Can’t put a lock on my heart-

It loves what it will, and

refuses the rest.

Never put it to the test.

No locks, no chains, no restraints.

Wild and free as it can be, yet

loving you with no regret.

Loving kindness, patience, and fun-

Oh so playful, and on the run.

Love is playful, love is kind,

Full of patience and on my mind.

 

 

 

 

Grief creates rivers of tears,

And, lines with no end- carved into faces.

Grief tears at a soul with

A grip – dark and powerful- not easily broken.

Dark clouds of grief-

Envelop us in a grip of despair as

Moments and eons become one.

 

Think how nice it would be if we really could pass on “the wisdom of the ages!” Then no one would have to learn things the hard way.

Young people would already know the value of true friendship, and not be misled by those who are only using them.

Young people would realize what is truly important, and not waste time on trivial things.

Young people would understand the beauty of truth, the honesty of real caring, and that the little things really are the big things.

They would grasp the true beauty of nature, the earth, and the vastness of the heavens.

They would not look for happiness in possessions, in other people, or outside of themselves in any way.

They would recognize how little time we have on this earth and want to make the most of it.

They would make the most of it by building bridges, not walls; by loving, not  hating; and by being determined to be their best selves.

They would learn as much about themselves as they can, they would learn as much about the world and her inhabitants, and they would learn as much about those who are different from them. It would be true understanding and kindness that would result. And, oh, the understanding that would be possible.

But, maybe it’s the hard work of learning this wisdom on your own that makes it so worthwhile. Perhaps without the hard work it would be meaningless. I just hope that these truths can be realized by more of us. The world would be so much better for it.

 

This morning I’m in the church of silence.

Alone with my thoughts, ideas, fears, frustrations, and challenges.

A church like no other –

My head filled to overflowing with thoughts of past and present,

Ideas for my future – how will I make it count?,

Fears of which there are few,

Frustrations at how to best reach students who don’t want to be reached,

And, challenges that I, like everyone, try to rise to each and every day.

This church of silence allows me to rise like the morning sun, and

do the work so essential to my being.

Thank you God for providing me with such a space.

I use it wisely.

 

I’m not young, yet I’m so much more-

I’m the 4 year old exploring the world around me

The 14 year old enchanted by people I meet

The 24 year old preparing for motherhood

The 34 year old living with grief and finding a way forward

The 44 year old recently married again and happy

The 54 year old finally content with who I am

I’m a grandma full of love for her grandchildren

I’m not yet the 64 year old looking forward to retirement and all it holds

I’m all these and so much more-  I’m everything in between-

I am a rich and colorful tapestry stitched together with love.

In the woods around our house

Green creeps in

until finally

an emerald curtain surrounds us.

Birds sing, bees buzz, sun shines,  rain falls,

And, the green creeps in…

Fresh, alive, and teeming with life

Refreshing after long winter.

 

Joy springs from earth – a kaleidoscope of color.

Rains fall and new colors abound – each a twist of the lens.

Mother Nature celebrates new life.

 

Even when I walk the track-

I look forward and never look  back.

Round and round and round I go

Never the wrong way – I go with the flow.

Growing stronger is always my goal

While sometimes I’m blue and sometimes I’m droll.

I’d rather be outside that’s for sure –

But, when it’s wet, I feel the allure.

Walk this way today and tomorrow reverse.

Let me stop now and end this verse!

 

As day fades to night –

pink kisses clouds

fog gathers and multiplies.

As day fades to night –

Water hurries, water scurries

leaving a wake of debris in its path.

As day fades to night –

spring roars to life with magical sound.

As day fades to night –

gentleness surrounds

and brings peace to the quiet.

As day fades to night –

Owls hoot their intent

while prey moves to safety.

As day fades to night –

Quiet reigns, dark gentleness surrounds,

and a hush quiets the busy-ness of day.