Pause to Ponder

Many roles I’ve played seem laughable today,
much of what I’ve done now giving way
to pure and simple happiness gifted us each day

In fog and downward pull of negativity
Mother Nature teaches me to trust
the updraft from her ocean of goodness

Wise Waymaker through want and plenty,
let Mother Earth’s bountiful beauty inspire us
to share your life that all may enjoy

Message from Mother Earth

When something arises in nature that deviates
from what is standard, normal, or expected
it is labeled rare—not wrong

Living beings whose lives have unusual qualities
show us that different is beautiful,
significance rooted in what stands out

Today I’ll consider something different about me
while Mother Earth sweetly whispers:
See how unique you are, dear one, be and rejoice!

“I will instruct you
and will teach you
the way you should go”. Psalm 32:8

In a little cabin on our Whidbey property
I will go regularly
to read, write, play music, and pray

Most of all, I will go to our hermitage in the woods
to embrace silence and learn this most important
life lesson: Don’t go it alone.

Today I give thanks for people
who are courageously protecting 
our oceans, cleaning rivers, and beaches

To those in every corner of the planet
who are quietly doing the things
no one else wants to do

Caring for the forgotten
people, places, and species,
doing what needs to be done.

Photo by Samuel Blair, Sunset Beach, Oregon

Reflecting on what Life holds in store
upon our return to Whidbey Island,
these words came to my awareness:

Take courage. Do not be afraid.
Lean into your older years,
encouraging mindfulness and relaxation

Relearn the fine art of doing nothing
Be a clean slate that the Pen of Creation
may write the next chapter in your book of life

With the stirring of Spirit
the tiniest of gifts given with a grateful heart
transfigure every inner and outer landscape

With even the smallest of instruments
and most modest of talent
we help celebrate the restoration of creation

There are countless beads of rain in the world
tears numb and numberless
on our windows

Yet light warms the heart in the teariest of times
like water on the face
they awaken us to the surprise of grace

Day by day we realize, Yes!
No matter how tearful the condition
a light too bright to be drowned still shines

Our illumination of the power to live
burning within and around
every tear volatilized into a glimpse of glory!

Today
I lift up and give thanks for the
slowing down that comes with my aging

The soul of this older body
delighting to go slow and savor
rather than speed up and accomplish

Blessed to rest in and contemplate the good in my life I take time to carefully choose rather than rush off to the next place to go and thing to do