Whose is the loneliest path? Whose trail is greater than others? Who bears the most anguish?
We are so lucky in this great land. Think about it. No matter what problem we have, there is available help. There is easy access to doctors, lawyers, coaches, and countless other professions to guide and provide comfort and support. How truly easy our lot.
So, they go forth, our young. They go forth, strong and shining in their new uniforms full of wonder and anticipation.
So go forth young soldier, in your naivete' to conquer for some grand and noble ideal.
Go forth to your destiny. And, be grateful for the opportunity.
The plagues, the statues, the carved headstones of our beloved young---fooled by those they trust -- to their destiny...
As for tonight, we will rest peacefully in safe, warm beds.
Yes, it is the soldier whose trail is the loneliest and who will know the most anguish.
Recommended read:
On Killing, The Psychological Cost of learning to Kill in War and Society.
Lt. Col. Dave Grossman
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Making that commitment
Are you afraid to commit? Whether it's to a relationship or to a decision, a commitment is required before you are fully engaged. Before you can act.
That, 'just before you decide' moment or hour or day is telling. Is it a test of character or strength? Does it come down to who you are? What you will become? I think maybe it is.
Today I post a quote that may help with a decision--a commitment. I have been reading it all day because of a commitment I must make. It is providing me with determination.
That, 'just before you decide' moment or hour or day is telling. Is it a test of character or strength? Does it come down to who you are? What you will become? I think maybe it is.
Today I post a quote that may help with a decision--a commitment. I have been reading it all day because of a commitment I must make. It is providing me with determination.
"Until one is committed, there is hesitancy,
the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness.
Concerning all acts of initiative and creation,
there is one elementary truth,
the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans.
The moment one definitely commits oneself,
all sorts of things begin to happen
that would never otherwise have occurred.
A whole stream of events issues from the committed decision,
raising in one's favor all manner of incidents,
meetings and material assistance,
which no man could have dreamed would come his way."
--Goethe
Never be afraid...
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Mother's Day
Happy Mothers Day to all mothers. Today - a day for reflection about what a mother is. She is such a profound force in life with her teachings, caring, support, and love. Yet, not all mothers fit the typical mold of what a mother should be. How you feel about your mother is telling. Is she the mother you need her to be? Is she always there for you? How has she affected your life? What could she have done better or differently?
Today, memories abound with remembrances of one's mother during childhood, then adolescence, and finally adulthood. Myself, thoughts and teachings of my mother are ever present. There are some whose longing for a mother is never satisfied. Think about those whose mothers have passed, or, for whatever reason aren't available. Although we all have one, it doesn't mean we have one present.
For all who celebrate Mothers Day with happiness and gratefulness, may you continue to shine and share that valuable treasure forever and ever with sweet abandon. For all who long for their mother, may your longing be satisfied with the truth of who you are, which is, a beloved child of God, however you wish to define him/her, because you are precious. For those who are disappointed or estranged from their mother, may you find a peace within that carries you toward your highest good and allows forgiveness to define the relationship.
Mother's Day stands for all that relevant and true for this existence? From the essence comes forth life which allows for creation and begs for expression. Because of our mother, however one defines her, comes the ability to choose what we will become. She is our connection to this life and always shall be. She is never blameless. She is always important.
Happy Mother's Day -- this day for expression and reflection.
Today, memories abound with remembrances of one's mother during childhood, then adolescence, and finally adulthood. Myself, thoughts and teachings of my mother are ever present. There are some whose longing for a mother is never satisfied. Think about those whose mothers have passed, or, for whatever reason aren't available. Although we all have one, it doesn't mean we have one present.
For all who celebrate Mothers Day with happiness and gratefulness, may you continue to shine and share that valuable treasure forever and ever with sweet abandon. For all who long for their mother, may your longing be satisfied with the truth of who you are, which is, a beloved child of God, however you wish to define him/her, because you are precious. For those who are disappointed or estranged from their mother, may you find a peace within that carries you toward your highest good and allows forgiveness to define the relationship.
Mother's Day stands for all that relevant and true for this existence? From the essence comes forth life which allows for creation and begs for expression. Because of our mother, however one defines her, comes the ability to choose what we will become. She is our connection to this life and always shall be. She is never blameless. She is always important.
Happy Mother's Day -- this day for expression and reflection.
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Just thinking
Decided to take a walk this morning because of the beauty of the day and to challenge some of the stiffness. I started thinking about people who aren't well because of illness, depression, physical injury, or medication. Their causes vary, but the more pronounced the debilitating reason, the more severe the intensity. To always awaken with an issue...Yet, there's something magnificent about the resiliency of the human body.
As my walk turned into a few laps around the track, I thought of a man I knew, an amputee in a wheelchair, who recently passed on. I recall coming home, after a very long, exhausting day, my hands overloaded with large bags of groceries and feeling as if I might collapse. Along comes this kind man, this amputee, who smilingly takes a few of the bags and with extreme skill and tenacity places the groceries on his lap, turns his wheelchair, and accompanies me to my door whereby he delivers me safety with a smile and few kind words of encouragement. At that moment, in the depth of my soul, I understood him through and through-- and, I understood the concept of a loving God.
As I walk, I look and see a man walking, hunched over, as he tries to coerce his body into walking and enjoying the bright sunshine and the pleasant breeze. I notice his crippled hands as he exclaims into a cell phone to someone, "I Love You?" I know he means it.
I think about a coach I know whose recent success made her cry out in joy for she will be able to help over 100 people.
I think about a man I know who, once vibrant and alive, has settled into depression.
I recall sitting with a man dying of bone cancer who told me stories of his life and how it was a good life, but, mostly he spoke of the woman he loved and who cared for him. He sits and waits daily for her visits.
I think of a dear friend who is facing a life threatening surgery and I when she speaks I hear her strong desire for a full life relieved from pain and suffering. She remains vibrant with her hope and faith.
Today, I'm just thinking.
What are you thinking about today?
As my walk turned into a few laps around the track, I thought of a man I knew, an amputee in a wheelchair, who recently passed on. I recall coming home, after a very long, exhausting day, my hands overloaded with large bags of groceries and feeling as if I might collapse. Along comes this kind man, this amputee, who smilingly takes a few of the bags and with extreme skill and tenacity places the groceries on his lap, turns his wheelchair, and accompanies me to my door whereby he delivers me safety with a smile and few kind words of encouragement. At that moment, in the depth of my soul, I understood him through and through-- and, I understood the concept of a loving God.
As I walk, I look and see a man walking, hunched over, as he tries to coerce his body into walking and enjoying the bright sunshine and the pleasant breeze. I notice his crippled hands as he exclaims into a cell phone to someone, "I Love You?" I know he means it.
I think about a coach I know whose recent success made her cry out in joy for she will be able to help over 100 people.
I think about a man I know who, once vibrant and alive, has settled into depression.
I recall sitting with a man dying of bone cancer who told me stories of his life and how it was a good life, but, mostly he spoke of the woman he loved and who cared for him. He sits and waits daily for her visits.
I think of a dear friend who is facing a life threatening surgery and I when she speaks I hear her strong desire for a full life relieved from pain and suffering. She remains vibrant with her hope and faith.
Today, I'm just thinking.
What are you thinking about today?
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