Then the delight

I am in the middle of a big life transition: departing my job of the past many years and joyfully stepping into the role of Executive Director of Galilee Ministries of East Charlotte. I will soon leave a somewhat predictable, familiar workflow, group of colleagues, and a network of people throughout the region and go to a new, sacred place with new, wonderful people and learn the ways and ministries of Galilee. 

The late, great Irish poet John O’Donohue created a beautiful collection of blessings in a book called To Bless the Space Between Us. At this time of movement in my life, a certain blessing in the collection, “For a New Beginning,” helped prepare my head and heart to say yes to leaving the familiar and setting out on a new life path. Maybe it will inspire you too, if you’re embarking on any kind of new beginning. As written in the book, it says: 

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 with 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 plentitude 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 nothing back, learn to find ease in risk; Soon you will be home in a new rhythm, For your soul senses the world that awaits you. 

Amen.

In service,

Emily+