SPIRITUALITY

 

I am grateful for all the wonderfully different religions people practice…

for the kind and loving person their Gods and their faith 

help them to be…

And I’m grateful knowing there are many roads

That lead to kindness, 

inner peace…

and spirituality.

WAR

 Today is a good day to remember the words of John Steinbeck

as we watch our democracy being dismantled…

for the sake of one man’s immortality…

“A society of free individuals is stronger in the long run

Than a totalitarian power dependent on herd mentality.”

If history is any indication…we know what is in store

because it is always the herd men and women who win the battles…

but free men and women who win the wars.

SUNDAY

 

Sunday…a day many people of differing faiths gather together 

to sing, to pray, to laud…

the dogma, the principles, the doctrines…the teachings of their God.

A day of devotion, worship, celebration…

a day of quiet reflection…and rest…

A day to think of our life, our family, our neighbors

and see where our lives have been blessed.

During this time of division in America…

where many have lost their compassion, their dignity…their grace 

where people are at each other’s throats

with their religion at its base.

We have a compelling reminder…

of what’s tearing our country apart…

in the words of James Talarico…

Perhaps it’s time we take them to heart.

He speaks and welcomes all religions

every belief…large or small…

“We are not a Christian nation.” He says,

“We are a nation where you are free to be a Christian

or any other faith

or no faith at all.”

DAILY GRATITUDE CHILDREN

 

I am grateful being a teacher, a father, a grandfather

and now a great-grandfather…

because children have a way…of making us feel whole

Proving, once again, the power children have 

to open our mind,

enhance our heart…

and completely soothe our soul.

OBSERVE OUR CHILDREN

 To all you with hatred in your hearts…

in a world where anger, prejudice and animosity seems to be the norm…

Please take a moment to observe our children…

and try to remember when you felt kindness in its purest form.

And if you do remember…if you find the kindness many in this world lack…

by remembering the children…and for our future children

please…try to bring this kindness back.

INNOCENCE ON OUR SHOULDERS

 

I am constantly in awe of how a child’s mind works…

with no pretense…no deception…

there is an openness…a candor…an innocence in their perception.

The other day in our town…as we waited for the Mardi Gras parade to commence 

I was once again reminded of childhood innocence.

As we waited…in the middle of a crowd…trying our best to see…

I noticed this little family…standing next to me.

“Daddy, put me on your shoulders.” Their little boy said expectantly…

When his father asked him why he answered,

“Because from down here my eyes are just too small to see.”

His dad complied and as he sat there with his hands on his dad’s ears…

with a smile on his face he said, Wow…my eyes are so much bigger from up here.

As I watched this little boy…excitedly waving as the parade came down the street

I secretly hoped his child mind would remain as innocent and as sweet.

When our eyes are small and innocent…from atop our parents’ shoulders

we travel through the world without much worry, trouble…or care

It is only when our eyes get bigger…we begin to see the dangers lurking there.

Once he no longer can rest atop his father’s shoulders

on whatever path in life he chooses.

I hope whatever happens along the way…

the innocence he possesses today…is something he never loses.

And as I watched the people all around me…everyone within my scope…

I was suddenly filled with wonder…and my heart was filled with hope.

Because in this diverse group of people smiling and waving at the parade

People young and old…big and small…

I saw not only the innocence in the children…

but the childhood innocence in us all.

FAMILY

  I am grateful when I look in the mirror

especially on the days I’m feeling a little sad…

for remembering on my shoulders

I carry the same hopes and prayers and dreams…

my long line of ancestors had.