That robin hopped onto the deck, carefully checking out the territory. He looked at me through the window; I looked back, silent, immobile. We connected for one moment, then he was gone. But that instant of connection made this forest personal, alive. When have I linked eyes with a stranger, affirming their existence, making ourContinue reading “That Moment of Connection”
Author Archives: Linnea Boese
The Alert Wait
The birds and I flit about in this gray dawn inspecting windfall treasures, breathing the dense perfume of damp earth and spectacular blossoms. The trees wait in silence for whatever happens next and now so do I. This day is one that God has made; he has a plan, and I will stay alert toContinue reading “The Alert Wait”
Grateful, Listening
Under the wet grass crickets crick-crick; perched high near the sky winged things sing melody. If I don’t pay attention I miss the concert. A rooster crows, reminding me to listen. A coucal adds her commentary, counterpoint in alto. Are You speaking, too, and I’m just unaware? The world is drenched with Your kind blessing.Continue reading “Grateful, Listening”
Show Me the Path!
Lord, teach me how to stay on alert, watching out for the traps insidiously camouflaged, waiting for me to take one false step and cave in to fear, or greed, or false symbols of who I am. Show me where the enemy has poisoned the thorns inside the bushes. Help me to recognize evil, andContinue reading “Show Me the Path!”
On a Thread
It’s a quick walk on a fine thread, this gift of life, this privilege of breath and beating heart and strength to step ahead. So many disappear, flash out of sight, thread cut off before its final length unwinds. We shout “no!” and cry, and move along, subdued, with more awareness of the dangers, rightContinue reading “On a Thread”
Worshiping Like Mary
(John 12:1-8) If I were to honor you like Mary did that week before you died, what could I do? My worship seems so paltry. Mary, the disciple who had sat at your feet, learning, brought expensive perfume – worth a whole year’s wages— and humbly rubbed it on your feet, that sacred space forContinue reading “Worshiping Like Mary”
Look Up!
Look down, and you see withered leaves, parched gravel, litter blown in caught on crushed twigs: death, thirst and brokenness. Look up, and you see the tent of love I’m making you, tiny green popcorn exploding each hour to dangle like grapes of gold. Remember, hope is high above your world and only seen whenContinue reading “Look Up!”
The Pursuit of Peace
Chase after peace when your world is in chaos! Dodge rubber bullets and sharp cutting words, and raise your arms to the Prince of Peace, begging him for the sweet release of all who are captive to arrogant whims and violent solutions that are just pollution of all of our hopes! Be one of thoseContinue reading “The Pursuit of Peace”
Let’s Join the Dance!
Check out this celebration dance video, the “poyoyo”: https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/521089973 Neighbors, how can we leap across this sad divide? Too many barriers have been meticulously constructed to keep us separate – if not by us in every instance, at least by history: the cutting words that sliced our pride the thrust of our rejoinders that wentContinue reading “Let’s Join the Dance!”
The Hardest Race
(A prayer in response to John 17) You prayed your heart that last night, surrounded by eleven men who listened, and took note. And after you had left (having suffered, died and risen), John remembered, wrote it down. For me. For us. For generations still to come. We need to know what yearning you expressedContinue reading “The Hardest Race”
Linnea's Lines 