“Practicing enchantment is a commitment to seeing the world through new eyes. It means shaking off our cynicism and numbness and rediscovering the world that shimmers behind the everyday.” — Christine Valters Paintner, Earth, Our Original Monastery: Cultivating Wonder and Gratitude through Intimacy with Nature
Life can quickly become humdrum and routine, can’t? Especially after several weeks of the same old same old of being in lockdown. The novelty of being at home full time soon wears off, as those of us used to being housebound know all too well.
With the disenchantment that sets in or the stress of life with covid-19, we can miss the ordinary wonders before our eyes. So as I browsed my poetry files, wondering what soul soothing words I could share with you, I found myself drawn to a poem which features the daily glory of sunset.
My nature poems remind me how dulled my mind has become over the last few weeks, and my heart neglectful in noticing the daily beauty that exists. Maybe you, too, could use a reminder to pay attention?
“Earth’s crammed with heaven, And every common bush afire with God; But only he who sees, takes off his shoes – The rest sit round it and pluck blackberries.” — Elizabeth Barrett Browning
It’s good to look outside the window or take a walk if you’re able to, and really notice sky, clouds, leaves, trees, birds and flowers, and appreciate each ordinary day, filled with holy enchantment, for the miracle of creation it actually is.
Evening
it begins
slowly, hushed silence reigns
twilight comes
the poet’s pondering hour
sky is midnight-blue wool skeined
it gives way
yields to misty dove-grey hues
dusk invites
lifting the thin curtain
listening to heaven’s news
I watch and sigh
sky gazing, looking lazy
magnetised
by all this night offers us
and let it amaze me
warm rose tint
seeps into my consciousness
filling clouds
I drink in pale burgundy
while tumbling into rest
ash and embers
tangerine glow tinged with red
a burning fire
vivid sky lit up for miles
I put my troubles to bed
© joylenton
“Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts.” — Rachel Carson
Relax, kick back, my friend, and enjoy these soul soothing sights of nature’s sunrise and sunset. May you regain awe and enchantment at the wonder of it all. 🙂 ❤
Poetry Joy 
Dear Joy,
Oh your beautiful poem has stopped me in my tracks tonight with this:
“warm rose tint
seeps into my consciousness
filling clouds
I drink in pale burgundy
while tumbling into rest”
Oh, may I allow the Great Creator to fill my heart with His tints and colors as He would draw me into His own rest. He has given us so much, and yet I find myself longing after things that I think I “need.” Thank you for giving this precious pause to look up to HIM and His glorious beauty that He’s created for us. Blessings, love, and hugs to you dear friend. xoxo
Dear Bettie, that time of day is quite arresting if we can sense its gentle invitation to pay attention and succumb to soul quietness and rest. Most days it’s difficult for us to lose ourselves in appreciation of what’s waiting to be noticed outside our windows because we are too preoccupied with the pressing obligations and tasks before us. I share your soul longings after things that I think I “need” even though God has already given us more than enough. May He help us learn to better differentiate between need and want. And may we find our hearts are filled instead “with His tints and colors” and the wonder of His grace and love. Blessings, love and hugs to you, too, dear friend! xoxo
Good afternoon Joy, how beautiful and poignant … your description of His sun setting. Thank you for taking me away from the mounting stress, breathing His beauty into my thirsty soul. I am thankful for you dear sister. Signing off for roughly a week to rest and recharge. Haven’t made an official announcement. “See” you soon. Love, Julie
Greetings to you, Julie, from a warm and sunny UK. My own words often return to me as soul reminders to pay attention to life and all the holy ordinary things I might otherwise easily miss. Inattentiveness sets in when we get too busy with our tasks and too preoccupied with our thoughts, and forget to breathe, take a pause, look outside or look up. Mounting stress is worth listening to so we can discover its cause and find the best way to respond and relax. May the week ahead bring you all the soul refreshment, rest and recharge you need, dear sister. Sending love, hugs and prayers. xo 😊🙏🏻🌺
Oh Joy, refreshment and soul food. Just got back last night. When I get some time to process, I will share how He worked throughout our vacation … and pics too 🙂
Welcome back, Julie! It’s good to hear from you again. Take all the time you need to process, my friend. God is doing a deep work in you and the outworking of it all cannot be rushed. I look forward to hearing how He has been working in your heart when you’re ready to open up. And to seeing your glorious pics, of course… 😉 Blessings and love. xo 💜
The poet’s time… at the end of the day… thank you for this beautiful offering, Joy ❤️❤️
Twilight does lend itself well to reflectiveness, don’t you think? A holy pause between day and night which invites us to pause as well. I only regret that some days I’m either resting then or too caught up with tasks that I simply forget to stop. May you be blessed with precious moments of quietness and prayerful meditation in your busy day, my friend. ❤🙏