Safe travels


This little blessing asked to be written when I learned that a dear friend was embarking on a risky fact-finding trip to another continent last December.

Since then, I've shared it with my lovely sisters at Clare's Well before they left for their annual trip to Nicaragua in January to do good work.

And today I post it for Braja of LOST and FOUND in INDIA as she continues her own journey of healing with grace and humor.

I also send it to all who take to the roads, the water, the land, and the air in the pursuit of care and compassion for themselves and for others.


May you travel safely

 

As you embark upon your journey

We are filled with gratitude

Grateful for your goodness

Grateful for your compassion

Grateful for your courage

Grateful for your strength

 

As you leave our midst

Know that we are always present with you

And you are with us

 

May you depart wrapped in the love of your family and friends

May you travel gently, safe in each other's company

May you do your work protected by all that you believe in,

And all that believes in you

 

May the sun and the moon and the stars light your path

May the earth cushion your every step

May the breath of air sustain you

May all who greet you know your kindness

And as you work, may peace be your constant companion

 

And then,

Return to us, for we will miss you

Return to us, for we want to know your story

Return to us, for your breathing helps our breathing

Return to us, for you are our cherished ones




Image by Kathleen Kimball-Baker 

Comments

♥ Braja said…
Kathleen...what can I say....that is so lovely...thank you.
xx
Amy said…
Kathleen -- this traveler's prayer is one of my most treasured belongings. It meant the world to me when you said it before that trip. And, amazingly, i'm just finishing packing to return home from another trip -- imagine my joy at seeing it posted online today. See the great things you do for people without even realizing it? Thank you yet again! amy
Jinksy said…
How about this Old Irish Blessing?

May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
the rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.

May God be with you and bless you:
May you see your children's children.
May you be poor in misfortune,
Rich in blessings.
May you know nothing but happiness
From this day forward.

May the road rise up to meet you
May the wind be always at your back
May the warm rays of sun fall upon your home
And may the hand of a friend always be near.

May green be the grass you walk on,
May blue be the skies above you,
May pure be the joys that surround you,
May true be the hearts that love you.
Unknown said…
Wonderful Kathleen. It take a really kind and compassionate heart to write such beautiful prose.
Pyzahn said…
I hope you are compiling all these wonderful poems/stories/blessings you create. They will make a lovely bestseller.
ellen abbott said…
A wonderful blessing. So be it.
Unknown said…
Hello Kathleen,

Lovely of you to write this for your friends. It is obviously appreciated.

And, no, I haven't forgotten my award. I collected it straight away and have been secretly admiring it! Sunday is the scheduled day for announcing it to the world!
Erin Davis said…
This is just lovely...full of grace. I agree with jinksy...this is so Irish! The beautiful blessings and then the longing for the loved one to return. Wonderful.
Kat Mortensen said…
Absolutely inspiring and beautiful! It's like a prayer. Anyone who is sent off under its auspices should feel well-comforted and secure.

Kat
Janie said…
Beautiful prayer, and it goes very well with the interesting photo.
Julie B. said…
Very beautiful. And by the way, I lost it on the second-to-last line. *reaches for tissue box*
Kathleen said…
Braja: You are most welcome!

Amy: :^) . . . blessings

Jinksy: I've never seen the full blessing. I love it! So, much, in fact I'd like to add it to my sidebar. Thank you so much for taking the time to send it!

Jane: Such kind words. Thank you!

Pyzahn: Hmmmm...that's an interesting idea. Do you see a theme?

Ellen: Amen! (And thank you)

Derrick: Thank you! What a fabulous post you did. You amaze me.

Erin: Irish, eh? Well, I do have a wee bit of the Irish in me. Thank you for your sweet comment

Poetikat: Wow! I'm honored by your words. Thank you so much!

Janie: Thank you. That's a little statue in my "peace garden" on the east side of our house. We had a late spring snow a year ago that just enchanted me.

Julie: You are such a dear. I can well imagine. And just so you know, this is for you, too! See you next weekend!
Mariana Soffer said…
Lovely poem, lovely post
It is very generous from you to write that to another person, not many people would do that. IT shows love going from yourself to the outside world. Gives me hope in humanity helping itself.
And it is also well written.

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