With Arms Outstretched

To celebrate the New Year,  I spent some time away at the Genesis Spiritual Center in Westfield, MA to take a prayerful pause on a guided retreat led by a dear friend. The theme of our time together was Love and what a wonderful theme to meditate on as we head into the year ahead. As I reflected, images came and by retreat's end this poem had emerged. May it be a window into my time and a blessing as we wander into this year together.
  

Like a clock

each second finds its spot

beginnings and ends

made manifest by the swift swing of

a second hand

In one breath

it's all contained

"My God.." sits steady on my lips

a shimmering sign

of the One come to life in Love

In solemn stillness lays

a heart with arms outstretched

a moment that echoes through

the ages

love made manifest

with no beginning or end

only gratitude and grace

souls made to feel their worth

embraced, sustained

hearts with arms outstretched.