The Land of Simple Contemplation

by Joyce Rupp on Jun. 17, 2010

Companion of my Solitude,
sometimes I think that half of me
is well-lodged in another world.
On rainy days, in times of solitude,
my spirit pulls and tugs,
crying for home in that other space.
All the things here
that give my life rhyme and reason
fade from view.
I am left with the longing
to put down my sword
of busyness
and dwell in the land
of simple contemplation.

Raindrops on the cottage roof,
bird songs in the woods,
the taste of morning air,
the stillness of the forest,
all these draw me beyond
to where the other half dwells.

Companion of my Solitude,
keep encouraging me to take time
for my inward journey.
Help me to be faithful
to this essential element of my life.

“Come to me, you who desire me …
-- Ecclesiasticus 10:19

Journaling:

What do you appreciate most about solitude?
What do you appreciate least about it?
What is your life like when you do not have any solitude in it?

From Prayers to Sophia: Deepening Our Relationship with Holy Wisdom by Joyce Rupp

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Dear Sister Joyce, Most

Submitted by Bobbie Paxton (not verified) on Jun. 19, 2010.

Dear Sister Joyce,

Most mornings I get up early and go walking along a quiet street and then cross over to a pathway that runs along a creek, here in Iowa City. The environment is perfect for a few moments of solitude before another busy day leaves no time, really, for that. Unless it's when I catch up on ironing--another perfect time for me just to think about life and God's place in my life. To think on how much time I really do pray. Each morning I try to remember to dedicate that day to God. But that time along the creek, listening to the birds, to see what new wildflowers have come into bloom, to listen to the babbling of the water is soothing and helps me focus on what really matters. God, home, family, and the people I meet as a volunteer, both hospice patients and voices on a hotline. To let God guide me on what to say to that stranger in crisis, on the other end of the line. Thanks so very much for your guidance! Bobbie

PS I print your reflections and read them over and over to my hospice people. They love them!

Thank you very much for this

Submitted by Sr. Alicia Alvarado, OP (not verified) on Jun. 19, 2010.

Thank you very much for this inspiring message. God Bless You for all you do and are. Sr. Alicia

I truly appreciated the poem

Submitted by Bernie (not verified) on Jun. 22, 2010.

I truly appreciated the poem on Solitude but was taken aback by the picture of the dog. It was my assumption when you spoke of Companion of my Solitude that it was Lady Wisdom. If your companion is a dog that is fine. It was just a bit confusing! Maybe your dog is named Lady Wisdom? Hope this makes you smile.

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