Running into A New Year
Poetry, prayer, hope, and healing: here's to 2022
Happy New Year!
I hope you’ll join us on the In The Beginning retreat to start the New Year with prayer and reflection. We’ll dive into the Genesis story of creation to learn how it inspires our own lives, made in the image of our Creator. Find out more here!
In The Beginning is perfect for you (or someone you love) if:
You are weary after a long year and need hope
You love starting the New Year with prayer and intention
You create in everyday ways—working, parenting, cooking, gardening, etc.—but have never considered this “creative”
You are drawn to art, writing, or music and want to reflect on spirituality & creativity
You want to make a retreat but can’t do an in-person retreat right now
You’ve ever wondered what the Genesis story means for you
A few delights for you
I adore this holiday. Here’s a poem I wrote in hopes of more moments of mercy and mystery in 2022. Reading your responses warmed my heart on NYE.
I’m also a sucker for every shameless year-in-review with soaring violins. Or if you need a laugh, check out my ironic discovery of pre-pandemic optimism.
Lately I find myself watching flash mobs, wanting to remember how humans are capable of goodness and beauty together. Here’s an Ode to Joy I always love and a performance of Gustav Holst’s Jupiter that I found for our New Year’s retreat.
Our family has a tradition of writing our own reflection questions—adults and kids, funny or thoughtful—and answering them around the dinner table on New Year’s Eve. Courtney Martin’s 10 questions for taking stock are perfect for your own pondering.
What a beautiful Eastern European custom of forgiveness and prayer for the new year, from Sr. Josephine Garrett.
Christmas brought me Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr which I inhaled in 3 days. A marvel. What’s the best read you’ve enjoyed this holiday season?
A few favorite poems to ring in 2022
The Guest House by Rumi
Rain, New Year’s Eve by Maggie Smith
Making the House Ready for the Lord by Mary Oliver
And of course, what’s more fitting than The Journey of the Magi by T.S. Eliot? You can hear the poet read it at the end of this reflection from years back.
May you find a heaping helping of joy and hope this year right where you need it most.
Peace,
Laura
Find my books here: Everyday Sacrament | Grieving Together | Prayers for Pregnancy & Birth | To Bless Our Callings | Living Your Discipleship
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