Dear Friends, 
Six years ago, this month, I made a commitment to you. I made a commitment to myself, as well.
Each month, as I write from my heart, I reach out to your hearts, and share a story, an image, a message of hope. We are fellow travelers, at this moment in time. With God’s help, I choose to shine my unique light in this way. As Sue Monk Kidd reminds us in The Book of Longings, “Each of us must find a way to love the world.” It is my intention that by sharing a personal glimmer of hope, you and I might increase our connection in the universal realm of light and of love. It’s that simple and that profound, for I have every confidence in your light and your ways to love the world.
I’ve been aware of my Grief in response to the tragic and tumultuous times that surround us. The months of loss and chaos have accumulated, strained my reserves and have demanded new and deeper awareness of the gift of life. It isn’t easy, I often choose a path of distraction when I am overwhelmed by the losses through Covid, systemic racism and broken leadership. But denial and distraction don’t last. When I wake up to a new day, I have new choices. Today I listened to the bird’s morning chatter and gazed at the tree’s branches extending to the tiniest twig. I saw life.
On this new day, I think I’ll let Grief sit under the same blue sky that greets me. I think I’ll invite Grief to share a cup of tea, as I read the paper or get ready to fix dinner. I cannot chase away the losses that surround me, so I’ll ask Grief to guide me into a place of surrender, a place of trust in something greater than myself. This is how I will love the world today, as I make room for both sadness and hope to co-exist in my heart.
I am grateful for our journey together. Our relationship invites me into that “soul place” that hears Love speak.
Blessings on this new day, Lisa
14 Comments
I agree, “making room for both sadness and hope,” seems to be the way forward today. I hope you enjoy the paper, the dinner, and the birdsong.
Linda, thank you for responding, and yes I did enjoy the dinner etc. It feels like my heart is maturing, I know thats a good thing, but still painful. But when I have those moments of connection – I am at peace. Blessings to you, lovely lady.
Hello Linda – thanks so much for responding, sorry for my delay. Yes, I am opening my heart to such enjoyments, gratefully. Unitive thinking is so helpful for our traditions of either/or thinking. Grateful for your place in the world, the light you shine. peace, Lisa
Dear Lisa, your phrase “sadness and hope” nails our current circumstances. How reassuring to know they can peacefully co-exist. Thank you for sharing such sacred thoughts and inspiring us through your words. May we all look around and appreciate the blessings in each day..
Well, as your life experience taught you, they do co-exist, but its not always easy or without pain. Thank you so much for reaching out and affirming this path and sharing your self. Much love to you, Kathy Pooler, Lisa
Dear Kathleen, thank you for your response. Sorry for my delay. I’m glad the reminder of the great “Both/And” way of thinking is helpful. It is key on this journey of understanding, isn’t it? My love to you, and gratitude for your dear and faithful heart. Lisa
Thank you for your words of hope. Many of us are working on practicing gratitude – I love the seeing the birds flying from tree to tree when I look out my window while I work safely from home or on my little walks with my hubby and our pug I love hearing their beautiful songs. I love the rain as well as the pretty blue skies… I am conscious of the gifts we are given. I am grateful for these and the many blessings that I’ve been granted. But I don’t allow grief the space it also needs in the same space as gratitude. Thank you for this glimmer and sharing your wisdom with us.
Forever grateful for you.
Melissa
xoxox
You are welcome Melissa! Thank you for your images of life that keep you centered. May we all continue to encourage and nurture each other – so very needed and appreciated. Peace to you and your family, Lisa
Thank you, Melissa. Sorry for the delay. I love hearing how you are taking care of your spiritual needs. It’s inspiring and so lovely to imagine. Be safe, friend. love, Lisa
Your words are encouraging as we navigate through this time of sadness for our nation, both politically and mentally. With each day I try to look for the positive, your words help.
Thank you Barbara – glad to hear we made a connection – it is indeed a process of navigation and we pick up tools along the way, right? (have to share I wrote “tolls” above before i corrected it- but of course there are many tolls on this journey) With the support of one another we can see the path. Blessings on your day, I appreciate the reaching out – Lisa
Thank you Barbara! sorry for the late reply! I’m so glad you find a connection with my writing and find your way through these times. You bring hope to folks in your life and are part of the solution! love, Lisa
“I saw life.” Beautifully written, Lisa… I’m right there gazing at the reaching twig- hearing that bird’s lilting melody.
How lovely life really is. 🥰
Thank you, Evelyn, for joining the conversation and sharing your song. Many blessings!