That ever illusive state of mind....peace. Today was one of those days that I didn't believe peace would have a chance to enter. Too many things in the works, too much to think about. I don't understand why I can't just will it to happen. What do I have to do? Schedule peace? Is that even possible?
I think I've been a little envious - ok, a lot envious - of a good friend and colleague at church. She just spent the weekend at a retreat at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Paradise Valley. She seemed to be just gliding along oblivious, or maybe detached is a better word, from the usual chaos that seems to erupt on Monday mornings. I wanted that. To wait until I could actually go on a weekend retreat seemed to be way too far into the future. Its a gorgeous day today, in the high 70s, sunny with not a cloud in the sky. I'm ready to go out right now and find peace! And find it I did.
A couple of years ago I had heard about a place called Canaan on the Desert, a beautiful garden of Eden right here in the valley. I remembered how I felt when I visited there and knew that was soul refreshment I deperately needed. Today I was the only person on the property, except for the nuns who live there and tend to the beautiful gardens
I took my time in the prayer garden where Stations of the Cross soothed me instantly. I sat at each Station on low benches reading scripture posted on beautiful stone tablets. How had I fogotten about this piece of heaven...?
If you too are looking for peace, this is the place for you. Open everyday, all day. You can sit for as long as you like. Enjoy the peace.
Canaan on the Desert, 40th Street south of Shea Boulevard, Phoenix
2 comments:
I remember the first time I walked the garden at Canaan in the Desert a few years ago. What a beautiful oasis in the middle of a busy city! Thank you, Jill, for showing me such a place!
Being able to share this corner of creation made it even more precious to me. I'm so glad you feel the same way!
Post a Comment