light through trees

Prayer

A Tree in Winter

A-Tree-in-Winter

In the wintertime of my soul
barren branches stand stark
clothed in heaviness of ice
bestowed by winter night storm.

But then comes morning
lavishing warm, bright sun
on my hard-stiff self
revealing resplendent prisms
glistening grace-fullness
untold beauty
hidden in the night.

I bask long in this Light
holding on so tenaciously,
to this moment of Transfiguration.

Reluctant, resistant am I
to let go
to allow myself to become
liquid in this Light.

So unaware in the releasing
life-giving water will flow
seep deep into the ground of my being
transforming my winter soul
into the vibrant beauty of springtime.

(Note: Sister Donna Butler created this piece in February 2007)

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Sister Donna Butler
Sister Donna Butler

Sister Donna Butler has been a Sister of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods for more than 60 years. Sister Donna has served in elementary education, parish ministry, diocesan social justice, as well as the Congregation’s liturgy office, archives department and social justice outreach. She also administered as the director of the Providence Volunteer Ministry. Sister Donna currently volunteers in outreach with Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College students.

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