What is growing beneath the surface?

It is a cold, snowy January morning here in New Hampshire.  As the snow settles a peace comes over the land.  Each step makes a squeeking sound as it touchs the earth.  The whilte blanket that covers the ground still looks pristine.  This will not last long.  Soon footprints of many sizes, shapes and varities will mark the canvas.  Rain that is expected later in the day may take some of it away, or at the very least change the texture and appearance. 

As this new year begins we are invited into a time or wondering, wandering and prayer.  What new life lives beneath the cold and ice?  What new life is being born in us this day?  This prayer from John O"Donohue is one I offer up as a tool for reflection. 

"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 iwth 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 nothig back, learn to find ease in risk;

Soon you will be home in new rhythn, 

For your sould senses the world that awaits you.   

From the book:  To Bless the Space Between Us, Joh O'Donohue