Some of the places that I routinely feel at home with, or in, are:
Our own home!
Our Quaker meetinghouse,
On West Island Beach,
In a whaleboat,
And in my bed.

My family, my life, my friends and neighbors, my faith community and my fellow human beings.

I’ve got nothing “ode-wise” in my head, the most I’ve done is drag my bones from bed!

I am reasonably content with where my heart, spirit, actions and expressions of love are with respect to the world. It is my sense that it is less about “bigger” and “more,” about being present for each quiet and unseen moment where love is released to do its work.
– Kevin

Now and then I find myself struggling with an approach to an issue I am dealing with. It rumbles around in my head until a moment arrives when my wife, after listening to me, says, “Maybe you should think of it like this…..” And presto, approach to the problem is solved!

That my nation’s leaders will one day demonstrate, through their actions and behavior, the ideals of which they profess and seldom attain, for the benefit of my country and its people

I can only hope that I am making a difference when my wife and I give to charities that we feel need our support. Beyond that, I look for ways to support people around me who are struggling in various ways. I do what I can but admit that it bothers me to know that I am only scratching the surface of the unrelenting need of so many.

For starters, a few historic Quaker luminaries, including a few present day elders have all helped me to live what I hope is an authentic life. Yet there are others too, people who have lived or are still living simple and unsung lives with integrity, purpose and conviction, who possess that spark in their eyes and who seem to walk with grace and quiet dignity that consistently inspire me the most on any given day.

It depends on “what” is. For example:

I have enough love in my life so that I am able to share it with others.
I have enough material things so I don’t need to be cruising on Amazon.
When I have had enough pain in my back I stop and do my stretches.
When I have more than enough clothing I drop a box off at the shelter.
When I have had enough sitting I get up and head to the gym!

Oh for sure, Aine. Our local Council on Aging also runs food pantries that make their inventory available to anyone regardless of age or address, and the woman who runs it reminds everyone that “your neighbor likely just left.” Happy holiday to you and yours.

I like the first come first give approach. Though more recently, it seems that needy people are panhandling on almost every corner with a red these days. One day a month or so ago I passed out four one dollar bills just running errands.

Hi Karen, that’s a good idea…to ask their name. I usually saying something like “take care of yourself,” which always feels a bit lame, actually. Moving forward, i think I will begin to follow your example.

Thanks Ose, wishing you a brand new day today of vivid colors! My very best to you.

Love this, Ose. Yes indeed!

Thanks, Aine, I’m on to that site next! Cheers and Peace to you.

Of course you are correct, Anna. And yet, it’s hard not to now and then recall that phrase “The ocean is so vast and thy boat is so small.” But, we do what we can. Thanks again.

Thanks for your comment, Mavorneen. And as I’ve told some folks over the years, if I wasn’t a Quaker, I think I’d be a Buddhist!