Inspire Me Stories

Rose Mary of Silver Spring, MD

Resting in Beauty

Snow still covers a portion of my yard, my garden. In a section that is cleared, where sun has done its work, I see the hint of bulbs growing their way through hard earth. There, too, in that cleared space, my bench postures itself, waiting hospitably, for anyone who comes. Looking toward the back, I see Quan Yin, woman of compassion, breathing assurance to all. And in a nearby tree, there is the faithful Mary, who stands in solidarity with all who seek to listen, and to do whatever they hear is theirs to do.

Francis also has his place in my yard. The harsh ice storms have weathered him but he remains. He kneels with arm outstretched, holding feeding bowl for hungry birds while others come to rest on his shoulders. And, in the middle of it all is a worn wooden barrel hosting dry sedum stalks, in the midst of the stalks is a carving of a crescent moon and opening lotus, chiseled out of blue stone by a Tiebetan stone carver.

The carving was a gift from people who come to enjoy my yard and my meditation room. The card accompanying it tells me that this Lotus Moon symbolizes "the cycle of new beginnings, purity, clarity and peace." Here in my garden winter and promise of spring find a home together. In this quiet space my soul is peaceful. I am renewed for the work at hand.