​A place of your own,

A roof among the trees, a refuge in the forest.

Peace, quiet, Love-Divine.

No radio, no TV - no phone.

No electricity and no keeping time!

But a glowing wood stove in winter,

a flickering oil lamp at night.

The sound of little paws - maybe;

Welcome the little ones from the woods who come to visit you.

The song of the birds.

The wind howling all around you -

Or the buzzing of mosquitoes on a lazy summer’s eve.

Protect yourself, don’t destroy.

Feed the birds, pump your water, haul your wood.

Be aware that you are part of Creation.

Take up the challenge of Life.

Enjoy the laziness of a hot summer’s day,

or swim in the cool refreshing waters of the lake.

Be impressed by the beauty of the autumn leaves

or the violence of a winter storm,

Walk among the serenity of the winter wonderland,

and listen to the wind whispering to you through the trees.

Watch as the winter snows melt away by the warming sun,

which feeds the buds that flower to new life in the spring.

Wake to the beauty of the rising Sun,

and be captivated by the brilliance of the stars at night.

Solve the problems of feeding yourself, of cleansing,

cleaning, washing and keeping warm or cool.

Listen to the quiet peace around you and sleep among the trees.

Listen to the storm and the spattering of the rain.

A room, a table, a bench and an easy chair.

A bed, wide or narrow, a pillow, a quilt.

A pail with a lid, a basin, a jug.

No luxuries here - but the basics. 

Peace for body and mind.

Leave your car and your watch at the “Main House”.

The “Main House” will be your lifeline - so you won’t drown.

You’ll find there, some friends, ready and willing,

to share a cup or a story.

When “soup’s on” everyone is welcome;

when chores need to be done, you’re welcome too.

Come close for a while, replenish your soul, your body, your mind.

When you leave, cherish your new found treasures.

The Lord invites you to walk alone with Him for a moment in time.

If this is what you are looking for, we welcome you,

come share with us in God’s Eternal Love.

​

​​- Fr. Peter Stephen, 2001