Friends,

I’ve taken a much needed break from writing. For several months, I’ve felt the need to pull back practice what I preach and write about. It’s been a good season for me.

However, this morning, I took an early walk in the forest across from the house we’re staying in at present. With each step, words began to come unlodged with me. As if there was a break within my heart and the river began to flow, yet again.

I took this picture on my walk.

The Spring Eucharist

On this sunny spring morn,

I walked the floor of a forest.

The more I walked, the more lost I was.

But strange as it seems, the more found I was.

The magpies sang their morning chant.

The fox ushered me to give an offering.

The snow clad peak adorned the sky as a precious jewel.

Spring has finally come and winter’s resurrection is here.

The Aspen lined trail was my journey outward.

But it led me inward to soak in the peace of the world;

Within and without on this fine morn.

Sun draped Spruce gives up praise.

So do I. So do I.

This morn is the beginning.

Yet another beginning I need amidst the others.

Today hope rises. I am alive.

I chant my joy like a monk on the way to Mass.

My bread and wine is the sun and my private moment.

Alone in the woods I find my Eucharist laid before me.

The ferns my altar in the woods,

Lavished in the rays of this fine spring morn.

Stephen W. Smith

May 24, 2013