Daily Signet

As we convert more and more luxuries 
into our daily necessities,
we realize no amount of comfort
can insulate us from our need for joy.

No matter how sophisticated our settings,
no matter how established our knowledge,
no matter how filled up our days,
we realize no amount of attainment 
can replace our need for emptiness.

Teach us empty, 
that we might have a place for joy to fill.
Teach us empty,
that we might release what we are letting hold us.
Teach us empty,
that we might experience for the first time again
and then again.

In the midst of all our achievements
and all our things and all the items we do well,
bless us with being empty.
For out of our emptiness comes empathy —
and out of our empathy, love — 
and out of our love, joy.
Fill us, with Your emptiness.

In Your Image.  Amen.                                   

Benjamin Martin

On This Day…

Edward Lear born 1812 in England, died 1888: artist, musician, nonsense poetry and prose writer
Works: The Owl and the Pussycat, The Quangle Wangle, A Book of Nonsense
Quotes: “The owl and the pussycat went to sea/in a beautiful peagreen boat/they took some honey and plenty of money/wrapped up in a five pound note/they dined on mince and slices of quince they ate with a runcible spoon/and hand-in-hand on the edge of the sand/they danced by the light of the moon”