La Retraite

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... seasonal meditation

seasonal meditation ... autumnal reflection

Here is an Autumnal Reflection from Sr. Mary Haggett who describes her self as: “a rather elderly member of La Retraite” and who gives us her unique way of finding God in all things.
As I look out of the window today, all I can see is rain, well perhaps not all, just it is the first thing that catches my attention. Rain in late September, when it should be still sunny - holiday weather. Well, what planet am I living on? Just planet earth, in a rather damp corner of Somerset overlooking the Bristol Channel where rain in late summer is not at all unusual but often does not last long. As you may have gathered, I rather like looking out of windows, as they provide a framework from which to view the local world and its occupants. By the way I am Mary, a rather elderly member of La Retraite, and I would like to share some of my reflections with you.
One of my favourite views is, in fact, a winter scene taken some years ago from a window in Harborne Hall which was then our Retreat House in Birmingham. For me it seems to portray both the calm and excitement of Christmas and our life in Christ. We need to keep both of those positive values alive and fresh whatever time of the year it is. But I suppose it is the clarity of the light which engages my attention. To reach me (and my camera) there are several serious obstacles it has to overcome; take the window - if that has faulty glass or is not clean, there can be no due likeness to reality, only a dull, distorted picture which will not in any way reflect the clarity and beauty of the scene. But also I play an important part in seeing what is there. Everything I see is filtered not only through my eyes and my glasses but through my self, and the baggage that I carry.
	As a member of La Retraite I naturally think of retreat time as a time both to clean the windows (to see what really is there) and to look at the distortions that I hang on to from the past. But, you know, "Retreat" does not necessarily mean going away to a distant retreat house, or climbing a mountain, or even toiling over the Spanish countryside on pilgrimage, though these may give a clearer view of reality, but a short time every day spent cleaning the windows and seeing things as they really are, can work wonders, especially when we ask Jesus to come in and bring His light and compassion; it can change our view of the world, ourselves and the people we meet.
The first thing He tells us is to cheer up, we are not alone, He is with us and knows our problems much better than we do. He is not a bit surprised that we are not the plaster saint we think we ought to be. Always ready to forgive, He picks us up, dusts us down and shows us that we live in an amazing world, with so many of His friends, living images of Himself (hidden at times), if only our eyes were awake to see.
So open your window - let in the light and enjoy the VIEW. MARY