Helpful Reminders…

I can’t believe how often I need to remind myself about what’s really important. Why is it so easy to fill up my days with distractions that take me away from quality time with others (or myself)?

When I retired from teaching 8 years ago, my high school colleagues gave me the card (above) which occupies prime real estate on a shelf above my desk. Sometimes I look at it and almost hear the words being said aloud, along with “don’t forget this stuff.”

The older I get the more I realize that I will always be finding my way, that I will always need reminders, and that I am grateful for all the many ways in which others help me on the journey.

More and more I feel how important it is to ease up on the idea of having it all figured out—to instead allow for curiosity and mystery and spirit to inhabit and surprise me.

I’m not saying I don’t like to know how to do things well. I love the yummy cookie recipe I came up with or the helpful device I created to smoothly cut my bars of homemade soap.

But I sure hope that I hear alarm bells if I start  believing that my way is the only way, or that I have finally found the one Truth. I not only think that would be an unimaginable burden to carry but doesn’t it also close the door on learning from others and celebrating their gifts?

So I when I find myself in the company (or accompaniment) of others, I hope that I can remember to listen carefully, give the gift of not always being right, and allow for unexpected joys. Bob and I are being careful to allow the Kindness Walk to be what it will be. To invite and allow for all of us, as we are able, to find our way together.