The Wonder of it All

I sit in awe at the unfolding of spring around me. I am paralyzed by the beauty of the subtle spring wildflowers and trees as they blanket the ridges around Penuel Ridge with their soft hues of pink, lilac, yellow, purple and blue. I can't describe the exhuberance of the emerging shades of green at the tips of swollen branches.

My neighbor told me a story once...she was born and raised in New Jersey, but spent time in the South as a missionary. She recalled returning to the east coast after many years and weeping when spring arrived. I second that emotion. For me, spring in Houston meant an annual trip to the Ima Hogg mansion to view the azaleas in full bloom. They don't hold a candle to determined daffodils pushing their way through frozen ground and snow to wave their buttery faces at me on morning hikes.

Witnessing this season of renewal has humbled me, inspired me, dropped me to my knees in gratitude...left me breathless with wonder.

Wish you could all be here, witness this, weep with me.

Wisdom in the Most Unexpected Places

The virtue of PATIENCE and the emotion of FEAR is something I've been writing about for a few years. PATIENCE is an elusive virtue, not one we are born with and one acquired by few. Imagine my delight, when reading Tantric Sex for Women by Christa Schulte, I encountered the following thought:

"Patience means being relaxed - being able to wait, staying calm, and giving yourself the necessary playing room for development. Patience creates space - living space, breathing space, space to develop. It is the opposite of fearful defensive maneuvers and the rigid "no!" in response to everything that is new or different. Patience means showing forbearance for ourselves, for the beloved who is so darned "different," and for all other beings."

Read it again if you need to...it's buried in the middle - PATIENCE opposite FEAR! The anvils of PATIENCE AND FEAR who have enjoyed taking turns pulling me under the waves converge in a single sentence. A SINGLE SENTENCE! The lighbulb not only came on...it's burning at 1,000 watts.

It's so very simple I want to laugh out loud and dance with the wildflowers in the meadow. Join in if you'd like...there's room for everyone at the dance of an abundant and joyful life.