First Day is Multa Bene! Very Good!

Arriving in Piegaro was sensational, a treat for every sense:
As I first lay eyes on the beautiful, simple village on the hilltop as we drove in,
To smell the warm breath of wood smoke emitting from the homes,
To hear the peals of the bells proclaim the time with sweet chiming,
To enjoy the first tastes of pasta prepared by the maestro Vittorio at Osteria Juni,
But by far the best was the embrace and kisses of friends I've returned to.

Life of retreat began with the incredible hospitality of Colleen, Alessandra and Lila,
through the thoughtful actions of preparation, welcome and companionship,
The day felt fresh, peaceful, tranquil, and oh, so graceful.
The simple pleasures of life: good food, gentle nap, worship of gratitude and evening of reacquainting.
It was a return to a place that feels oh so like home in its deepest meaning.

How do we live life as if it were a constant journey home?
How can we use fully our senses to appreciate all that God has given us?
How do we give thanks and praise for all who are a part of home?
How can we fully rest tranquil in God's creation, fully joining in the creation?
What keeps us so often away from this place of Bliss?

Prayer of St. Francis
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace,
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy;
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
AMEN.