The Map You Make Yourself
A Blessing for Women
You have looked at so many doors with longing,
wondering if your life lay on the other side.
For today, choose the door that opens to the inside.
Travel the most ancient way of all:
the path that leads you to the center of your life.
No map but the one you make yourself.
No provision but what you already carry
and the grace that comes to those who walk the pilgrim’s way.
Speak your blessing as you set out and watch how your rhythm slows,
the cadence of the road drawing you into the pace that is your own…
Do not expect to return by the same road.
Home is always by another way,
and you will know it, not by the light that waits for you
but by the star that blazes inside you,
telling you that where you are is holy
and you are welcome here.
(Adapted from The Wise Women Also Came by Jan Richardson.)
Sprit of God, Sophia, we ask Your blessing on the women we are honoring today. You know each of them by name. May they always experience the depth of Your love.—AMEN.