Steps of Courage

For A New Beginning
by John O'Donohue
"To Bless the Space Between Us"

In out-of-the-way places of the heart,
Where your thoughts never think to wander,
The 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 plenitude 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.

This blessing leaves me speechless and even breathless. I know I'm in the "doorway" of a new beginning. Standing on the stoop scared to leave the tired familiar "comfort" yet, not courageous enough to take the first step out into the energized unfamiliar risk - the new beginning God has for me. All I know is that I must trust Him. As the line says, "You can trust the promise of this opening; Unfurl yourself into the grace of beginning that is at one with your life's desire," I reply, "I'm trying, I really am." I move slowly. My courage is building. One verse that always comes to mind speaks to me here too: "Wait patiently for the Lord, be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord." I've waited for the door of a new beginning for a long time. It beckons me now. The time has come, I must be brave and courageous. And continue to wait for the Lord to guide my next steps.

Does Mr. O'Donohue's poem (blessing) speak to the "out-of-the-way places of your heart"? If so, don't dismiss it - take time and sit before God and offer that feeling up to Him. Ask Him to reveal your new beginning and listen closely for His voice and encouragement.

Grace & peace on the creative and spiritual journey called, "life." ~ deAnn