no fear

for a new beginning

For a New Beginning

In out-of-the-way places of the heart,
Where your thoughts never think to wander,
This beginning has been quietly forming,
Waiting until you were ready to emerge.

For a long time it has watched your desire,
Feeling the emptiness growing inside you,
Noticing how you willed yourself on,
Still unable to leave what you had outgrown.

It watched you play with the seduction of safety
And the gray promises that sameness whispered,
Heard the waves of turmoil rise and relent,
Wondered would you always live like this.

Then the delight, when your courage kindled,
And out you stepped onto new ground,
Your eyes young again with energy and dream,
A path of plenitude opening before you.

Though your destination is not yet clear
You can trust the promise of this opening;
Unfurl yourself into the grace of beginning
That is at one with your life's desire.

Awaken your spirit to adventure;
Hold nothing back, learn to find ease in risk;
Soon you will be home in a new rhythm,
For your soul senses the world that awaits you.

~ John O'Donohue

Following Truth to Freedom

This morning I noticed that Darin Hufford had a new post on his blog. It talks of friendship and how it works in the church (small "c"). When our family left organized religion several years ago, I was caught off-guard when people who I thought were friends in that particular church made no effort to contact us except for one or two who then made no follow-up calls. I understand a little better now why and how this happens. Darin's post confirms what I had reconciled in my heart to be true about leaving. There is no condemnation in my heart for the church people we left because it's a boat that I have floated in most of my life. You can read his post here.