Doorway Two: Sanctuary, Day 3

The Peace of Wild Things

When despair for the world grows in me

and I wake in the night at the least sound

in fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be,

I go and lie down where the wood drake

rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.

I come into the peace of wild things

who do not tax their lives with forethought

of grief. I come into the presence of still water.

And I feel above me the day-blind stars

waiting with their light. For a time

I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.

~Wendell Berry

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My husband and I first discovered this poem 43 years ago when we were dating. We loved it then, and in the past years, we have re-visited this poem many times when life's been challenging. It is always a comfort and helps us remember how being in nature, especially by water and woods, offers a sanctuary of rest, trust, and freedom for our spirits.

May you each "rest in the grace" of God sanctuary and be free.

The following song will serve as the ending blessing for our week of Sanctuary.

Blessings to each of you!

You who dwell in the shelter of the Lord

Who abide in His shadow for life

Say to the Lord

"My refuge, my rock in whom I trust!"

And He will raise you up on eagles' wings

Bear you on the breath of dawn

Make you to shine like the sun

And hold you in the palm of His hand.

The snare of the fowler will never capture you

And famine will bring you no fear

Under His wings your refuge

His faithfulness your shield.

And He will raise you up on eagles' wings...

You need not fear the terror of the night

Nor the arrow that flies by day

Though thousands fall about you

Near you it shall not come.

And He will raise you up on eagles' wings...

For to His angels He's given a command

To guard you in all of your ways

Upon their hands they will bear you up

Lest you dash your foot against a stone.

And He will raise you up on eagles' wings...