Coffee…and maybe a cranberry-orange muffin, too. (Sorry, couldn’t resist!)

I do not know what grace is. I only know how grace feels as it gently arrives, passes through, opening doors and smoothing every way forward.

Many, and probably too many to even remember them all. Most seem to come in the flow of a two way exchange. Whenever my actions are deemed kind by another, kindness flows back in return. Now and then when a kind act or word comes from another person unexpectedly, I make a point of replying, “You are very kind. Thank you.” It’s important that Kindnesses like these be named.
– Kevin

By over thinking it. I am reminded of this over and over again whenever I am with children. And fortunately for me I am rescued by children quite often.

How I may want to be remembered is not important to me. How others may want to remember me is up to them. Now back to what I was doing…

Very little, actually! But I’m here right now, so that’s a start.

By making good use of this brand new beautiful day.

Personally, I look for joy, hope for joy and even count on joy to arrive here and there. So for me it’s fairly rare when joy surprises me. If anything, in today’s world and especially in my country’s current political climate, I find myself needing to seek joy out and be mindful of when I am in the mist of what is joyful and then to savor it.
– Kevin

I try to savor moments, any moments as they come whether they are free or not. While I get the point of today’s question I find myself asking just what do we mean by “free?” And it’s too early to dive back into philosophy 101!

By listening, making eye contact and being fully present when engaged with people. This, I have found, usually goes full-circle.

I have fond memories from my farming days of walking down into the pasture at 4 AM to bring the cows up to the barn for milking. The waning night sounds slowly giving way to daybreak still on the distant horizon; the rising mist; an owl’s mournful far-off hoot; the smell of hay curing in a nearby field. Every sound and smell fills in what cannot yet be seen, assisting the eyes that wait for daylight.
– Kevin

Thanks too for the animal adoption info, Aine.

My neighbor, at 96 years old, who’s coop is up against our property, sings and talks to his chickens as he arrives to feed them. I’m not sure, but I think that there is a red carpet rolled out as he arrives every morning.

Hi Deb,

Turns out that Pilgrim contacted me directly via email so I was able to send her info regarding her question and links to Quaker sites that might be useful. Happy to share with you what I shared with Pilgrim, if you’re okay emailing me also. I’m at [email protected] . Take care my friend.

Hi Pilgrim, gosh, I just sent a full reply to you with some links to sites that I think would be helpful to you. But when I clicked “add your voice,” everything I replied disappeared! I will check back in a bit, hoping that it was held for review and that they might allow it to be posted. If not, I’ll give you my email address and you can reach me there. Sorry!

Hello Aine, It was wonderful, year after year, and tiring too! Takes me three days to recover once I get home!

Hi Ben, there is never enough singing! A whole week of it? Fantastic!

Love this!