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Gratefulness
It is not so much life-lessons learned lately as it is reminders of what I already know. That would be as I remembered yesterday: to take NOTHING, NO THING for granted, even the momentary lapses.
It is a tall order and I am not sure it is completely possible, but taking nothing, NO THING for granted. Appreciating everything, including the momentary lapses.
From my chair directly in front of me on the heat radiator is a figure of cupped hands holding a votive with a lit candle, reminding me we are all held by the Source of all being. Just beyond that is a window through which I see a fog laden and rain drenched tree reminding me of the creative and eternal Word of the Source. Inside to my right are my beloved books, in my mind wealth and comfort. I am grateful to have these things today, realizing I might not have them tomorrow.
That life is ongoing learning.
I met a lovely elderly woman at the Chautauqua Institute last week. We ate dinner with her and her husband and I thought she was remarkable and simply beautiful. I most likely will never see her again, but those moments we spent together will not be forgotten.
Most humbled. The wind. I cannot see the wind, only it effects. I love the feel of the gentle breeze but am reminded of the strength and destruction hurricane force winds can cause.
I cherish my daily morning observance of solitude, prayer, contemplation and listening.
It is mid morning and I have read each of the 22 responses to this question. Each one has insight and I am encouraged to consider and participate in each one, not simultaneously but as the day continues and appropriately.
To be at a stage of development where I can hold the paradox of life with equanimity. It is a dance of being filled, being emptied, of movement of stillness.
Reading the reflections written before me, I could smell each one and thought “yes! That’s the one!” How delightful! My favorite daily fragrance is the coffee brewing in the morning. It reminds me how far I have come and how grateful I am to be where I am.
It has been six years since I have had a pet. Before that, I lived with pets 35 years. I appreciate the loyalty and unabashed affection of a dog (I like medium to large sized dogs). I am a fool when it comes to cats, though, and feel it a privilege when one comes to me to be petted. I think my nature is a bit like the cat in that I sleep a lot, can be a bit independent and spend time watching the outdoors. When I was preparing to leave my home and marriage, the cat and dog were a great ...
It has been six years since I have had a pet. Before that, I lived with pets 35 years. I appreciate the loyalty and unabashed affection of a dog (I like medium to large sized dogs). I am a fool when it comes to cats, though, and feel it a privilege when one comes to me to be petted. I think my nature is a bit like the cat in that I sleep a lot, can be a bit independent and spend time watching the outdoors. When I was preparing to leave my home and marriage, the cat and dog were a great comfort to me daily. I still remember the feel of the cat on my pillow wrapped around my head and purring and the dog snuggled close.
Envy. I worked and nurtured a married relationship for 40 years only to have it crumble after a decade of unfortunate events and the appearance of a younger woman who offered the vision of greener pastures. A beloved daughter with two children whose brand of Christianity has caused her to view me as a sinner who must be cut out of her life as a cancer, so I don’t contaminate. Yeah. I envy the marriages that continue until the end of earthly life and the mother/daughter relation...
Envy. I worked and nurtured a married relationship for 40 years only to have it crumble after a decade of unfortunate events and the appearance of a younger woman who offered the vision of greener pastures. A beloved daughter with two children whose brand of Christianity has caused her to view me as a sinner who must be cut out of her life as a cancer, so I don’t contaminate. Yeah. I envy the marriages that continue until the end of earthly life and the mother/daughter relationships that share life with mutual respect and congeniality. I miss being a grand parent. What does envy teach me? What have I learned? To trust that ultimately all shall be well and all shall be well and all manner of thing shall be well, as Julian of Norwich wrote. That ultimately probably isn’t this life. To hold nothing tightly. To be grateful for what I have now, because it could very well be gone tomorrow.
Thank you, Sheila! You likewise!????
The nice thing about the dvds is you get the option to watch special features or commentary! I am with you, Francine!
Oh Mary Agnes, I do so like that turn of phrase “a grain of soft”!
I agree with you, Ed. Awareness is important. I would add considered participation, which is a sacred responsibility. Together those two can co-create for the good of all.
I went to Hawaii for the first time this April, Antoinette, and found it just as you say! We are retuning again in 2018 for six weeks. I loved wearing flowers in my hair and leis! The fragrance of the Island was delightful!
Thank you, Anna, for your words. Life, indeed, is difficult at times.
Thank you, Paul. I appreciate your words.
Even if you don’t read the book, the quote is excellent as a stand alone. It have seen me thru Many a dismal span of time.
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