#Joyce Rupp

[julesofnature]

 Goddess of the seasons, there is a time for everything: there is a time for dying and a time for rising.  We need courage to enter into the transformation process.         Creator of autumn, the trees are saying goodbye to their green, letting go of what has been.  We, too, have our moments of surrender, with all their insecurity and risk. Help us to let go when we need to do so.         Ancient Mother of fallen leaves lying in colored patterns on the ground, our lives have their own patterns.  As we see the patterns of our own growth, may we learn from them.         Birthing Goddess of misty days and harvest moon nights, there is always the dimension of mystery and wonder in our lives.  We always need to recognize your power-filled presence.  May we gain strength from this.         Nurturing One of harvest wagons and fields of ripened grain, many gifts of growth lie within the season of our surrender.  We must wait for harvest in faith and hope.  Grant us patience when we do not see the blessings.         Mother Wisdom of geese going south for another season, your wisdom enables us to know what needs to be left behind and what needs to be carried into the future.  We yearn for insight and vision.     Daughter of flowers touched with frost and windows wearing white designs, may your love keep our hearts from growing cold in the empty seasons.     Spirit of Life, you believe in us, you enrich us, you entrust us with the freedom to choose life.  For all this we are grateful. 

'A Prayer for Autumn Days', (adapted version), original by Joyce Rupp

[dk-thrive]

If I wait to be perfect before I love myself, I will always be unsatisfied and ungrateful. If I wait until all the flaws, chips, and cracks disappear, I will be the cup that stands on the shelf and is never used.

- Joyce Rupp, The Cup of Our Life (Sorin Books; April 30, 2012) (via Alive on All Channels)

[fierysword]

Sophia is the one who journeys with the people: "Wisdom delivered her servants from their ordeals ... led by her along straight paths ... she showed . . . the knowledge of holy things" (Wisdom 10:9-10)... The strength and the guidance of Sophia..."the marvels that God has done"...are emphasized.

The Star in My Heart: Experiencing Sophia, Inner Wisdom by Joyce Rupp

[suziegallagher]

Day one journal

Day 1: Be Open to All That Shows Up in Your Life open During my quiet time I opened the email but it is only now an hour later when I realise how many things have been open to me. My dog was open to being taken for a walk, a driver was open to letting me go first, the door opened (but first I had to unlock it), the coffee cup with its beautiful cat motif stared at me open to be filled. Now as…

[forward-in-joy]

The Heart of Compassion

Compassionate God,

your generous presence

is always attuned to hurting ones.

Your listening ear is bent

toward the cries of the wounded.

Your heart of love

fills with tears for the suffering.

-- Joyce Rupp

[poemshubs]

13 Poems About Gratitude for Life

Gratitude is one of the most profound and universal emotions that shape our human experience. It is the acknowledgement of the blessings, moments, and people that make our lives meaningful. While words cannot entirely encapsulate the depth of gratitude, poetry has long been a medium through which we can express our appreciation for life’s complexities.

In this article, we will explore thirteen poems that beautifully convey gratitude, with excerpts and analysis that reflect different aspects of this emotion. These poems range from simple expressions of thankfulness to intricate meditations on the gifts of life, love, and nature.

1. “Gratitude” by Mary Oliver

Mary Oliver’s poetry often revolves around nature’s beauty and the deep connection between the human soul and the natural world. In her poem “Gratitude,” Oliver eloquently captures the essence of thankfulness.

“I don’t know exactly what a prayer is. I do know how to pay attention, how to fall down into the grass, how to kneel, how to be idle and bless the time.”

In this short but profound poem, Oliver emphasizes gratitude through mindful awareness of the present moment. By “falling down into the grass,” she suggests a posture of humility and reverence towards life. Gratitude is not just an emotional response, but a way of living—one that involves being present and appreciating the small, everyday miracles. Oliver’s language is simple, yet it conveys a profound spiritual truth: to be grateful is to be aware, to pay attention to the world and all its blessings.

2. “Thanksgiving” by Edgar Guest

Edgar Guest’s “Thanksgiving” speaks directly to the joys and challenges of everyday life. It is a celebration of the things that often go unnoticed but are essential to a fulfilling existence.

“For the joy of each new morning, For the blessings of the day, For the kindness of the stranger, For the love we find in play.”

Guest’s poem acknowledges that gratitude is rooted in both the small and large aspects of life. He starts with the simple act of waking up and moves through various forms of kindness, love, and joy. The structure of the poem is light and conversational, allowing readers to easily relate to the subject matter. In his portrayal of gratitude, Guest underscores the idea that thankfulness is not just for monumental events, but also for the everyday gifts that sustain us.

3. “A Gratitude” by Louise Bogan

Louise Bogan’s “A Gratitude” is a meditation on the emotional and intellectual gifts that life offers. She explores the idea of grace in the face of hardship, demonstrating that gratitude can arise even in difficult circumstances.

“In the late evening, on the road to nowhere, I turned and saw the sky broken by the crescent moon A yellow light spilled out from its curve And I felt a sudden rush of thankfulness.”

Bogan’s poem suggests that gratitude often comes at unexpected moments. The “yellow light” symbolizes a beacon of hope or beauty in the darkness. Even in life’s most challenging moments (“on the road to nowhere”), there is a potential for grace. Bogan’s work highlights that gratitude is not merely a passive feeling but an active recognition of beauty and meaning in the world around us, even in fleeting moments.

4. “I Am Thankful” by Joyce Rupp

“I Am Thankful” by Joyce Rupp is a deep reflection on the many facets of gratitude, from personal relationships to the gifts of the earth. Rupp’s poem connects gratitude to an intentional act of appreciation for both the visible and invisible blessings of life.

“I am thankful for the rain that cools my fevered skin, For the winds that chase the dark clouds from my path.”

Rupp’s poem offers a direct relationship between nature and human experience. The rain symbolizes healing, and the wind represents clarity or the removal of obstacles. Through such imagery, Rupp’s work embodies a holistic sense of gratitude, one that includes not just tangible gifts but also the natural world’s ability to refresh and renew the spirit.

5. “The Peace of Wild Things” by Wendell Berry

Wendell Berry’s “The Peace of Wild Things” is an ode to the solace that nature offers during moments of anxiety. In it, Berry speaks of gratitude for the refuge found in the natural world.

“When despair for the world grows in me And I wake in the night at the least sound In fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be, I go and lie down where the wood drake Rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.”

Berry’s poem is a reflection on the healing power of nature. In the face of uncertainty and fear, the speaker finds peace by reconnecting with the wilderness. This moment of stillness and connection with the earth is a form of gratitude—not for any specific event, but for the enduring and stabilizing forces of nature that offer respite from human turmoil. Berry’s natural world, with its creatures and quiet beauty, becomes a sanctuary of peace.

6. “Thanks” by W.S. Merwin

W.S. Merwin’s “Thanks” is a simple yet profound meditation on life’s blessings. The poem is sparse and direct, yet it resonates with emotional depth.

“Listen, with the night falling we are saying thank you. We are saying thank you in the words of the dead. And they are saying thank you to us.”

Merwin’s poem contemplates gratitude as both a human and a universal experience. By invoking the “words of the dead,” he suggests that gratitude transcends time and space. It is a continuous cycle, passed down from past generations to the present, creating an unbroken link of thankfulness. The brevity and simplicity of the poem reinforce the idea that gratitude is not necessarily elaborate—it is, in fact, the most basic and universal of human expressions.

7. “A Thankful Heart” by Edgar A. Guest

This poem is a declaration of the emotional power of gratitude, which Edgar A. Guest expresses in a straightforward and accessible style. The poem speaks to the transformative power of thankfulness, not just for what we have but for how gratitude can change our perspectives.

“A thankful heart is a great delight, It makes the world seem bright and right.”

Guest’s simple rhyming couplets offer an optimistic view of gratitude. The “thankful heart” is a metaphor for inner peace and joy, which, in turn, shapes how we view the world. The poem conveys the idea that gratitude isn’t just a passive feeling; it actively alters our perception, making everything seem “bright and right.” It’s a powerful reminder of the emotional impact of thankfulness.

8. “Song of the Open Road” by Walt Whitman

Walt Whitman’s “Song of the Open Road” is an exuberant celebration of freedom, self-discovery, and the journey of life. It is filled with a sense of gratitude for the road ahead, the people met along the way, and the opportunities that life provides.

“The road is life, and I am thankful for every step I take, for the places it leads, For the people I meet, for the path that is always open.”

Whitman’s poem is a metaphorical exploration of the journey of life. The open road symbolizes opportunity, adventure, and the unfolding of one’s destiny. Whitman’s gratitude is tied to the idea of self-discovery and the freedom to choose one’s own path. There is a sense of optimism and openness in the poem, as Whitman expresses gratitude for life’s unpredictable, yet promising, journey.

9. “The World Is Too Much with Us” by William Wordsworth

Wordsworth’s “The World Is Too Much with Us” may seem like a lament at first, but it ultimately expresses gratitude for the natural world, which he feels humans have lost touch with.

“It moves us not. Great God! I’d rather be A Pagan suckled in a creed outworn; So might I, standing on this pleasant lea, Have glimpses that would make me less forlorn.”

In this poem, Wordsworth laments humanity’s disconnection from nature due to industrialization. However, the poem expresses an underlying gratitude for the natural world’s beauty and power. Wordsworth yearns for a more intimate connection with nature, and in this longing, there is an inherent recognition of the earth’s profound gifts. It suggests that true gratitude lies in a deep communion with the natural world, rather than material wealth or societal success.

10. “Thanks Be to God” by Emily Dickinson

Emily Dickinson’s “Thanks Be to God” offers a religious perspective on gratitude, acknowledging the divine source of life’s blessings.

“Thanks be to God for the days of grace, For the earth beneath and the sky above, For the love that fills every space.”

Dickinson’s poem emphasizes gratitude as a spiritual practice, acknowledging the presence of divine love in everyday life. Her use of “thanks be to God” signals an understanding that all of life’s blessings—whether material or spiritual—come from a higher source. The sense of peace and reverence in Dickinson’s words reflects the depth of gratitude she feels for the grace and abundance of life.

11. “For the Life That I Have” by Iain Crichton Smith

This poem, while brief, is a poignant reflection on gratitude for life’s small joys and moments of connection.

“For the life that I have, I thank you. For the love that you have shown, I am forever grateful.”

Smith’s poem is a direct expression of thanks for the simple gifts of life—love, kindness, and companionship. The brevity of the poem underscores the idea that gratitude does not need to be elaborated upon; it is enough to simply express thanks. This poem emphasizes the importance of gratitude in personal relationships, and the lasting impact of love and support.

12. “The Thanks of the Father” by Rabindranath Tagore

Rabindranath Tagore’s poem, “The Thanks of the Father,” explores the relationship between a parent and child, and the gratitude that exists within that dynamic.

 “I bow down at your feet, O my Father, For you have blessed me with this gift of life.”

Tagore’s poem is an intimate expression of gratitude to a higher power—possibly God, or a spiritual parent. The gratitude here is for life itself, acknowledging the divinity in creation. The humble posture of “bowing down” is symbolic of reverence and deep appreciation. This poem suggests that gratitude arises from a sense of indebtedness and awe for the preciousness of existence.

13. “Blessed Be the Tie That Binds” by John Fawcett

Fawcett’s hymn “Blessed Be the Tie That Binds” expresses gratitude for the connections between people—be they family, friends, or communities.

“Blessed be the tie that binds Our hearts in Christian love; The fellowship of kindred minds Is like to that above.”

In this religious hymn, Fawcett highlights the spiritual and emotional bond between individuals. The “tie that binds” is symbolic of the deep connections that unite people, especially those formed through shared faith and love. Gratitude is expressed for these relationships, which offer both comfort and strength, reinforcing the idea that life’s blessings are often found in the connections we share with others.

Conclusion

Gratitude for life is an ever-evolving sentiment that encompasses an appreciation for everything from the natural world to personal relationships, and even the divine. The thirteen poems featured in this article offer diverse perspectives on what it means to feel thankful and how this emotion shapes our understanding of the world. From the simplicity of a grateful heart to the grandeur of spiritual thanksgiving, these poems remind us that gratitude is both a universal experience and a deeply personal one.

By reading these works, we come to realize that gratitude is not just a feeling—it is a practice, a way of seeing the world, and a path to inner peace and fulfillment. Whether we find it in a quiet moment of reflection, in the company of loved ones, or in the beauty of nature, gratitude enriches our lives and connects us to the world in profound and meaningful ways.

[leonbloder]

How Jesus Saves The World

The other day, I saw a thought-provoking post on social media from an avowed atheist I follow.  

I started following him a few years ago out of curiosity. Then, to my surprise, I discovered that some of his posts resonated with me and helped me ask excellent questions about my faith. 

I'm going to show the content of the post: 

Maybe our problem on this planet is that people expect someone else to come solve their problems instead of doing it themselves.

This is an honest and appropriate critique.  But while I am sure that many expressions of the religions listed in the post are "so heavenly minded, they aren't any earthly good," there are also some that are much more balanced. 

I can only speak to Christianity because that is my tradition.  

I currently lead a particular congregation that looks toward a day when the world will be made right but also does everything imaginable to make it as right as possible now. 

Granted, there are plenty of Christian traditions that go a different direction and, in my opinion, get led astray by bad theology.  It's an easy trap to fall into when the world seems so out of joint.  

It also absolves adherents from responsibility and, sadly, can turn them into self-serving isolationists when it comes to their faith.  We are seeing this happen in Christianity here in the U.S. at an alarming rate. 

Recently, I read a fantastic quote from author Joyce Rupp about this very thing: 

We can’t just sit on the roadside of life and call ourselves followers of Jesus. We are to do more than esteem him for his generous love and dedicated service. We do not hear Jesus grumbling about the challenges and demands of this way of life. We do not see him “talking a good talk” but doing nothing about it. He describes his vision and then encourages others to join him in moving those teachings into action. 

I also need to say this: 

Putting our faith into action to do our best to live as Jesus would have us live in our world isn't an example of "woke" Christianity; it is Christianity- at least Christianity as it should be. 

You see, you can long for a day when the shalom of God, as described by Jesus, will permeate all of Creation, and you can also work to bring that shalom to the world to fulfill that longing right here, right now. 

The vision of my church is Love God, Love Everybody, which represents this balance.  You show your love for God by loving everybody that God loves.  And if you can't bring yourself to truly love everybody that God loves, you might not love God as much as you think. 

And so we follow Jesus rather than sit on the roadside.  We put our faith into action to do everything we can to bring hope to the hopeless, healing for the broken, and inclusion for those left on the outside.  

We don't need to pine for a future savior---our savior, our rescuer, our example, has already saved, rescued, and shown those who follow him how to live.  

May it be so.  And may the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with us now and forever. Amen. 

[globalworship]

A Lenten Litany (by Joyce Rupp)

A Lenten Litany (Joyce Rupp)

Response after each line: Holy One, you are shelter and strength for those in distress.

When loved ones experience pain and suffering…

When illness, aging, or chronic pain diminish our joy…

When doubts arise and confusion fills our minds…

When others fail us or refuse to forgive us for our failings…

When we stumble and stray from the path of goodness…

When death separates us from those we love dearly…

When financial problems threaten our security…

When things do not go the way we planned…

When depression or loneliness return again and again…

When broken relationships have not been mended…

When our faith strengthens and gives us courage…

When the precious gift of life is recognized and appreciated…

When unexpected kindness and caring comes our way…

When optimism stirs in our heart and springtime returns…

When the peace of Christ calms our anxiety and softens our sadness…

When we realize that our loving presence can make a difference…

When the joy of Easter quietly permeates our heart…

© From the revised edition of Out of the Ordinary, Joyce Rupp. (Ave Maria Press) +++

[iphoneartzy]

When We Trust ‘Don’t Know’ We Do Not Cling To The Past

Havasu. iphone 12 Pro iColorama app When we trust ‘Don’t know’ we do not cling to the past. We do not hold onto old points of view and stagnant opinions. When we trust ‘Don’t know’ we are open to being in process, with many possibilities and alternatives. We do not force things to happen. ‘Don’t know’ waits and explores, searches and considers, examines and trusts. — Joyce Rupp 100 People…

[sunglow-xoxo]

No matter how much light I carry within me, there will always be times of feeling lost, being confused, seeking direction. It is the way of the human heart.

Joyce Rupp

[philipchircop]

A BLESSING OF BODY, MIND, AND SPIRIT FOR MOTHERS OF ALL SORTS, SIZES, AND SHAPES

O mothers, one and all, some of you have carried your children in your womb. Others of you have welcomed babes in need of your attention who came to you from another birth mother. May the love you’ve poured forth return to you in plenitude.

O mothers, do not live in regret of what you wished you would have done, or what you did do and wished you had not. As you look back on your mothering, may you remember that you tried to do your best, given the circumstances.

O mothers, those of you for whom much of your life with your children is before you, do not imagine you can do this alone. Remember it takes a lot of leaning on the Divine Mother whose heart enfolds every mother and child. May you draw strength daily from her kindly sustenance.

O mothers, do not forget to care for yourself. Find what enriches and gladdens your heart. Be good to your body and spirit. Remember you are worthy of care and attention. May you have the vitality it takes to give generously of yourself.

O mothers, you who have gone on to another sphere of life, we welcome our memories of you and remember how much you mean to us. May the peace you now have flow into the weary and troubled hearts of mothers everywhere.

O mothers, for the countless times your hard work and generous self-giving was never thanked or acknowledged, was rejected or taken for granted, may you know yourself loved and appreciated today.

O mothers, we call today on the Divine Mother to draw you to her spacious heart, to replenish what needs revitalization in you. May you know her comfort, peace, and tender embrace. May you hear the Divine Mother’s song of love humming in you. Amen.

Taken from Prayer Seeds: A Gathering of Blessings, Reflections, and Poems for Spiritual Growth © 2017 by Joyce Rupp (pages 30-31). 

Art: Divine Mother by Anand Jaggernauth 

[julesofnature]

 Goddess of the seasons, there is a time for everything: there is a time for dying and a time for rising.  We need courage to enter into the transformation process.

        Creator of autumn, the trees are saying goodbye to their green, letting go of what has been.  We, too, have our moments of surrender, with all their insecurity and risk. Help us to let go when we need to do so.

        Ancient Mother of fallen leaves lying in colored patterns on the ground, our lives have their own patterns.  As we see the patterns of our own growth, may we learn from them.

        Birthing Goddess of misty days and harvest moon nights, there is always the dimension of mystery and wonder in our lives.  We always need to recognize your power-filled presence.  May we gain strength from this.

        Nurturing One of harvest wagons and fields of ripened grain, many gifts of growth lie within the season of our surrender.  We must wait for harvest in faith and hope.  Grant us patience when we do not see the blessings.

        Mother Wisdom of geese going south for another season, your wisdom enables us to know what needs to be left behind and what needs to be carried into the future.  We yearn for insight and vision.

    Daughter of flowers touched with frost and windows wearing white designs, may your love keep our hearts from growing cold in the empty seasons.

    Spirit of Life, you believe in us, you enrich us, you entrust us with the freedom to choose life.  For all this we are grateful. 

'A Prayer for Autumn Days', (adapted version), original by Joyce Rupp

[insilencewaits]

Guide to Advent 2019 - Daily Meditations ...

Guide to Advent 2019 – Daily Meditations …

Advent Daily Meditations are returning on In Silence Waits this year!  I will be posting a short daily meditation starting on the first day of December 2019 through to Christmas day.

The theme for this year’s meditations is “comfort and joy“.  I look forward to sharing my advent journey with you.

  We don’t have to go far to find the treasure we are seeking. There is beauty and goodness right…

[fierysword]

When we grow in wisdom, we often do so by going within to the darkness of our inner depths. Sophia is the Star who guides us and protects us on this journey.

The Star in My Heart: Experiencing Sophia, Inner Wisdom by Joyce Rupp

[suziegallagher]

Day 2: Pick a Soul Booster

platitudes The one liners in the email are those things that people say when they want to reassure but don’t have the words and the words they use are not necessary.A one line sentence to live for, for me… You are the Segullah (treasured possession) of God.

[evergreensoulthings]

“No two hearts are on fire with God in the same way. We are all called to live this vibrant love of God in our own way. In life's ups and downs, at times we will wonder if any fire remains in us. Because of our inner battles, we will at times resist the fire or fear its power. Yet, within us all, the fire of God continues to flicker even though we may not see its glow.

How do we keep the love of God aflame in us? We must stay close to the original flame of love, and draw near to the heat of God. Each time we intentionally draw near to God, we light a candle in our heart.”

~ Joyce Rupp in ~ May I Have This Dance? … Artist ~ Daniel Gerhart