TRUST

The Journey of Lent


Today's reading in the Henri J.M. Nouwen book "Lent and Easter, Wisdom from Henri J.M. Nouwen" was simply entitled "Trust." It caused me to think "Where do I place my trust?" In my self? In others? In my Creator? More often than not and sometimes out of mere reflex it is the first two. Why isn't my Creator the first to whom I turn? To whom I trust? The difference is so pronounced because when I place my trust in myself and in humanity they falter. They falter because we are, quite simply put.....human. Who can bare the challenges that surround me, that surround you? How much do I place my trust in humanity that is "expect" from them and in so doing am disappointed? Not because neither they nor I don't try but rather no human can possibly meet my questions, my challenges, my expectations! When I am not honest with myself or with others regarding these challenges and attempt to place my trust there, I become anxious. It is not that others can not come along my side or your side to walk with, assist and be of service because all of us are instruments of the Divine. But rather it is in the Divine that I am truly watered, nourished and enlightened for each challenge of my journey. This is not just for my own self or for yourself but for all of those to whom we come in contact. It is life itself. In this I, we are given life from the Giver of Life to bestow upon one another.

So often I am in conflict, so often I follow the same path but always I find, as if for the first time that my peace not comes from myself or from others but from the Divine.

"Blessed are those who trust in the Lord,
whose trust is the Lord.
They shall be like a tree planted by water,
sending out its roots by the stream.
It shall not fear when heat comes,
and its leaves shall stay green;
in the year of drought it is not anxious,
and it does not cease to bear fruit."

Jeremiah 17:5-8

So it is in my life. My peace, the peace that is deep and beyond understanding and is abiding comes from this place. May it be so for all of us as we seek and journey through this life. May we find comfort and consolation on the road from one another but may our trust be firmly planted in the Divine, the God of Mercy.

I trust this season of Lent has already begun to do its work in each of you and may you be strengthened and given abundant grace for this Lenten Journey.

Blessings,
Bill

SEASON OF RENEWAL

Lent is one of my favorite seasons in the liturgical calendar because its true meaning is Spring, a season for renewal, new life. It allows me to be mindful as to what I am asked to disengage from and to turn to the God of Mercy. What are the things that have held me in captivity? Where do I need to change in thought, word and deed? What will bring me closer to God who lovingly calls to me to "turn and come to the Giver of Life who is full of mercy?"

This year the focus, I believe I have been asked to look at is "Criticism." Not only what I say but what I think, even in subtle ways and how I behave. I tried my hardest to deny that request but it came back to me time and time again. Hmmmm......I wonder how much my speech will be decreased? What am I asked? To show mercy as I have been shown mercy, not to judge as I am not judged and to pray for conversion and transformation of heart. Not only pray for myself but for others to whom I sub-consciously and sometimes blatantly judge and criticize.

So often, especially in these past few months I have spoken of physical healing but could it be that something even greater and deeper wants to take place? Take place within my heart, within my mind? A healing that encompasses my very soul.

This year as I did two years ago I am reading "Lent and Easter, Wisdom from Henri J.M. Nouwen." It gently speaks of this conversion and suggests practical ways that we can live out this transformation in our daily lives. I recommend it for those who have not perhaps chosen a book for reflection this Lenten Season.

I will refrain at this time to write about my physical health suffice to say I am improving daily and gaining in strength. This no doubt from your prayers and well wishes.

Blessings to each of you and may this season of Lent bring renewal, restoration and new life.

Bill


EMBRACE ME, LORD

Hold me Lord
Embrace me
In Your
Arms
Tenderly a loving Father

May I collapse completely
Into you breast
And weep
The prayers of repentance
And fall deeply
Into your everlasting love

You are merciful
O heavenly God
Who pardons
My sins
As far as the
East is from the West

Your memory is short
And you have no recollection
Of my sins
When I say
Father, forgive me

Return to me
The delight of my deliverance
And may I proclaim
And rejoice your faithfulness and love

© William Simpson, February 18, 2010

THE GIFT.......A NEW LIFE!

You O' Lord
Have Given to me
A
New Life
You Breathed
Upon Me
And In that
Breath
I am
Healed
Given
New Life
I am
In
Awe
Mystified
And
I wait
Wait for You
To Reveal
To Unfold
Your Graces to me
So that I
Might
Serve You
Serve Those
Whom You
Have Created

May it be so, Lord
May it be so

As I ponder the last couple of weeks I am overwhelmed with gratitude. I can not even imagine the magnitude of what has been given to me, the instrument in whom was provided this gift and the generosity and deep love from family and friends. I am ever thankful.

This past weekend I was able to spend with Rich and Carolina, what a wonderful time we had. On Saturday evening we went to the Cliffhouse in San Francisco with Tony and Betty and had a picture perfect view as the sunset over the Pacific. What a joy it was for me to have my closest friends spend some time together and hit it off! Rich and Carolina traveled safely back to Boston on Sunday afternoon.




I had my first post surgical visit with my doctor yesterday and all went well. I do not have to return to him for six more weeks. The advice he gave me was again, simply avoid those who are ill and drink more water! I said "I drink 2 litres a day" he replies "DRINK THREE!"

As always I am thankful for each one of you, for your prayers and your love. I request that you continue your prayers for myself and Rich as we recuperate and that I will stave off every infection that wants to invade and that I will not reject the kidney.

Blessings and peace to each of you,

Bill