… watching for the brushstrokes of God
“By refusing to ask what was wrong, I was holding the fragile bubble of my world in my hand, protecting it by not questioning it, keeping it from shattering into a million fragments. I put myself into a state of arrested development by staying a child.” Madeleine L’Engle, Bright Evening Star
What are you willing to ask?
“My father always used to say, “Don’t raise your voice. Improve your argument.” Good sense does not always lie with the loudest shouters, nor can we say that a large, unruly crowd is always the best arbiter of what is right.” ― Desmond Tutu
How do you speak up in light of yesterday’s happenings?
A new year lies ahead. Where will it take us? What unknown and uncharted waters lie ahead? Imagine a sign at the entrance “Peace to all who enter here.”
What are you moving toward?
“How will next year be for me? Where will I be five or ten years from now?” There are no answers to these questions. Mostly we have just enough light to see the next step: what we have to do in the coming hour or the following day. The art of living is to enjoy what we can see and not complain about what remains in the dark. When we are able to take the next step with the trust that we will have enough light for the step that follows, we can walk through life with joy and be surprised at how far we go. Let’s rejoice in the little light we carry and not ask for the great beam that would take all shadows away.” Henri Nouwen
How much light is enough this New Year?
As the sun is setting on this year, what a tumultuous year it has been. What trauma are you carrying with you? is your favorite memory? What would you like to have done differently? What is your favorite memory? For what are you grateful?
How has this year shaped you?
I will light candles this Christmas,
Candles of joy despite all the sadness,
Candles of hope where despair keeps watch,
Candles of courage for fears ever present,
Candles of peace for tempest-tossed days,
Candles of grace to ease heavy burdens,
Candles of love to inspire all my living,
Candles that will burn all year long. ~Howard Thurman
What candle will you light?
With the Eyes of the Heart 