A Lesson from the Trees

Not long ago the trees were loaded with golden leaves.

Though pretty to look at they robbed me of the world beyond.

But now that the leaves have fallen

I am able to look through the skeletal branches

to the deep blue sky beyond.

Teach us, Good Lord,

how to take care of our material needs

without neglecting our spiritual needs;

how to take care of ourselves

without neglecting others;

and how to live joyfully in this world

without losing sight of the world to come.

ADVENT VERSE

RING THE BELLS THAT STILL CAN RING

FORGET YOUR PERFECT OFFERING

THERE IS A CRACK IN EVERYTHING

THAT’S HOW THE LIGHT GETS IN