My friend Mike, we have many things in common that bring us joy like our catholic faith, hiking, sailing, Celtic music and travelling.
He helped me fullfill a life time dream to go to Ireland., we went in 2015 & 2018 and now we are going to Scotland on Sunday God willing!
I have mentioned this in other posts, but since my health and my husband’s took a nosedive a couple of months ago, people we hardly knew or didn’t know at all have showed up with love, kindness and tangible health. What a blessing!
My friend Jeff H. Who was a customer,
and then a riding buddy, and then a friend,
and then through strange serendipity,
gave me the opportunity to start my video
business. You just never know where
things will go. It usually seems to start
with saying yes.
My cousin Cierra has impacted mty life in unexpected ways and I am so grateful for her.
Growing up she always said that it was her dream to be an opera singer. I remember at the time I looked at her in confusion because opera was just so random growing up in a black household that prioritized gospel and soul. But she always had a dream to be in that type of performance art. My cousin is now an grammy award winning opera singer who performs in New York doing what she loves to do. Everytime I see her she inspires me to go after my dreams so that I can also have that type of peace and enjoyment in terms of how I secure my lifestyle. I do not tell her but she is seriously the first real role model I can consider just because she put her dreams first over what others would think of her. I am praying that I’ll do the same.
I would say a group of women who have shared a great deal of life with its many twists. Our friendship started in College and has continued for several years.
I have to say my husband, Peter. I never thought I would be married…and never thought I would live in a wonderful home in a wonderful place. Peter is my rock….I never thought I would find someone like him. I am very Blessed.
My mentor (RIP) of 27 years; my 100 year old uncle; my dear friends Sandy, Gail, Renee and Linda; my next door neighbors to name a few and so many authors and poets whose writings have helped me find my path and grow in self-awareness. Right now I am listening to a set of CD’s of a retreat given by Fr. Thomas Keating on the contemplative journey. I’ve had these CDs for several years so this is my second time to visit them and I am amazed at the new insights I’m experiencing. I am at a difference place in my own journey and seem to have ears to here so much more than I did years ago.
This may sound odd, but it is our dog, Joy. I got her because five years ago I was involved in quite a few things at our church and other organizations, and I was gone to meetings and such, mostly in the evenings. I didn’t realize how lonely Pieter was until he asked to come along because he was so lonely. It was also probably the beginning of what we know now as the change in Pieter: dementia.
It has been a long, hard road, and his dog Joy has made it so much easier for both of us. She knows when Pieter needs some extra TLC, and even when I do. She is always there, just waiting. I had no idea at the time how she would help us through this change in our lives. Joy is not a sedentary dog; she is full of energy, and wants to play ball often. This takes us in an entirely different place and soon we are throwing the ball for her, and nothing matches her glee as she fetches it, brings it to us and seems to smile as she waves her tail at us. This brings a smile to our faces, laughter to our world, and changes the focus which we need sometimes. When she lays next to Pieter’s chair and he strokes her, I realize how she has impacted our lives for the better in so many unexpected ways. I named her Joy for three reasons; I wanted to be able to say first thing in the morning, “Good morning, Joy!” and I do. I wanted to be able to call out, “Here, Joy!” when I was outside to change my focus during difficult times(I had no idea how important that would be!), and lastly and coincidentally the women who helped us find her is named Joy. Yes, she is alot of extra work. Yes, I get tired of the care it takes. Yes, financially it is a burden with other bills now prominent in our lives. But would I change it? Nope. It is all worth it. Because she is a joy to us and helps us like I never expected.
My mom’s older brother, dear Uncle Ken. He’s been gone over two decades and yet his presence is indelible. Whether it’s my own joy of discovering new recipes to try or how I view and drive on open countryside gravel roads, his chuckle and enthusiasm are there. He took the road less traveled in my family, living his vocation as a Roman Catholic priest in rural communities. He validated my own quest for seeing the mystical side of life and embracing a spiritual path. That path has never been the straight and narrow, rather, like a labyrinth with twisting switch backs that have led me through dark nights to glorious dawns. He taught me to Trust Infinite God and not my finite self.
My kids. I had no idea I would change so much when I became a parent. I expected to act on them but had no idea how much they would act on me.
Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer wrote a beautiful poem about this process titled, “Fifteen Years Later, I See How It Went.” An excerpt:
… Love grew
as I learned to let go of what I’d been told
and to trust the emerging form,
falling in love with the flawed beings we are.
Until I couldn’t imagine being without him.
Until I was the one being born.
A therapist who during a session about and of my addictive behavior and history responded to me after I had spoken of a mindset that I would tell myself I deserved to drink, calmly said to me “You do not deserve to harm yourself.” Seven words filled with kindness made my early recovery more discoverable and bearable.
Kevin, As I read Richard Rohr’s Daily Meditation this morning, I thought of you because it speaks of ” a sense of presence” and shares Howard Thurman’s experience when setting with a group of Quakers. I thought you might enjoy the reading as might others who visit this site each morning to share their thoughts on the daily question. Here’s the link. If you don’t have time to read the meditation today just search the archives when it’s convenient for you to do so. I really think you would enjoy reading Thurman’s description of the Quaker gathering and his experience there. https://cac.org/daily-meditations/
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My young students at school, whether they are sweet, funny, stubborn or frustrating they keep me honest. And help me keep a sense of humor.
My friend Mike, we have many things in common that bring us joy like our catholic faith, hiking, sailing, Celtic music and travelling.
He helped me fullfill a life time dream to go to Ireland., we went in 2015 & 2018 and now we are going to Scotland on Sunday God willing!
I have mentioned this in other posts, but since my health and my husband’s took a nosedive a couple of months ago, people we hardly knew or didn’t know at all have showed up with love, kindness and tangible health. What a blessing!
My friend Jeff H. Who was a customer,
and then a riding buddy, and then a friend,
and then through strange serendipity,
gave me the opportunity to start my video
business. You just never know where
things will go. It usually seems to start
with saying yes.
My cousin Cierra has impacted mty life in unexpected ways and I am so grateful for her.
Growing up she always said that it was her dream to be an opera singer. I remember at the time I looked at her in confusion because opera was just so random growing up in a black household that prioritized gospel and soul. But she always had a dream to be in that type of performance art. My cousin is now an grammy award winning opera singer who performs in New York doing what she loves to do. Everytime I see her she inspires me to go after my dreams so that I can also have that type of peace and enjoyment in terms of how I secure my lifestyle. I do not tell her but she is seriously the first real role model I can consider just because she put her dreams first over what others would think of her. I am praying that I’ll do the same.
Wow that is awesome!
Thank you for that inspiring reflection Macacadanielle.
Wonderful! Thank you for sharing this!
I would say a group of women who have shared a great deal of life with its many twists. Our friendship started in College and has continued for several years.
I have to say my husband, Peter. I never thought I would be married…and never thought I would live in a wonderful home in a wonderful place. Peter is my rock….I never thought I would find someone like him. I am very Blessed.
My mentor (RIP) of 27 years; my 100 year old uncle; my dear friends Sandy, Gail, Renee and Linda; my next door neighbors to name a few and so many authors and poets whose writings have helped me find my path and grow in self-awareness. Right now I am listening to a set of CD’s of a retreat given by Fr. Thomas Keating on the contemplative journey. I’ve had these CDs for several years so this is my second time to visit them and I am amazed at the new insights I’m experiencing. I am at a difference place in my own journey and seem to have ears to here so much more than I did years ago.
This may sound odd, but it is our dog, Joy. I got her because five years ago I was involved in quite a few things at our church and other organizations, and I was gone to meetings and such, mostly in the evenings. I didn’t realize how lonely Pieter was until he asked to come along because he was so lonely. It was also probably the beginning of what we know now as the change in Pieter: dementia.
It has been a long, hard road, and his dog Joy has made it so much easier for both of us. She knows when Pieter needs some extra TLC, and even when I do. She is always there, just waiting. I had no idea at the time how she would help us through this change in our lives. Joy is not a sedentary dog; she is full of energy, and wants to play ball often. This takes us in an entirely different place and soon we are throwing the ball for her, and nothing matches her glee as she fetches it, brings it to us and seems to smile as she waves her tail at us. This brings a smile to our faces, laughter to our world, and changes the focus which we need sometimes. When she lays next to Pieter’s chair and he strokes her, I realize how she has impacted our lives for the better in so many unexpected ways. I named her Joy for three reasons; I wanted to be able to say first thing in the morning, “Good morning, Joy!” and I do. I wanted to be able to call out, “Here, Joy!” when I was outside to change my focus during difficult times(I had no idea how important that would be!), and lastly and coincidentally the women who helped us find her is named Joy. Yes, she is alot of extra work. Yes, I get tired of the care it takes. Yes, financially it is a burden with other bills now prominent in our lives. But would I change it? Nope. It is all worth it. Because she is a joy to us and helps us like I never expected.
What a good name for a dog Mary Pat. I sure sounds as that is most definitely the proper name for her!
Thank you, Mary Pat.
My mom’s older brother, dear Uncle Ken. He’s been gone over two decades and yet his presence is indelible. Whether it’s my own joy of discovering new recipes to try or how I view and drive on open countryside gravel roads, his chuckle and enthusiasm are there. He took the road less traveled in my family, living his vocation as a Roman Catholic priest in rural communities. He validated my own quest for seeing the mystical side of life and embracing a spiritual path. That path has never been the straight and narrow, rather, like a labyrinth with twisting switch backs that have led me through dark nights to glorious dawns. He taught me to Trust Infinite God and not my finite self.
Beautiful!
My kids. I had no idea I would change so much when I became a parent. I expected to act on them but had no idea how much they would act on me.
Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer wrote a beautiful poem about this process titled, “Fifteen Years Later, I See How It Went.” An excerpt:
… Love grew
as I learned to let go of what I’d been told
and to trust the emerging form,
falling in love with the flawed beings we are.
Until I couldn’t imagine being without him.
Until I was the one being born.
I agree. My children have been and are my teachers!
A therapist who during a session about and of my addictive behavior and history responded to me after I had spoken of a mindset that I would tell myself I deserved to drink, calmly said to me “You do not deserve to harm yourself.” Seven words filled with kindness made my early recovery more discoverable and bearable.
Joseph, Amen! “You do not deserve to harm yourself.” Such a powerful reminder for us all.
My grandchildren…..showing me the joy in life’s simplicity.
My wife of 52 years.
Our three grown children and our seven grandchildren!
Holy smokes! 😊
Kevin, As I read Richard Rohr’s Daily Meditation this morning, I thought of you because it speaks of ” a sense of presence” and shares Howard Thurman’s experience when setting with a group of Quakers. I thought you might enjoy the reading as might others who visit this site each morning to share their thoughts on the daily question. Here’s the link. If you don’t have time to read the meditation today just search the archives when it’s convenient for you to do so. I really think you would enjoy reading Thurman’s description of the Quaker gathering and his experience there. https://cac.org/daily-meditations/
my work comes to mind.