For some there comes a time when a second chance is given.That time then becomes a celebration of the unrecognized gifts of the past and humble gratitude for the wonder of present.
This then is a collection of reflections and comments on life,work,love and faith to be sung ,and danced to, in thanksgiving for a second chance.
“The wisest men tell us that everything, sooner or later, changes. All change commences with a specific moment. We say to ourselves, “ I won’t do this again, I must become different.” And we succeed ---- eventually.”
Frank Delaney, Ireland
Well it is New Years Eve and I have been mulling over resolutions and the concept of change in the New Year. (While most people are confident that they can be successful at accomplishing the goal of their resolutions only 12% of resolutions are reported at being successful.) I had drafted a short narrative that concerned itself with charting a course and how often I have been confronted with making corrections or adjustments based on unforeseen unplanned events or encounters while on the journey. But while revisiting my CABG (Coronary Artery Bypass Graft) experience it was quite clear how it was that “specific moment” that altered everything and all the resolutions and previously charted course and plans suddenly evaporated with the slash of a surgeon's scalpel. A metanoia and possible transformation slowly started birthing and I couldn't stop it. I couldn't accelerate it nor slow it down either…it just continued ….
No formal anticipatory resolutions then tonight. That which was has been instrumental in this pilgrim’s formation on this Odyssey and that which is forthcoming will both hopefully have a similar result and a reception of humble gratitude. Being present and letting go to what is… is resolution in itself.
Happy New Year. !!!
(I found the following in an original collection of poetry published circa 1921 while waiting for a flight at the Milwaukee airport. It is simple straightforward and sweet)
Lord, Make A Regular Man Out Of Me
This I would like to be- braver and bolder,
Just a bit wiser because I am older,
Just a bit kinder to those I may meet,
Just a bit manlier taking defeat;
This for the New Year my wish and my plea-
Lord, make a regular man out of me.
This I would like to be- just a bit finer,
More of a smiler and less of a whiner,
Just a bit quicker to stretch out my hand
Helping another who's struggling to stand,
This is my prayer for the New Year to be,
Lord, make a regular man out of me.
This I would like to be- just a bit fairer,
Just a bit better, and just a bit squarer,
Not quite so ready to censure and blame,
Quicker to help every man in the game,
Not quite so eager men's failings to see,
Lord, make a regular man out of me.
This I would like to be- just a bit truer,
Less of the wisher and more of the doer,
Broader and bigger, more willing to give,
Living and helping my neighbor to live!
This for the New Year my prayer and my plea-
Lord, make a regular man out of me.
- Edgar A. Guest
( "My cousin has great changes coming
One day he'll wake with wings.....
...My cousin as you see
Takes his changes easily
O happy we
Could we take each change so easily"
- From Cousin Caterpillar, Incredible String Band)
“We do not exist for ourselves alone, and it is only when we are fully convinced of this fact that we begin to love ourselves properly and thus also love others. What do I mean by loving ourselves properly? I mean , first of all, desiring to live, accepting life as a very great gift and great good , not because of what it gives us , but because of what it enables us to give to others.”
- Thomas Merton
For years I used to send regular "FYI - Newsletters" to friends and clients around the country. As the Internet became more popular it soon became a vehicle for these messages. One of these "mailings" would always be around this time of year and of course , surprise - surprise, they were filled with stories. Then a unique and delightful surprise occurred when my email box would become inundated with notes of "thanks" from friends and strangers around the country for the Christmas and holiday message. I was and still remain humbled as all I am is an "imperfect" vehicle for a bigger message.
Here are some of my past readers' favorites .
* One of my favorite comic strips is “Peanuts.” It is a vehicle that helps me laugh and be reflective at the same time. In one particular strip that appeared around this time of year Charlie Brown asked Lucy why she was so happy. Lucy explained how it was "Christmas" and she explained further that this was the time of year to "spread joy, caring, compassion, giving and love." Charlie Brown wondered to Lucy, "Why do we just do these things at Christmastime and why can't we do those things all year round?" Lucy yelled at Charlie Brown "What are you some type of religious fanatic?!"
* Every Christmas Eve both of my girls reminded me to put out milk and cookies for Santa. When they were old enough they dictated a note I had to leave for Santa to accompany the cookies and milk . They chose each word carefully and made sure that their message was clear and complete.
“Dear Santa
Here are some milk and cookies for your journey. Thank you for stopping by and leaving us gifts but please do not forget all the poor children who need food and clothing this Christmas and all year round.
Love you…
Lindsay and Leigh"
* Lindsay was born a couple of days before Christmas and we were so thrilled and blessed to bring her home on Christmas day. As we drove up to the house on Lindsay's first Christmas a song and record that was released just earlier that same month was playing on the radio. It was a fund raiser initiated by a "punk rocker" in Great Britain to help the victims of the great famine in Africa that year. (" Do they Know it's Christmas"[ Feed the world]) It somehow reminded us how blessed we were and how others still needed our prayers and help.
Three years later on Lindsay's birthday I received a call from Ginny's doctor as Lindsay and I waited for Ginny to arrive home from work. When Ginny opened the door to wish Lindsay a Happy Birthday we shared the news hat Ginny was pregnant with another baby girl, Leigh. (Another gift!) Just as we began to celebrate the good news a group of carolers wandered up our driveway singing "Joy to the World." We all hugged and laughed and cried in gratitude.
But it doesn't end there ! You see I had a habit or tradition of making a Christmas tape of some favorite Christmas songs to be played on my stereo from early morning and throughout the day on December 25. Now it's all digital on an iPod! But 22 years ago as we listened to the background Christmas music as Lindsay ripped through her presents when she suddenly stopped as "Do they know its Christmastime" (that same song we heard her first Christmas)came on the stereo. Lindsay surprised us when she volunteered exclaiming "That's my favorite Christmas song!" I think it is still one of her favorites.(see lyrics below and click on the picture on the left menu of this blog.)
* It seemed that the hour before dawn on Christmas morning was the secret alarm clock for both of the girls to wake and circle around the Christmas tree. The Christmas music , coffee and the video camera all seemed to start almost automatically and simultaneously with the girls' delight and laughter. The Christmas paper wrappings miraculously piled up in the middle of the floor as gifts became uncovered. However, one year Leigh opened a few presents when she stopped just as quickly as she started whispering softly "that's enough." Without hesitation she went under the tree and grabbed a decorated box and placed it on my lap and said "This is for you dad. You deserve it!" When I thanked her and encouraged her to continue with opening her presents she and her sister stood by my side smiling as I opened their gift as they reminded me that Christmas is "about giving not receiving."
* When the girls were young I was nominated to do the "Saturday errands", that included food shopping. I would bring them along as we would gather the necessities and and of course some treats for the week at our local grocery store. We noticed that there always seemed to be one vacant check out line at a cash register with an employee there at the ready to ring up a customer's tally. We learned quickly that the young man at this register was slow in scanning the items. He was always careful and deliberate but he was also slightly mentally disadvantaged and at times a supervisor would come along to help him "speed up." We always tried to get on his line and I would feel guilty if on a particular day I was rushed and thought of avoiding his line.
One very hot summer's day the food store's airconditioning didn't seem to bring much relief . One would need to stand in the frozen goods section and hold a bag of frozen vegetables if a cool down was desired. As we finished our aisle rounds and neared the check out I could hear this young man singing out loud Christmas carols over the store's piped in music. We got on line and started unloading our basket when I asked him why was he singing "Oh Come all ye' faithful." He immediately responded saying that he was singing Christmas songs to stay cool and to fend off the heat ! But then he added "Why do we have to sing Christmas carols only in December?" He must have been one of those "fanatics" that Charlie Brown's friend ,Lucy , worried about.
Wishing you and yours a peaceful and wonder- filled Christmas and New Years holiday!
