Family
My husband's birthday is tomorrow. We surprised him today by flying our son, who is away at college, home. Tomorrow, the two of them will ride their bicycles 53 miles - one mile for each year my husband has been on Earth. For a few hours tomorrow, my whole family will be together to celebrate this amazing man and his magnificent life. Sometimes, "family" is a painful reality for people. We have had our ups and downs through the years, but right now, "family" is comfort and love.
www.committedtofreedom.org
Protection
I spent a beautiful day at the lake yesterday. The sun shone brightly and the tepid water gave cool relief from the summer heat. I sunburn easily. I remembered this after I took my first plunge into the lake. Getting out of the water, I put waterproof sunscreen on my wet skin and dove back in. This morning, I resemble a fire truck's red hue. I put on my protection in the wrong order and muted it's effectiveness. The moral of the story? Remember that protection must be used properly in order to do its job.
www.committedtofreedom.org
Hesuchia
Hesuchia (hey-soo-KEY-ah) is the Greek word that denotes quietness and stillness. I attempt to incorporate the spiritual practice of
hesuchia every day - of sitting with God and listening with my spirit. This morning, I remained in silence with God for quite a while. When I do this, I regain balance, perspective, and peace. It calms the chaos of my internal world, and the busyness of my external world. Quiet times like these give me "peace that passes understanding" as Jesus put it.
Hesuchia helps me to become re-newed - born again.
www.committedtofreedom.org
Deer on the Trail
I often walk on the mountain trails where I live. It seems that my spirit is a bit clearer, more receptive to God, when I do so. As I neared the end of my two mile walk yesterday, I reached the top of a long climb. Waiting on the other side of the hill was a beautiful deer. She was as surprised as I was. I think we both had the "deer in the headlights" expression. I've walked this mountain for years and never come across a deer before. There was a beautiful moment of silence between us. She was unafraid and serene. I took a few slow steps toward her, but she remained unmoved. Another few steps and I saw her tire of me. She bounded up the hill a few yards and stopped to witness my passing. I greeted her and told her how beautiful she was. She knew. It started to sprinkle, so I quickened my pace and finished my walk. God tucked away this unexpected encounter that I never would have experienced had I not taken the time to go on a solitary walk with him.
www.committedtofreedom.org
Little Boy Lost
Little boy lost inside your head
Feeding the nightmare you take to bed.
Who was there
When the chaos started?
Did you scream
When the love departed?
So here you are now,
little boy lost.
To be so young
At such a high cost.
Collections of voices
Pressing your heart.
Sh-h-h-h-h-h,
it's the quiet One
that pierces the dark.
www.committedtofreedom.org
The Labyrinth
She journeys through a maze of mirrors,
Aware of her reflection only,
An image of her own creation.
Brutal. Beautiful. Betrayer.
Just beyond her vista of vision
Another reflection blinds her,
But she is drawn deeper into
The labyrinth by It's presence.
It stalks her desire.
Freely, she allows It to open her gifts.
She gains pleasure in the exchange -
Her treasure, It's disease.
She leaves behind her a trail of crumbs
. . . just in case,
Unaware that, too, will be consumed in time.
Her pace quickens, but she is careless,
And taking a corner,
Accelerating,
She runs into . . .
Herself.
www.committedtofreedom.org
