No, no, there is no going back.
Less and less you are
that possibility you were.
More and more you have become
those lives and deaths
that have belonged to you.
You have become a sort of grave
containing much that was
and is no more in time, beloved
then, now, and always.
And so you have become a sort of tree
standing over a grave.
Now more than ever you can be
generous toward each day
that comes, young, to disappear
forever, and yet remain
unaging in the mind.
Every day you have less reason
not to give yourself away. – Wendell Berry
|
A dear, retired colleague sent this to me the other day, musing about her sense of calling to “give herself away” as a ministry to those of us still toiling in the vineyards.
I just thought this was an amazing meditation and dedicate to those of you in the lay and ordained ministries to which you give yourselves away.
Thanks, Judy.
This brings to mind “Rise” by the Robbie Seay Band: “Rise, rise, people of love. Rise, give yourself away.” It’s a noble calling, indeed.