Appreciate imperfections

However perfect life might be, 

There will always be projects we began 

That didn’t unfold as we expected; 

There will always be things that bug us. 

We do our best to appreciate it all — 

Not just the perfect, but also the imperfections 

Which give the perfect character 

And help us appreciate it all the more…

Aflame with love

It’s morning now, and that red light 

From smoke and sun 

Sets our interiors aflame, 

Just as a word of hope or kindness 

Can set the darkest heart 

Aflame with love.

Promise in the night sky

Even as the day fades, blazing with glory, 

The small moon tips its well of light 

Into the night to come; 

A promise of more joy on the horizon. 

The waters, like the light, 

Will rise and fall again, 

Called into motion by the gentle prompting 

Of the distant moon.

Celebrate character

Do not bemoan the many signs of age, 

But celebrate the character they display, 

And stand firm in your willingness 

To prepare and point the way 

For a better life for others.

Let the subtle shine forth

Do not assume, when the sun drops 

Beyond the horizon, 

That the wonderful display of color is at end. 

Often the most spectacular moments 

To occur in our lives 

Come after the obvious bright benefits 

Have left the room, 

And the subtle has its opportunity to shine.

Reminders

Everywhere we look, there are reminders 

Of both the suffering in the world 

And the divine grace that brought us to this place.

Divine mystery awaits

Whatever our environment, 

Whether urban, suburban, rural or remote, 

The divine mystery is there, 

Waiting for us to breathe it in and respond.