RECORDING THE INNER JOURNEY

Before we left on our trip, my friend Verlene sent me a poem. When I read it to Keith, he said it should be the theme of our trip. We read it every day and I meditated on different stanzas each day, including them in the travel art journal. Because water was the element all around us, I also read and reread the "Water" chapter of Christine Valters Paintner's book Water, Wind, Earth & Fire, The Christian Practice of Praying with the Elements.

Here is the poem by Frances J. Roberts

A Quiet Pool 

"Wait upon Me

Let your life be as a deep quiet pool.

Let  your heart rest in my hand like a bird in a nest

Let your eyes be still. Let your hands be free.

For then I shall fill your vision,

and then I shall take your hands into Mine

and my power shall flow forth into you.

If you would only make yourself a place apart,

yes removed from the pressure and turmoil,

and there I will meet you, Yes, I wait for your coming.

For I long to pour out my blessing upon you,

and long to give my my fullness.

Only be still before me

Never let the toils and cares of the day

rob you of this sweet fellowship with me.

For I know what you need and I am concerned about

your duties and responsibilities.

You will find your cares vanish,

and your load lightened by an unseen hand.

I would have you bring me your love

and even as you are bringing me your love

I shall in turn bring you my power

so that I work for you in a twofold measure.

I will give you the power to discharge your duties with greater efficiency. 

I am actively engaged in working for you in ways you cannot see, 

to make your path clear, and to bring about things 

you could never accomplish, and which would otherwise

absorb your energies and wear out your patience.

So I say again...Rest in Me...Wait upon Me

Come apart with Me, Seek My face...

Seek my fellowship."

-by Frances Roberts