Spiritual Lessons

The last few days I feel like I have been going through some sort of spiritual transition. Every where I turn I seem to be confronted with life lessons. At the end of the day, I could really use a spiritual advisor to debrief me, to give me some sense of perspective and context. Right now, I don’t anticipate that happening.

May wisdom sparkle from the heavens, like the sun softly dancing
On the ripples of a gently moving lake.

May you be given courage and tenacity to accomplish those tasks
Which are for your highest good.

May you be surrounded with protection from both the seen
And unseen realms.

May you be able to transform your fear, anger, and hurt
Into that which eventually brings healing and joy.

May you know that God’s love is everywhere and in everything
And God is with you now.

September 26 Prayer

We were a small—six of us--but hearty group at church today. This was the prayer I wrote for the service.


Dear God, many times we find ourselves looking toward the past or the future, particularly when we are confronted with something in the present that we would rather not face. Help us to know that you are always with us, especially in the present, and that we are safe. In this moment you are our health and the health of our loved ones. You are guiding us in this moment. You are now and always our strength and our joy. For this and more, we give thanks. A-men

Now Is the Moment

I wrote tomorrow’s church service affirmation while I was waiting for the bus this morning:


Now is my moment of power. Now is the moment I choose to withdraw my attention from any thoughts that I may have that upset me or make me feel weak. Now is the moment I choose to quiet my mind and center my awareness on God within me. Now is the moment I choose to focus on Divine Order, health, guidance and joy. Now is the moment I choose to be grateful for all that God has given me and all that God will give me in the days to come.

Doing What Is Before Me

I had thought my deacon days were over, but I was wrong, at least this week. Donna, our minister has been sick and had to be hospitalized a few days ago. Our dwindling merry band is now down to a handful of members. Depending upon the week, half the members can be in their eighties and nineties. Sometimes I question whether I should even keep on going to the church. Today I need to get my brain off all my other vocational and avocational interests and focus on putting together a service for Sunday.

God, I am willing to listen today. Help me to get all the preconceived notions out of my head about the way things should be and to be fully open to Divine inspiration. God, I am willing to love today. My job is not to focus my attention on why people are in my life but rather to be a clear channel for your love. My job is to see the beauty, wisdom, and the good in each person I encounter. God, I am willing to be present today. Help me to hold each moment as sacred and to perform to the best of my ability the task that is before me. God, I am willing to know joy today. Help me to have fun and to have passion for everything I do.

Fall

I found my magnetic poetry.

Lost Objects

I have no idea where my magnetic poetry is. None! None whatsoever! My mother used to say, “Everything should have a home.” Well, of all my possessions, my magnetic poetry has had the most homes, like an Army brat, who has seen the world, except in this case it is practically every nook and cranny of the house. When I try to imagine where I have seen it last, I come up with over a dozen locations. I am sure I will come up with more by the end of the day.

The blessings of found objects to you
May you quickly find
The object you now hold in your mind.
May you soon hold it in your hand
And find its revelation grand.
Once you discover it, may you feel
Renewed gratitude in your heart.
And when you next need it
To its location be smart.

Mourning a Kitty

The cat of M, one of my Tai Chi sisters, passed away recently.

As you did not limit yourself in your love,
Do not limit yourself in your grief.
May you feel the universe enfold you in protection,
So you may feel safe to let down your tears,
Allowing your sorrow to flow through you,
Releasing it to create an emptiness,
Where healing may begin to grow.
May you find yourself supported by friends,
Who understand the legitimacy of grief when losing a furry friend.
May you be filled with the wisdom
That you were a good companion and that your love mattered.
Finally, may you be left with the memories
Of all the good times you shared.

Grocery Grace Gratitude

My faith in Doppler radar shaken
I dryly ponder Divine Grace.

Out of key groceries
I had contemplated the radar images
Green blobs a hundred miles away
North, south, west
Zoom in, zoom out
Adjust opacity to a hundred percent
Futurecast activated
Satisfied, I left umbrellaless
For my three mile trip.

Halfway to the store
I realized I forgot
My neatly bulleted
Organized by aisle
Took advantage of sales
Grocery list.
A light mist cooled my face
I continued.

A stack of grocery ads by the door
Calmed me.
The Spirit of my list
Dancing in my memory
Cheered me.
My cart filled
Light enough to carry
Full enough to make the trip
Worthwhile.

I heard the head cashier yell
“It’s pouring.”
I’d never make a poker player
She looked at me concerned.
“Maybe you can wait it out”
I remembered I forgot butter.

Groceries unloaded
Coupons, discount card
A bagger appeared behind my elbow
Gently packing my purchases
Into the cloth bags.
The rain was soft
Stopping as I reached the doors.

I dodged large puddles

Fat drops fell

As I walked under a tree

But I arrived home dry

And grateful.

The Divine whispered

“Pray gently

And carry a fold out umbrella

Next time”

Some people believe that the number 11.11 is a sign that the angels are winking.