With so many different unsettling things happening around the world of late I am feeling today that I need to offer up a small bit of peace and a prayer.
So my small bit of peace is this simple little image of a dried leaf or flower that I made a little bit over a year ago. I truly don’t remember what it was or where I found it. And that kind of specific really doesn’t matter does it. I recall looking at it sitting on the counter for a few days and then one time the light was saying “it’s time” and I held my iPhone up to it.
This was around the time that my mother was not doing well, and I am taken back to that time each time I see this image. But not in a bad way by any means mind you. That was a difficult time no doubt, but I am so grateful that I was able to be there to help and support her through everything. Mom was a true testament to that with the grace with which she met her final days.
This image reminds me that there is great beauty and dignity in the aging process of all living things. Here I see strength, wisdom and remembrance of life gathered together in the layers of shadows. May it offer some small bit of peace to any who have a chance to spend time with it.
My prayer to the world comes from Max Ehrmann:
Let me do my work each day
And if the darkened hours of despair overcome me
May I not forget the strength that comforted me in the desolation of other times
May I still remember the bright hours that found me walking over the silent hills of my childhood
Or dreaming on the margin of the quiet river
When a light glowed within me
And I promised my early God to have courage amid the tempests of the changing years
Spare me from bitterness
And from the sharp passions of unguarded moments
May I not forget that poverty and riches are of the spirit
Though the world may know me not
May my thoughts and actions be such as shall keep me friendly with myself
Lift my eyes from the Earth
And let me not forget the uses of the stars
Forbid that I should judge others
Lest I condemn myself
Let me not follow the clamor of the world
But walk calmly my path
Give me a few good friends who will love me for what I am
And keep ever burning before my vagrant steps the kindly light of hope
And though age and infirmity overtake me
And I come not within sight of the castle of my dreams
Teach me still to be thankful for life
And for times olden memories that are good and sweet;
And may the evening’s twilight find me gentle still
(Originally published July 8, 2016)