Hands of Wisdom

Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honor. Prov.3:16

What has compelled me in the past is no longer. I had let opinions others had of my work or me directly link to my happiness. Success can be whatever I need it to be. For me, success is just a measure, a reading of my talent, in a moment in time - the balanced realization of moral and worthy ideas.

Life creates a demand for wisdom. When my path turns crooked, I can draw on this divine resource. I’ll not be insulted if I ask. God has a great attitude.  Get wisdom, Solomon said. "If you find yourself close to it, reach out and grab it. Don't let it pass you by. Stop and listen, then get it for yourself where you can take it home and let it sink into your life."  I’m discerning my beloved family and friends in a new way…turning my ear…opening my heart…letting their love sink in.

Nearly two centuries ago, the Irish poet and singer Thomas Moore said, “We may have to learn again the mystery of the garden: how its external characteristics model the heart itself, and how the soul is a garden enclosed, our own perpetual paradise where we can be refreshed and restored.”  I'm learning again the mystery of my life.  Ultimately real success is waking up in the morning and saying "yes."

Behold



“Truly the light is sweet, and a pleasant thing it is for the eyes to behold the sun.” Ecc. 11:7

 I have a dream that will leave this world a better place. It is beginning to spring forth in me - as a germinating herb: a beautiful image of the silent but certain gradual growth of events in the providence of my blessings. I’m fairly sure of what my strengths are, and while perfection is slightly out of grasp, I can try, keeping persistent as I work, sometimes alone, to realize my passions. Ah, resistance strikes, and I will be ready. I’m in the early stage; I’ve pulled away, keeping within the cozy confines of my home. My world said to me, “Come inside, it is lovely and warm. You can just lie back and relax."

The earth outside is covered with a mantle of white, yet inside I’m organizing my revelations, instructions, thoughts and ideas in preparation. My daughter Annabeth writes, “We are not here to live a life that we design in the making from scratch; we are born already blessed with a quilt of aspirations to lie upon…” As I embrace the comfort of my quilt, I feel happy and at peace.  An antonym for the word behold is "miss". Well, I don't want to miss a thing! Still three more long months of winter, I think. The light through the trees is indeed pleasant to behold, and I am watching.