Someone gave me a lovely gift: Sanctuary of the Soul by Richard Foster. It’s just perfect for this time of Advent and this time of my life. I thought I would share with you a poem he quotes at the beginning of Part 1. May this encourage your hearts, just as it has encouraged mine.

Teach me to stop and listen,
Teach me to center down.
Teach me the use of silence,
Teach me where peace is found.

Teach me to hear Your calling,
Teach me to search Your Word.
Teach me to hear in silence,
Things I have never heard.

Teach me to be collected,
Teach me to be in tune,
Teach me to be directed,
Silence will end so soon.

Then when it’s time for moving,
Grant it that I might bring,
To every day and moment,
Peace from a silent spring.

By Ken Medema.