Kim Johnson at Common Threads leads us this month with a reflection on the phrase “a light unto my path.”
Join us!
A Light Unto My Path
Light to my path,
companion me.
Morning golden
veils canopy.
Spirit tiptoes,
alights my path.
Grass sways, ballets.
Breezes greet me.
Forest chorus
from hidden limbs–
light for my path,
songs for my heart.
This is my prayer:
the way unfolds.
Walk in grace. Trust
will light my path.
Photos and poem © Patricia J. Franz
While scripture has not been a companion of late, I know the Spirit speaks many languages.
I find prayer in the quiet hours as dawn breaks over the forest. Robinsong echoes the woods beyond my window. I rise, give thanks for a sleeping husband; my fluffy four-legged friend who patiently waits for her morning meal; and then find my way to coffee and a quilt on my back deck.
I inhale goodness. I sit in peace.
Unspoken prayer for the day ahead.
Patricia Franz writes picture books and poetry. She believes children, dogs, and sourdough have a lot to teach us about life, joy, and wonder. She has raised two boys, four dogs, and holds a master’s degree in Theology with a focus on children’s spirituality. Patricia, her husband, her Bernese Mountain dog, Bonny, and her sourdough starter split their time between the Arizona desert and the Sierra Nevada mountains.
Patricia, mornings are the perfect time of day for reflecting and planning. As the sun rises over the horizon, it not only brings light to the day, but also shines it light on us illuminating a path for us to follow. The morning quiet lets our mind attune to the voice of God as He greets us and encourages us on our way. Bob
Patricia, I can feel in your poem your ethereal forest & the golden glow of a new day’s promise, lighting your path. Wishing you many summer mornings like this.
“I inhale goodness. I sit in peace.” These words helped me to breathe deeply and think of the goodness that surrounds us. Thanks for sharing your morning prayer with us.
I love the rhythm you’ve chosen, Patricia, walking out, even just in your mind, serene, glorying in the light you’ve found.
Your poem is a beautiful meditation on the “light to my path”. I feel the calm move through me as I read. I love how you made the noun “companion” into a verb. And your gentle repetition of a line soothes the soul. I’ve forgotten the name of this form, but I love how the form disappears.
This whole poem could be a study in assonance. So beautiful.
I agree! Beautiful, Patricia.
Absolutely beautiful…the poem. And, stunningly sacred, the moment of thanks upon rising. Thank you for letting us partake.
What a perfect way to spend the morning, Patricia, to meditate, consider what we’re grateful for and feel the songs of the heart. The light in your photo is lovely.
Patricia: Prayer often comes in the form of breathing, enjoying quiet beauty. I love your poem and photo. Drink in the cool air and mountain beauty. May these quiet moments be a balm.
Beautiful, Patricia:) Your words flow gracefully. Love… Forest chorus
from hidden limbs– light for my path, songs for my heart. I think there is so much peace found in prayer rooted in the ordinary rhythms of life and nature:)