a few years ago i was talking to a friend about our Advent preparations. i told him i felt like the novice master or abbot at a monastery. it was my job, my obedience to educate these eager–but green–monks. my job to create an atmosphere where prayer + work could live side by side. as the years pass, this metaphor grows more and more apt! so as we launch into a new homeschooling year, as the tide is rising + the moon coming full, here are two quote from Penelope Wilcock’s novel of monks and healers finding their work called The Breath of Peace.
“I think I may not have the stature of spirit for what I’ve taken on in this obedience.”
“Nay, neither you nor any man!” Tom responded stoutly. “That’s why we pray.”
::
I had an irrational, unquenchable hope that I could find my way to something of blessing, something I could believe in. And I had this vision of what a home could be, a hearth of loving kindness, a place of shelter, and affirmation…and peace.
dawn says
20 August 2014 at 3:33 pmI especially like that second_post. Probably because that vision of peace seems so unobtainable today. Thanks fro sharing and rekindling the vision.
Carol says
20 August 2014 at 6:17 pmI’ve read the first couple of books of The Hawk and the Dove but didn’t realise there were others. I think the one you’re quoting from is no. 7?? Her writing was very powerful, especially in the first book.
kortney says
20 August 2014 at 7:30 pmyes, Carol, this is #7. i too loved the first couple of books, but 4-7 are excellent too. i thought i wouldn’t be interested after Columba died, but Pen Wilcock just keeps on creating compelling characters!
peace keep you.
Brandy Vencel says
20 August 2014 at 8:17 pmOoh! I really like that quote. 🙂