He Restores My Soul

Sound of fountain flowing
Trees blowing
Country crickets chirping
Vast blue sky a cathedral ceiling
Quiet trees planted, rooted, unmoving--
my prayer for faith

Fields of corn far-reaching
No Filipino karoke or roosters blaring
No internet signal distracting
Green grass, a carpet cot for a nap
Shade and silence for solitude
with my Savior

Leaves fluttering
Branches rustling
Soothing sound to my 
tired ears of
kids screaming
boys shouting.

Energetic kids eager
for attention and affection
now not interrupting.
Responsibility for others
lifted from my shoulders,
my back tired from carrying, cleaning, 
conflict, correcting, child-rearing.

Thank you, Lord, for a retreat.
Respite
Rest
Refresh me
Restore my soul.

Psalm 23: "The Lord...makes me lie down in green pastures,
He leads me beside quiet waters,
he restores my soul."

[Location: Saint Benedict Retreat Center near Schuyler, NE]