Friday

I have been away on a Retreat this week. It was at Five Oaks, the United Church Education Centre at Paris, Ontario. I am always grateful for a ‘time out’ at Five Oaks and get there maybe once a year. The centre is 62 years old. It was built in the booming hey-days of the United Church when the future was filled with optimism as the church was busy erecting new churches everywhere across Canada and Sunday school classrooms were bursting with children. The church faces a very different reality now and like many sectors within our denomination the future of places like Five Oaks is uncertain.

Nonetheless I had a marvellous few days there reflecting and considering the theme, ‘Reconnecting with True Self’. There was a group of 14 of us and the conversations were rich and the learning deep. Often, to kick off the conversation our leaders, Mardi and Fred would use a piece of poetry asking us to then note a phrase or word resonated.

At one time my Friday blog would always include a piece of poetry. I got away from that practice but today, this Friday, I offer one of the poems from the Retreat. May it carry you into the weekend and be a blessing for you.

Invitation by Wayne Muller
Remember. Remember who you are.
Remember what you love.
Remember what is sacred.
Remember what is true.
Remember that you will die.
And each day is a gift.
Remember how you wish to live.