As I was walking Anders to school this morning he was asking if I had seen any birds returning for spring yet. Just then we saw a couple lines of geese flying overhead. We stopped and watched for a few minutes. It was good.
Then I got clothes hung out on the line. It's not the first time for that this year, but it's good to do it. Even if my neighbor's look at me a little strange.
Nils and I took our first bike ride of the season this afternoon. And yes, I'm out of shape (and also a hybrid bike is not the ideal for pulling a bike trailer with on the road). We came back a bit muddy, but the fresh air and exercise were good.
Springtime is a refreshing reminder of how we're connected to the world around us. The litter everywhere is a reminder that we seldom respect that connection--nor God's mandate to care for the earth.
The ancient Celtic Christians were keenly aware of their connection to the earth. Creation was a place they met God. So it is fitting today to close once again with a prayer attributed to St. Patrick:
I arise today
Through the strength of heaven;
Light of the sun,
Splendor of fire,
Speed of lightning,
Swiftness of the wind,
Depth of the sea,
Stability of the earth,
Firmness of the rock.
I arise today
Through God's strength to pilot me;
God's might to uphold me,
God's wisdom to guide me,
God's eye to look before me,
God's ear to hear me,
God's word to speak for me,
God's hand to guard me,
God's way to lie before me,
God's shield to protect me,
God's hosts to save me
Afar and anear,
Alone or in a mulitude.
Christ shield me today
Against wounding
Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me,
Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ on my right, Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down,
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in the eye that sees me,
Christ in the ear that hears me.
I arise today
Through the mighty strength
Of the Lord of creation
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