoying my leisurely walk around the monastery, recording (as I thought) some of the most beautiful flowers, I went inside to look at the pictures on the computer.

I was a little disappointed. The sun was bright, so that much of the color was washed out, or the contrast was too great.

I began to look more closely at the pictures, trying to find the beauty I had seen outdoors. When I began in the upper left corner and scanned across, I found an image I liked--this one of leaves, dark and light. This was not what had attracted me to the original subject...yet it ended up being what spoke to me of beauty.

As I reflected on this experience, it seemed to me that this is sometimes what happens in my life. What first attracts me may end up being not as beautiful as I thought...or I find on looking closer that there is much more depth in what is on the edges of my awareness. I need only take the time to look, to see more deeply, to appreciate the true beauty always present.

Thursday, May 28, 2009

On Returning Home






Precious is your life
in trees, in us who gather
now at your table.