Beloved is Where We Begin — Jan Richardson

Yah, this poem says a bit about the journeys we take, doesn’t it. These big adventures that we choose — perhaps life itself. Or jobs. Or relationships. Or seasons of life. And the poem says something about the journeys we take that fall into our laps. With less choice. That we know in our guts we must take. Perhaps even long overdue.

I relate. To an excitement and worry that goes with the setting out. To both the utter challenge that shows up along the way, and to a grace in assistance that accompanies. All of which makes possible a change, an evolution, returning to be witnessed as a different being.

Thx to friend Katharine Weinmann for sharing this poem by Jan Richardson, author, artist, and United Methodist Church minister.

BELOVED IS WHERE WE BEGIN

If you would enter
into the wilderness,
do not begin
without a blessing.

Do not leave
without hearing
who you are:
Beloved,
named by the One
who has traveled this path
before you.

Do not go
without letting it echo
in your ears,
and if you find
it is hard
to let it into your heart,
do not despair.
That is what
this journey is for.

I cannot promise
this blessing will free you
from danger,
from fear,
from hunger
or thirst,
from the scorching
of sun
or the fall
of the night.

But I can tell you
that on this path
there will be help.

I can tell you
that on this way
there will be rest.

I can tell you
that you will know
the strange graces
that come to our aid
only on a road
such as this,
that fly to meet us
bearing comfort
and strength,
that come alongside us
for no other cause
than to lean themselves
toward our ear
and with their
curious insistence
whisper our name:

Beloved.
Beloved.
Beloved.

– Jan Richardson –
Circle of Grace: A Book of Blessings for the Seasons