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 is one of my favorites by John O'Donohue. It leaves me speechless and even breathless. Life is crazy. We may find ourselves standing in that "doorway" of a new beginning at different times in life. Standing on the stoop scared to leave the tired familiar "comfortable" place yet, not courageous enough to take the first step out into the energized unfamiliar risk - the new beginning God has for you. All I know is that we 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." We desire to trust Him. We move slowly. Our courage builds. A verse that comes to mind is: "Wait patiently for the Lord, be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord." Maybe you are waiting for the door of a new beginning. Maybe you've been waiting for years. Or maybe you know the door is right in front of you, yet you are timid and unsure. Be brave and courageous. The Lord to guide your next step, just ask Him to walk with you, closely.

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 journey,
deAnn