A New Year’s Thought from Arlington

Beginning a new year is a great time to consider how we view the world, what is central and meaningful to a purposeful life, and how we can live significantly in that dash between our birth date and death. Here in Arlington lie ordinary women and men, many only boys. They honorably served their country,Continue reading “A New Year’s Thought from Arlington”

Chasing the Wind

Powerful winds can quickly whip the sea into a beautiful but terrifying, pounding fury, but regardless of how much we feel, utilize, or struggle against these blowing gales, we cannot grasp the wind. It slips through our fingers. Following a long life of adventure, ideas, pleasures, and “things,” powerful King Solomon used the imagery ofContinue reading “Chasing the Wind”

Thankful and Content?

Watching this humming bird at its feeder while I porch-sat with an early morning cup of coffee was both entertaining and enlightening. Undoubtedly this tiny but magnificent creature was acting instinctively as it drove away other hungry “hummers.” It showed no signs of grace or generosity while ferociously guarding a feeder filled with enough foodContinue reading “Thankful and Content?”

It’s All About the Rocks…

In an illusion of safety, this skiff sat on these large rocks unattended, unsecured, unanchored. Oblivious to threats beyond the distant southern mountains, it sat unprotected, vulnerable to gale force winds, rising tides, and thunderous, crashing surf which unexpectedly but invariably will sweep in and batter the skiff against the rocks. Therein lies a parableContinue reading “It’s All About the Rocks…”

The Talking Moose….

“But ask the beasts, and they will teach you; the birds of the heavens, and they will tell you; or the bushes of the earth, and they will teach you; and the fish of the sea will declare to you…” (Job 12:7-10) Nature speaks. It sparks moments of wonder about a planet given to usContinue reading “The Talking Moose….”

The Untangling

There are times when we find ourselves all tangled up “in the weeds” of emotionally or spiritually unhealthy “things.” We may struggle with unsatisfying lifestyles or disappointment and emptiness because relationships, achievements, and pleasures fail to sustain our emotional and spiritual needs. It is even possible to be achieving our potential but left wondering whetherContinue reading “The Untangling”

Identity…A Deep Dive

Soon these freshly painted lobster buoys will be floating upon the ocean’s surface where their colors will mark the position of lobster traps lying on the bottom. Although these buoys cannot tell us what is happening underneath, their markings identify their owner and inspire a hopeful expectation for something good to surface. We know outwardContinue reading “Identity…A Deep Dive”

Significance and Success…

Dinghies at the Dock, Winter Harbor, Maine These colorful, little dinghies may seem insignificant, but they play an important role for sailors and fishermen as they ferry their owners from dock to boat and back again. Much of the time they are just idly floating and waiting until they are needed. Their “insignificance” is aContinue reading “Significance and Success…”

Authentic

Although generally shy, male cardinals are unable to hide their brilliant color which marks their identity. However, who we are as humans is more about our core character than physical appearance or titles. Traits of honesty, reliability, caring, and compassion vouch for one’s genuineness, and sincerity is necessary for intimate relationships. Warren Buffet is quotedContinue reading “Authentic”

Beauty Within the Seeds…

Monhegan Island Poppies These beautiful poppies delight us. Fortunately, the wonderful ability to replicate their beauty is tightly wrapped inside them. However, if those tiny seeds are inappropriately used, there is potential for harm, addiction, destruction, and death lurking within them. With that in mind, the poppy seed becomes an example of what is soContinue reading “Beauty Within the Seeds…”