(In the winter of life, the past remains even though life constantly changes.) “Out with the old, in with the new” is a grand but totally impractical New Year’s expectation! Celebratory gatherings, festive toasts, fireworks, and a few seconds of Auld Lang Syne somehow allow a brief reprieve from the baggage and sadness of theContinue reading “Out With the Old, In With the New!”
Tag Archives: purpose
Go! Tell It!
John Wesley Work Jr. was an African American educator and musicologist who compiled, “harmonized,” and published a number of slave songs which came to light during the Great Migration of Blacks from the southern states to the north after the civil war. “Go Tell It On the Mountain” dates back at least to 1865 andContinue reading “Go! Tell It!”
flight or fight
Perceiving a threat, these spooked wood ducks noisily retreated to a more isolated, protected area down the river. Wired physically, physiologically, and emotionally to either flee or confront threats against bodily harm, we react similarly to difficult circumstances or to spiritual and emotional insults which might endanger our peace and joy or rob us ofContinue reading “flight or fight”
From Disorder to Order
We live in a magnificently beautiful, physical world from which we gather inklings and snippets of something even more grand, but these glimpses quickly fade because something is wrong! We do not live in Eden. We live with imperfections—dead trees, decaying vegetation, fading colors, dark clouds, dangerous mountain passes, rocky shores, raging waters, and tragicContinue reading “From Disorder to Order”
The Same Boat!
In the distance, gulls vie for bait as they circle a lobsterman pulling his traps. In the foreground a party boat carries its passengers to a picnic. The photo captures a moment where markedly different lifestyles briefly intersect. An unnoticed man is toiling at back breaking work in a smelly old lobster boat as othersContinue reading “The Same Boat!”
Pleasures Now and Forever?
The Catch, the Joy of Lobstering, Sullivan, Maine We were created as sensual beings with the capability and expectation that we should know the pleasures of our world. Experiencing pleasure comes in varied ways and forms: tastes, colors, styles, textures, books, art, recreation, music, ideas, and relationships. We have preferences but also enjoy others’ achievementsContinue reading “Pleasures Now and Forever?”
Is it Wash Day?
Whether by some personal, habitual imperative or by an impulse, it is wash day! Despite the fog, the laundry is clean and hanging out in fresh, soggy, salty air. Maybe optimism or urgency will force the sun to shine? But sun or no sun, the wash is done! Clothing is a familiar biblical metaphor becauseContinue reading “Is it Wash Day?”
When the Light Changes…
A bright light shines between the thunder storm and the fog. Experiencing life often seems like living within weather patterns. Our joy, our moments of contentment and security are caught between the abrupt and distressing, between storms and mysteries. We are vulnerable to relentless change, some of which is expected and good but frequently isContinue reading “When the Light Changes…”
The Landing…
By nature we are seekers. We are curious about the spot where we can fit in and flourish because that place is not always obvious. So, we foray into possibilities – establishing our place among family, peers, relationships, and community as well as in business, trades, or professions, and even in the universe! Sensing thereContinue reading “The Landing…”
Is Today Worth Celebrating?
We enjoy expressing our joy, love, congratulations, gratitude, and good fortune with special events.We celebrate beginnings and endings, new opportunities and positions, finished works and retirements, births and deaths, birthdays, milestones, graduations, reunions, new love, marriages, anniversaries, friendships, healings and recoveries. We hold special religious and federal holidays and look forward to harvest festivals, fairs,Continue reading “Is Today Worth Celebrating?”
Sweet Words from Maine 