From the darkness, I pray this metaphor most everyday; I pray for the light to inspire and guide me along my way. “But why?”, you might wonder…and so let me share, for the reason is clear.
From time to time uncertainty and sublime angst are my companions; they seem to find common purpose resting on my shoulders. Most mornings they are there.
And then prayer of gratitude for the things I have in my life, for all the blessings of people and everyday comforts, and for the light to guide me through the darkness of mysterious despair, this practice has indeed become my refuge.
And in this unwittingly, with unintentional parallel, my words might seem to echo scripture.
I was raised in the Christian tradition and have been a believer most all of my life. That said, I’ve not been one to quote the Bible; book, and chapter and verse are not swiftly from my lips.
And yet when I read the passage below, I see the common theme, from three thousand years to present.
And I know the light I seek. And I know that prayer brings the light, and dispels the darkness, and calms the angst, and I am grateful. Amen, AMEN.
From Isaiah 8:23, “…Anguish has taken wing, dispelled is darkness: for there is no gloom where but now there was distress. The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone.”
I found myself deep in it this past weekend. Inertia. My particular case was mental inertia.
High minded goals stalled out. Some things completed, but much still to do.
With a little faith and patience and some love too, I came out the other side. Then I fell back in again, into the funk.
When you find yourself in that mindset it can be tough. And it can ebb and flow; a subtle yet teal challenge to wade through and overcome. But you CAN get through it.
Do the next right thing. And then do it again. And again. That’s the path forward. And be patient, even as it’s uncomfortable and maybe frustrating. Be patient. And do the next right thing.
This road, so busy during the day. A road running from the east foothills all the way to what was orchard lands, a hundred years ago. Now home of The Spaceship.
I walk this road most mornings, heading west, only a couple of blocks, with a couple dogs. It’s the perfect way to start the work day, maybe any day, really. On weekend days I opt for more sleep, slumber longer past sunrise.
But during the week, it’s up early well before the sun breaks, walking west, seeking peace, finding peace. Walking prayers, Faith Time, Good Time.
Grateful for that time. Time to get settled. Set for whatever the day’s going to bring. At peace.
Wise people? I think wise people learn lessons from all sides, all sources, all situations. Or at least they strive to do so. Unconditional Love is a good topic to be open to for lessons from all sides. And while humans can certainly exhibit unconditional love, I’d vote for dogs as the most consistent example of this powerful ideal. In that light then, I offer up our family dogs Mia, and Zona, full of unconditional love.
They’re outdoor dogs, as we’ve had little kids growing up the whole of their lives. Plus, our son is quite allergic to the dogs’ dander. That said, they’ve got a pretty good life.
Watching the fence for cats.Watching the arbor for vermin
They live in the backyard, with access to the garage and double dog beds. They get two meals a day, walks most mornings, and treats on occasion. They love when the kids come out to say hi and explore — and the two of the three kids enjoy petting them. Both dogs are good listeners, and quite gentle. We’re lucky to have them as part of our family. We’re very fortunate to be recipients of their unconditional love.
