retreat moments

today was rare
and stunning

on retreat
with some friends

in the quiet of the woods

sharing the luxury of silence
and simply being

each in our own space for four hours
and then together
sharing
touching
loving
for another two hours

the woods were hot with life
deer
rabbits
turkeys
grouse
birds birds and more birds

even a snake tidily crossing the road
heading to the stream
and the burping frogs

stumbled onto a poustinia snuggled in the woods
and immediately felt at home

God spoke
and we were each very very careful
not to let one single word
fall to the ground

I had no real expectations for the day
which was good
because this day was so rare
I could never have imagined it

and the contrast with tomorrow is huge
the pomp and circumstance
of the annual prayer breakfast on Parliament Hill

suits, ties
shoes and purses ........

and always
always
the surprise of heart of the invited speaker

rich start to this month of May