Laugh, Love, Live

April 4, 2014 at 5:32 am

Courage to Change  April 4:

“I heard someone…say that when they open their eyes in the morning, they also open their ears.  Now as I awaken, I listen for the birds.  I choose not to review my plans for the day until I’ve had my breakfast.  I prefer to take time to appreciate my favorite part of the day….Help(s) me to clear my mind of my burdens so that I am able to enjoy the wonder of the moment.  I am beginning to enjoy a childlike awe about the splendor of nature, to see the beauty all around me, to let my face break into a smile spontaneously, to laugh, to love, to live again.  Today I can say ‘ Good morning God,’  instead of ‘Good God, it’s morning.’   Today I’ll be keenly aware of my senses,  I will think about what I am experiencing at this moment.  I won’t let the beauty of this day slip by unnoticed.”

Lovely sentiment.  As I read the page for April 4, I was touched how this humble group of people whose reflections compose this book  recognize our poverty before God and have such clear insight.  The suffering and drama of their experience has purified them and made them ready to acknowledge, trust and hope in  a Higher Power who brings them to still waters and green pastures. As the Psalmist sings “ Goodness and kindness will follow them all the days of their lives.  They shall not want.”

Neither do they tell others what they must believe.  Instead they invite them into their meetings and let them come to believe in a Power greater than ourselves while encouraging them “through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood God, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.”

Such a contrast to so many righteous spiritual people who, too sure of themselves, wield the truth ( note small t) like a sword.    They have the truth, but nobody else does unless they belong to their little group.   They enjoy trying to puncture or undermine other people’s understanding of God.  Doesn’t that in and of itself reflect a constricted understanding of Truth, Beauty, Love, Faith?

As I read this passage this morning, Kathleen  was jumping on a small trampoline on our balcony in the sunshine with a boom box blasting an upbeat energetic song.  She was dancing to the music as she was jumping.  I could only grin.

Lord, may we laugh, love and live the moments of today to the fullest and in so doing may we may be your instruments of Light, Peace, Hope, and Love.    Thy Will Be Done.