all-creatures.org
Heartbreak:
Ramblings From a Compassionate Heart
A Series of Commentaries
by Mary T. Hoffman

prayer, compassion, love, fear, hate, cruelty, abuse, cowardice, self-indulgence, sadism, truth, lies, pain, suffering, peace, emotions, comfort, creatures, humans, people, animals, God, Jesus, Christ, Holy Spirit, church, religion, politics

| Home Page |

My Prayer Closet
1 December 1998

A few minutes ago I came back indoors from one of my "prayer breaks".   Often, when I feel the need for a change of scenery, or I feel overwhelmed by the latest outrage perpetrated upon the innocent, I head outdoors, my prayer closet.  My favorite outdoor activity is in-line skating (roller-blading).   I find it very easy to talk to the Lord when outdoors.  Downhill skiing (my favorite, before skating took over), cross-country skiing, or walking are all "prayer-friendly" activities for me.

The brisk wind made today's skating excursion especially exhilarating; so, afterwards, I prolonged my break by taking a short walk along the lake shore.  With deer hunting season upon us, my memory drifted back a couple of years to the time when a deer watched me through the fence around the tennis court where I was skating.  During two or three mornings I would see him peering at me, curious, edging closer.  In silent communication he would cavort playfully, as though he were showing off, trying to get my attention.  I had never before thought about deer having distinctive personalities. Not that I would have ever doubted it; I had never had an encounter such as this one to cause me to give it any thought. 

But along with the joy of this new friendship came the realization that this was hunting territory.  I remember praying very hard that somehow my new-found friend would be spared.  He never came back after those few times.

From my heart,
Mary

Watercolor painting by Mary T. Hoffman

| Home Page | Table of Contents |

Thank you for visiting all-creatures.org.
Since