Sunday, April 27, 2008

making my eyes smile


Like the joy of the sea coming home to shore,
May the music of laughter break through your soul.


As the wind wants to make everything dance,
May your gravity be lightened by grace.


Like the freedom of the monastery bell,
May clarity of mind make your eyes smile.


As water takes whatever shape it is in,
So free may you be about who you become.


As silence smiles on the other side of what’s said,
May a sense of irony give you perspective.


As time remains free of all that it frames,
May fear or worry never put you in chains.


May your prayer of listening deepen enough
To hear in the distance the laughter of God.


John O'Donahue

Having now heard several interviews, and watched a video of this man sharing his stories, poetry and touching perspectives, his voice is stored in my imagination. When I read this blessing this morning, I could hear John O'Donahue recite it....... like a smile "on the other side of what's said."
Food for the soul on a Sunday morning.

2 comments:

Karen said...

I only know of this man through you Dana and he certainly was a visionary of extraordinary talent. What a shame he is now lost to us though his inspiring words will live on.

Under there... said...

He was a gift to our generation. I have three of his books on my bedside table. His writing has shaped my life. I agree with gypsy. The spirit will continue to use his words to nourish many.