October 11, 2026
The Gift By Mary Oliver
Be still, my soul, and steadfast.
Earth and heaven both are still watching though time is draining from the clock and your walk, that was confident and quick, has become slow.So, be slow if you must, but let the heart still play its true part.
Love still as once you loved, deeply and without patience. Let God and the world know you are grateful.
That gift has been given.
Wednesday evening: I’ve just left Zoom with the relaxed satisfaction of having shared a meaningful experience with wise, lovely people. I’m still thinking about the reflection that I shared after meditating on a word and a phrase from tonight’s prayer – a poem by Mary Oliver.
Thursday: The Mary Oliver poem remains on my mind. So that I don’t forget it, I go online, find it, and save it in the notes section on my phone.
Friday: One line from the poem replays in my head: “Love still as once you loved, deeply and without patience.” Am I remembering the words correctly? I go to my notes. Nope. I transposed two words in my head. The correct order alters the meaning of the sentence.
Saturday: The words, “deeply and without patience,” cling to me as I have a difficult text conversation with my siblings. There are ancient alliances and predictable tactics and destructive outcomes if I react on impulse. But over the years I’ve learned other ways to respond. I stay mindful of the poem. “Love…deeply and without patience” means not seeking revenge; it means holding my ground but giving grace to people that I ultimately love.
Sunday: “Love still as once you loved…” Gratefully, love takes many forms. I turn to my passion projects “deeply and without patience.” I get lost in work that brings me joy.
Monday: An envelope from Centering Space arrives. It is the program for this week’s Reflective Prayer because my printer does not work. I read through it, noting the theme, cover image, and sources for texts. I wonder which word, which phrase, will touch my heart during our session on Wednesday; will something impact me as much as the poem did?
Tuesday: I reflect about how the poem reverberated with me all week. It became a source for what I hope was wise decision making under stress and during peace. Time will tell but it seems true that if I should err it should be on the side of love.
Wednesday: Reflective Prayer begins at 7pm via Zoom. I am grateful to all who participate – the hosts, the prayer leaders, the attendees, and to all who have created source material for each program. How will I grow this week? My journey continues. Amen!
~Ann Duchez