Each
friend
represents
a world
in us,
a world
possibly
not born
until
he or she
arrives.
I have a bouquet
of friends,
each one
different.
I find
myself
revealing-
sometimes
discovering-
different
aspects
of myself
with each
of them.
livinglinesreflections.com
Yesterday
sunny.
Spring snow lingered
on the upper branches
of the evergreens.
As I lay on the floor
readying
for my exercises,
I paused
and cherished
the beauty.
Today,
another April snow
built during the whole day,
walking became
slippery
even with my boots
which had been
still poised at my door.
Time for the floor again.
Exercises
help me center,
program my body and brain
to help me
navigate
whatever
territory
I travel.
Inner and outer
steps.
Lying on the floor,
I pause,
meditating
on the beauty
of the laden trees.
The skylights
are snow covered,
blocking light,
adding their own beauty.
Lying on the floor
is different
than my soft bed.
The view
is child-like
not high above
where
I may not
notice things.
I pause,
take deep breaths,
savoring these moments.
The daffodils
will survive
enriched by the
water
from the melting snow.
Maybe tomorrow.
Pictures remind
Easter finery.
New bonnet,
Spring coat, perhaps
passed down
through
sisters and cousin.
New dress,
polished shoes
or new
patent leather!
Small flower corsage
from Daddy.
Some may still
dress this way
for Easter services,
I may admit to
a little envy.
We looked our best
or so it seemed.
The best outside dress-up
cannot cover up
the violence of
terror or the
insulting language
in the political campaign.
Steady reams of
news
proclaim
more crucifixion
than resurrection.
There are many
moments
of love and caring,
even random
acts of kindness.
What will it take
to dress up
ourselves,
our families and friends,
our neighborhoods
and our world
with sincere conversion
from the inside out.
Real love and kindness
generate
warmth and smiles.
How can we
dress
ourselves
with the
realization
that
we are all
in this world together?
Respect
for
each and every other,
dressed in finery
or clothes unfamiliar.
Garments given away
clothe
those without anything.
Respect
is the best
place
to begin.
We all
can dress ourselves best
caring for
each other.
Amen.
May
the road rise
to meet you.
May the wind
be always
at your back.
May the sun
shine
warm upon
your face,
the rains fall soft
upon your fields,
and when
we meet again,
May God
hold you
in the
palms of
His hand.
There are many versions
of this Irish Blessing.
There are many
who claim
Irish ancestors.
The Irish diaspora
spreads
far and wide.
Even our first
African American
President
has Irish roots
on his mother’s side.
As the 69th
Regiment
parades down
New York’s
Fifth Avenue,
I claim a
great-grandfather
who was a member of
the “Fighting Irish Brigade”.
I can do a bit of the jig,
dancing to the
Irish Washerwoman toe tapping music.
In 8th grade,
I soloed
the lilting
“Rose of Tralee”.
In cap and gown,
high heeled shoes,
with my college freshmen class,
we marched in the
parade in the snow.
Memories linger
smiles especially broad
on this green day.
Do you have
a bit of Irish
on this day?
May the road rise to meet You.
Once upon a time,
When I ran into
friends and acquaintances
who asked
what
I was up to,
I would reel off
a litany of activities.
Lately,
I have begun to reply,
“I am practicing not multitasking.”
Saying these words
out loud
reaffirms
my intentions
and seems
to give
the questioners pause.
I also
pause
before asking
the reflexive
“what have you been up to”
question.
Instead of
exchanging lists,
a conversation
might
take place.
Do the best
you can
with what
you have.
Enjoy the ride!
A 90 year old
shares the secret.
If we aren’t
satisfied
doing
our best
with
what
we have,
we won’t enjoy
what
we did
accomplish.
livinglinesreflections.com
Living Lines Moment by Moment 