Sister Carmen Bernos de Gasztold was a Benedictine nun and gifted writer who lived from 1919 to 1995. She wrote two books giving voice to God’s animals titled “Prayers from the Ark” and “The Creatures’ Choir.” This summer I am sharing once again more of her pensive poems.

To build,

Lord,

that is a vocation!

I speak of my passion,

architecture.

Of course

one should build on a rock,

but what fillips is there

in doing anything easy?

My element is to struggle–

it is water that allures–

and tells me

to build a safe and steady house

on the moving stream

of a river–

moving as life does, swiftly–

what an adventure!

With patience and ingenuity

one can do anyting.

But I am one

who loves to swim against the current,

to build

something lasting–

and all my own work–

at the very core of life.

Oh yes, Lord,

if You would give me

some of Your living water,

I would build

Your paradise for You!

Amen.