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.
If you don’t know where you’re going Any Road will get you there. - Any Road, G. Harrison
I listen to the wind come how l, telling me to hurry I listen to the robin’s song saying not to worry. - On the
Way to Find out, Cat Stevens
While on the long ride home The state of the art satellited technology system Filled the blank space with a landscape Seemingly from some yet undiscovered planet. Unfamiliar mountains and landmarks line the passageway. A river with no-name flows to the unknown sea . Even incidents and allegations along the way Were not reflected nor anticipated in that wise
navigation tool.
The silent conversation began: “ We’re not in Kansas anymore” the first one communicated
the second. The second one’s eyes ask if they are headed in the
right direction. “It all depends if it will take us to where we want to
go,” the firstreplied without words. “Does it matter?” the second’s hand asked.
For the first time in the time and space they shared
together It was agreed that maps and directions were not needed, as they decided to slow down to just go with the flow and enjoy the ride.
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Day Three and then departure..
The sun is ever present in safe
harbor Cape May ... She burns brightly through the haze Spirits warmed, rested and consoled Waves of that great ocean of mercy Rolling in serene and soft Kiss the beach , sanctifying grateful pilgrims As they prepare for the next phase Of their passage.
New hobby - "Ocean Gazing"
Tide comes in
Tide goes out
Fog comes in Fog lifts Tide comes in again Sun squeezing herself slightly Through the clouds Tide goes out again Footprints in the sand Washed away Anointed by the sacred salt air The sun retreats slowly It's 112 pm on our anniversary She's sleeping Music fills the space between... Tide comes in...
"Contained in Everything I Do There's a love I feel for you Proclaimed in everything I write You're the light, burning brightly Onward through the night Onward through the night of my life." - Onward , "Yes', C. Squire “We were talking, about the love
that's gone so cold and the people,
Who gain the world and lose their soul
Then you may find, peace of mind, is waiting there
And the time will come when you see we're all one,
And life flows on within and without
you”
- Within Without You, G. Harrison
"You say that emotions are overrated.Emotions are all we've got." - Mick, "Youth" Someone
once suggested that that light at the end of this long meandering up and down
tunnel doesn’t get any smaller with the passage of time. At what point did that
original innocence fade from view behind us? What is it that tries and
sometimes succeeds to dampen that once holy flame of enthusiasm? Where did that
trusted lifelong companion go? Was there a specific voice that encouraged or
tempted me to take that one specific path and he another? How is it that some
continue to hold the hands of a loved one while others feel they need to
traverse every step alone? Are we quick to forget the power of touch? Are we
quick to forget the simple songs? Were not the simple songs all we have? Can we
keep our heads up and hearts opened as we move onward through the night of our
lives?
No
thing lasts forever does it? Some trees fall more quickly than others. Broken
barren branches, remnants of a glory that once was, are now strewn across the
field and is fuel for the next pilgrim along the way eventually becoming ashes
to nurture the earth where that roaming fire had burned through the days and
nights. Some giving-trees seem to continue to grow strong and grand with
seasonal rebirth. Others are cut down in their prime becoming trunks of rest
for tired worn out pilgrims. Still, other trees perpetuate constant leaves as
shade source of freedom for launching for Frost boys swinging as they lean
towards heaven. He prayed that he could be one of those branches on a tree of
Merton.
His
meditation “There is no fear for my own last day but the heart trembles with
the slightest consideration of the passing of the one’s I love and for the last
breath of those who may have loved me. “
The
purest innocence of babies and youth at honest play; the intoxicating freedom
discovered in boundless music; the presence of love, and the egoless carefree resilience
of an uncorrupted authenticity are what we need to keep spirits alive while
making way in our time worn weathered vessels. Listen to the larger voices
calling and suddenly consideration that all this is just coincidence and
strictly chance -is proven
to be naïve.
Well, it is said, “You can’t push a
river, it flows by itself.” We were waiting and trusting, and then the miracle
happened. Welcome, Quinn, Welcome! It was a wonder filling surprise that the
love that we were waiting to give to you upon your arrival was in fact the most
magnificent unconditional love that blessed all who welcomed you.
Upon your arrival your mother and father
knew that they were holding pure love in their arms. They experienced the
sacred gift of your presence that was sourced by the love of a divine spark
that makes your life a true sacrament. GG believes that you and your cousin
Caroline are proof that angels do exist.
I wonder about the reason for your
crying. Do you hunger for food of this world or the nourishment of the love
that brought you into this side of paradise? Your secret smiles tell me that
you are aware of some great mystical answer that we will all return to when the
river delivers us into that ocean of mercy. But somehow you also know that
there is specialness in the present as you rest against your mother’s heart and
hear her song while sensing the gentle power of your father’s hands.
I am not sure if there is much that I
can share with you about the world you have entered. I have tried to explain to
your mother and your Zia Lindsay but I am not sure how successful I have been.
So, here are a few lessons I have learned that might be useful. I hope you find
it worthwhile.
There is a lot of goodness in this
world. Sometimes all you need to do is open your heart to find the goodness. It
helps to associate with good people who are like your mom and dad. Good always
overcomes evil. Being present and mindful with gratitude to the present moment
will get you closer to the sacred in this world. Spending time in nature will
immerse you in that peace that you knew before you were born. Long walks in the
woods and sitting on the beach witnessing sunrises and sunsets are serene
up-lifting moments. Storms happen but remember storms end - so keep the faith.
Every so often you might make a
mistake but that is just proving that you are human. It is said,“ If a problem can be solved…why worry
and if problem is unsolvable, worrying will not help.”
Be authentic and honest and always
show compassion and mercy. You will be remembered by how you live and love and
not by how much you have or have not accumulated. It really doesn’t matter as
to how you “make” a living as long as you live well, live with love, integrity
and truth. The secrets to success are to use your talents as they have been
given to you for a reason. Follow your bliss.
No one should be taken for granted as
God creates us all. Remember there are those who are less fortunate and need
your help. Look at the values and careers of your mom and dad. Don’t forget
that you are loved and that loving yourself and others is what life is really
all about. My own father used to say “ Do the right thing because it is the
right thing and not because you desire some reward.”
Sing, dance, laugh and help others do
the same. Play- set your spirit free. If you play sports or play music play
with all your heart and energy. If you love to write, paint or solve scientific
or mathematical problems immerse yourself completely in whatever you do.
Read everything you can .You can find
wisdom in good books and find the soul of the divine in poetry. If you love to
write, never stop as “writing is knowing” and you will find yourself and the
secret to tranquility.
It make take a while to realize this,
but God is in all things all ways and prayer works! Trust your intuition. Be
amazed by life and know you will amaze others.
