"At
the Day of Judgment we shall not be asked what we have read, but what we have
done." ( Thomas
A’ Kempis , The Imitation of Christ, Book I, ch. 3.)
How
does one say farewell to trusted friends who have been with you every step of
the journey so far?
How
can one express gratitude for the inspiration, the comfort, the illumination,
grace and mentoring these companions have provided?
Is
it important that others are aware of the significant impact of the ideas and
insights that these compadres provided?
All
that has resided in the cluttered attic can’t continue on the passage to the
next chapter. It feels like Sophie’s choice. It is unfair to choose.Anger
swells against the pilgrim partner who insists that there is no room for many
of the friends.
Advances
in technology and the prospect of collecting a digital compendium are not the
same and an unsatisfactory solution.There
is something to be said about touch and physically grasping, if not caressing gently,
the confidantes and mentors. Just knowing that they are at an arms length is
comforting.
“Not
to decide is to decide”
But
the moment of reckoning occurs and reality wins where only a few will join the
pilgrim onward. A divine breath speaks silently of a somewhat solemn solution …some poetry,
some novels, some educational texts, some sacred tomes, some historical
records…. and so it goes. Refusing to say “goodbye” to those left behind this
reflection then will be a humble “thank you” to each one. Also, let it be known that each
one…yes, each one. …these sacred gifts ….every page…every word…every idea…every
concept will remain as an integral part of burning flame in this heart.
I
will never forget. I will try to find a way to honor the words... of the poets, the authors, storytellers, spiritual masters, saints and inspirational teachers .... and how they have blessed
me.
amdg
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