A Thoughtful Moment--
Sitting at a table in the middle of a corridor in the airport. Enjoying a lovely cup of coffee. Thinking about being back in our home, and all the plans we have.
My thoughts turned from the projects awaiting to the people all around me. Some were walking slowly. No doubt they had a layover so there was no need to rush. Others were hurrying. Running even. Planes wait for no one. They knew that. Food courts full of customers with wallets in hand ready to purchase food for the journey. Interesting shops abuzz with lookers. A few walked out with treasures wrapped in tissue paper.
All sizes and shapes. The people, I mean. Such diversity. Pink hair, blue hair. Brown and blonde hair. Red hair from nature and bottles. Boots, sandals, tennis shoes. Very high heels worn by very young women. Young women who had given considerable thought to how they would look that day. Black lace-up boots.
Diversity in clothing styles, also. Shorts, slack, long skirts, jeans. All colors and designs worn together creating a look that shouted LOOK AT ME. And I did. Loved it that people felt free to be themselves. To wear clothing that, on a canvas, would be an abstract painting. Swirls, stripes, checks all in bright colors. These belonged mostly to the young. Those who had not felt the pull to fall in line with the black slacks and jacket. There is nothing wrong with dressing in a conservative manner. The majority of people do. However, it is so refreshing to see those who will take the risk of being different. Maybe it isn't a risk to them. I love it.
Everyone I observed was either heading away or returning. Many languages were spoken. All together in this one spot. One moment in time. Walking side-by-side. Smiling. Offering a helping hand. Moving to allow those in a hurry to pass. At peace with one another. Never to be together in this one spot again. Yes, a moment in time.
As I looked over this sea of humanity, I was struck once again with the knowledge that we are all one small speck of dust. No matter how important we believe we are, we are all the same. Made from dust. We cannot escape that fact. We are put together the exact same way. Yet, these specks of dust have the power to change the world. Isn't that an amazing truth? People have the power to change this world into something so much more magnificent. It seems we tend to forget that we are much more alike than different. How wonderful if we could celebrate our likeness. For peace to reign on this planet, we have to get to that place.
On this ball revolving through space, we all move about. Probably never thinking about how marvelous it all is. This beautiful place we call home. This planet that provides us with exactly what we need to live and thrive. Just outside our ceiling is a world that would take our lives in an instant. Just outside. Yet, we are safe here. We are protected here. We should take a few minutes to be grateful and thankful that we are in such a lovely place in this vast universe.
And then my mind reminds me that each person sharing space with me in this airport is a precious person. Precious to those who await their return. Ready to welcome them home. Each belonging to a familly. Each with a purpose for life. Each acting on what they believe is their purpose. Peaceful and loving. Families pushing babies. Babies held tightly against a mother's chest sleeping soundly. The promise of a future within that sleeping babe. Strollers full of little people, bags, purses, food, computers, toys and so much more move among the crowds. Yes, it is a time to be thankful for the precious gift of life.
Inside the minds and hearts of all these people are solutions for hunger, poverty, inequality, war. Someone walking the corridors of this airport has an idea for one or more of these challenges. That person only needs to meet another person with the same shared passion. Great ideas waiting to give birth are all around. Which one? Who has the desire to be the change that must happen? Him? Her? Them?
Glancing at my watch I see that it is almost time to board the plane. One last glance before I put the empty cup in the recycle bin. Happily we make our way to our silver bullet that will slice through time and space and eventually deliver us safely to our destination. Feeling the wonder of it all.
Much can be learned at an airport.
Sunday, June 28, 2015
Tuesday, June 23, 2015
A Brief Encounter
A Brief Encounter--
We met them as we turned the corner. They were pulling suitcases. He looked tired and sweaty. She tried to put on that happy face that strangers do sometimes. It was evident they had had a very long day.
We pulled up along side of them and asked how their day had been. Where had they started from? They were eager to share the story of their day. It began in California. Things went south from those words. A three hour delay. Three hours is a long time to be delayed at an airport or on a plane. I didn't ask which. He said they were given bottles of warm water and warm soda. His face was not a happy face when he said those words.
We stopped for a bit and visited. I asked why they were in Salem. She said they were moving here. They came to purchase a house. Already had some spots in mind. It was obvious they were excited about the prospect of starting life in a new place.
We spoke for a few minutes, and then said our goodbyes. We wished them well as they began their new life. They looked like they needed a shower and food. And cold water.
It was a quick encounter. Strangers passing in a hotel hallway. Nothing deep or lasting. Yet, I think there is a lesson or two in these types of meetings. We learn much when we take the time to engage with strangers. We learn their dreams. Their hopes. Their desires. We learn what makes them happy, and what is a discouragement to them. And because they were so willing to share, we were able to give them encouragement.
A brief moment in time. So much of life is just that. Brief moments. Those quick moments leave lasting impressions, don't they? When I think of that couple last evening, I think of all that awaits them on this new journey. I remember how eager they were to begin. They reminded me that life is full of moments that seem unimportant, but really do have much to teach us.
Not all encounters are so sweet. There are times when ugly words are spoken. Words that stay with us for a lifetime. Words that serve no real purpose. Words that are meant to hurt. Sometimes those words catch us by surprise. Sometimes we are not surprised at all because we know where they came from. Then there are those times when we speak words that are not uplifting. Not encouraging. Not kind. Once in awhile words like these are written down for the receiver to read. To respond or not?
Let's put words on a scale. Tipping the scale on the right are all the words that make people want to move forward. Words of encouragement to try that new thing. Words that bring a smile. Words that comfort. Words that build up those who are discouraged. Words that tickle our hearts. Words that correct with kindness. Words of care. Words full of joy. And hope. And love.
On the left side of the scale let's put......no, let's not put any words that bring unhappiness to anyone. Let's fill both sides of the scale with positive, uplifting words. Let's be the person others wish to be around. Let's do that. Shall we?
Even though they were beyond tired, they wanted to tell their story. We all need that. We need someone to listen to our experiences. We need strangers to laugh about our horrid day waiting to leave an airport. We need one another. It is that simple. What we don't need is judgment. We really do not need that.
They never intended to remind me about the importance of moments. They would probably be quite surprised to learn that they did. I am grateful for those two sweet souls who took a short walk with us and shared their life. May we never forget that moments are what life is made of. One after another. After another. After another...
We met them as we turned the corner. They were pulling suitcases. He looked tired and sweaty. She tried to put on that happy face that strangers do sometimes. It was evident they had had a very long day.
We pulled up along side of them and asked how their day had been. Where had they started from? They were eager to share the story of their day. It began in California. Things went south from those words. A three hour delay. Three hours is a long time to be delayed at an airport or on a plane. I didn't ask which. He said they were given bottles of warm water and warm soda. His face was not a happy face when he said those words.
We stopped for a bit and visited. I asked why they were in Salem. She said they were moving here. They came to purchase a house. Already had some spots in mind. It was obvious they were excited about the prospect of starting life in a new place.
We spoke for a few minutes, and then said our goodbyes. We wished them well as they began their new life. They looked like they needed a shower and food. And cold water.
It was a quick encounter. Strangers passing in a hotel hallway. Nothing deep or lasting. Yet, I think there is a lesson or two in these types of meetings. We learn much when we take the time to engage with strangers. We learn their dreams. Their hopes. Their desires. We learn what makes them happy, and what is a discouragement to them. And because they were so willing to share, we were able to give them encouragement.
A brief moment in time. So much of life is just that. Brief moments. Those quick moments leave lasting impressions, don't they? When I think of that couple last evening, I think of all that awaits them on this new journey. I remember how eager they were to begin. They reminded me that life is full of moments that seem unimportant, but really do have much to teach us.
Not all encounters are so sweet. There are times when ugly words are spoken. Words that stay with us for a lifetime. Words that serve no real purpose. Words that are meant to hurt. Sometimes those words catch us by surprise. Sometimes we are not surprised at all because we know where they came from. Then there are those times when we speak words that are not uplifting. Not encouraging. Not kind. Once in awhile words like these are written down for the receiver to read. To respond or not?
Let's put words on a scale. Tipping the scale on the right are all the words that make people want to move forward. Words of encouragement to try that new thing. Words that bring a smile. Words that comfort. Words that build up those who are discouraged. Words that tickle our hearts. Words that correct with kindness. Words of care. Words full of joy. And hope. And love.
On the left side of the scale let's put......no, let's not put any words that bring unhappiness to anyone. Let's fill both sides of the scale with positive, uplifting words. Let's be the person others wish to be around. Let's do that. Shall we?
Even though they were beyond tired, they wanted to tell their story. We all need that. We need someone to listen to our experiences. We need strangers to laugh about our horrid day waiting to leave an airport. We need one another. It is that simple. What we don't need is judgment. We really do not need that.
They never intended to remind me about the importance of moments. They would probably be quite surprised to learn that they did. I am grateful for those two sweet souls who took a short walk with us and shared their life. May we never forget that moments are what life is made of. One after another. After another. After another...
Sunday, June 21, 2015
The Magic of Sand
The Magic of Sand-
Recently we had the opportunity to watch creative people build sand castles. We watched them build forms, fill those forms with sand and over a bit of time make magic out of sand. Sand that only a few minutes before it was shoveled into buckets and poured into forms was rather nondescript. Just sand.
Sand became the material for dreamers. It allowed itself to change. To become what the dreamer pictured in the mind. Occasionally it would escape the forms only to be shoved and pushed back into the spot it had vacated. Large mounds became mice and frogs. Castles emerged. Bridges and churches evolved. Whatever the dreamer imagined became real.
The atmosphere was festive. Spectators wandered up and down the line of creators and creations. Everyone talked about their favorite. Cameras and phones snapped pictures to show to those who were not in attendance. Questions were asked of the workers. What tools were they allowed to use? How long before the tide washed the wonders away? Did they mourn the devestation as they watched their creations destroyed?
It allowed itself to change. My goodness. What a lesson for us all. If something as simple as sand has the ability to become a majestic castle, then what are the possibilities for the human race? One grain of sand added to another grain of sand and another has the ability to become something wonderful. We humans have the same ability. We live on this planet together, and together we have the ability to become something majestic. When we work toward a worthy goal that blesses the lives of others, we create something wonderful. For that to happen, cooperation is necessary.
Ten people were allowed inside the designated area for creating a sand castle. Only ten. Those ten people knew their jobs. They knew what had to be accomplished. They understood their role in the creative process. Each concentrated on their part. With knives and turkey basters, they manipulated the sand. It became paint in their hands. Ten people working toward the same goal. No arguing about whose part was the most important. No bickering about needing help. No fussing about being too tired to continue. Only happy faces. Faces concentrating. Examining their work. Changing when change was necessary.
And I thought that is how good gets accomplished. One person shares a dream with another. Then another learns and joins. Soon the original dream is better because more people are involved. Ideas are shared. Questions are asked. Everyone works toward the shared goal. People with different backgrounds, different ideas, different experiences joining together because they know that together more can be accomplished. Being part of a group that brightens the planet is joyful.
If one grain of sand has the power to become something much bigger by joining other grains of sand, what does that say to us? To those of us who have the ability to work together? Who see situations everyday that need change? Who have more than we need yet continue to strive for more? Who fill our lives with good but possibly not the best? What holds us back? Do we need a form just like the sand to hold us together as we strive to make our space on this planet better? Something beautiful? Do we believe that our time has come and gone? We all have to answer these and other questions for ourselves. Is sand ever too old to become something changed? Something different?
It is true. Grains of sand do not change unless they are forced. People are sometimes like that, too. It is a simple thing to become complacent. To be so satisfied with ourselves and our lives that we fail to see the obvious. That we are but one grain of sand amid thousands. As I walked among the large crowds of people watching the magic happen, I was so aware of how alike we all are. People were talking together. Holding the hands of children. Laughing at shared stories. Visiting with strangers. And I thought how wonderful it was to see all the different nationalities together enjoying the day.
I walked away from the festivities with a full heart. I felt hopeful for our world. Hopeful that all of us living together on this planet have the ability to be changed. To be transformed into something wonderful. It all depends on the forms we allow to shape us. And our ability to allow ourselves to become something new.
Recently we had the opportunity to watch creative people build sand castles. We watched them build forms, fill those forms with sand and over a bit of time make magic out of sand. Sand that only a few minutes before it was shoveled into buckets and poured into forms was rather nondescript. Just sand.
Sand became the material for dreamers. It allowed itself to change. To become what the dreamer pictured in the mind. Occasionally it would escape the forms only to be shoved and pushed back into the spot it had vacated. Large mounds became mice and frogs. Castles emerged. Bridges and churches evolved. Whatever the dreamer imagined became real.
The atmosphere was festive. Spectators wandered up and down the line of creators and creations. Everyone talked about their favorite. Cameras and phones snapped pictures to show to those who were not in attendance. Questions were asked of the workers. What tools were they allowed to use? How long before the tide washed the wonders away? Did they mourn the devestation as they watched their creations destroyed?
It allowed itself to change. My goodness. What a lesson for us all. If something as simple as sand has the ability to become a majestic castle, then what are the possibilities for the human race? One grain of sand added to another grain of sand and another has the ability to become something wonderful. We humans have the same ability. We live on this planet together, and together we have the ability to become something majestic. When we work toward a worthy goal that blesses the lives of others, we create something wonderful. For that to happen, cooperation is necessary.
Ten people were allowed inside the designated area for creating a sand castle. Only ten. Those ten people knew their jobs. They knew what had to be accomplished. They understood their role in the creative process. Each concentrated on their part. With knives and turkey basters, they manipulated the sand. It became paint in their hands. Ten people working toward the same goal. No arguing about whose part was the most important. No bickering about needing help. No fussing about being too tired to continue. Only happy faces. Faces concentrating. Examining their work. Changing when change was necessary.
And I thought that is how good gets accomplished. One person shares a dream with another. Then another learns and joins. Soon the original dream is better because more people are involved. Ideas are shared. Questions are asked. Everyone works toward the shared goal. People with different backgrounds, different ideas, different experiences joining together because they know that together more can be accomplished. Being part of a group that brightens the planet is joyful.
If one grain of sand has the power to become something much bigger by joining other grains of sand, what does that say to us? To those of us who have the ability to work together? Who see situations everyday that need change? Who have more than we need yet continue to strive for more? Who fill our lives with good but possibly not the best? What holds us back? Do we need a form just like the sand to hold us together as we strive to make our space on this planet better? Something beautiful? Do we believe that our time has come and gone? We all have to answer these and other questions for ourselves. Is sand ever too old to become something changed? Something different?
It is true. Grains of sand do not change unless they are forced. People are sometimes like that, too. It is a simple thing to become complacent. To be so satisfied with ourselves and our lives that we fail to see the obvious. That we are but one grain of sand amid thousands. As I walked among the large crowds of people watching the magic happen, I was so aware of how alike we all are. People were talking together. Holding the hands of children. Laughing at shared stories. Visiting with strangers. And I thought how wonderful it was to see all the different nationalities together enjoying the day.
I walked away from the festivities with a full heart. I felt hopeful for our world. Hopeful that all of us living together on this planet have the ability to be changed. To be transformed into something wonderful. It all depends on the forms we allow to shape us. And our ability to allow ourselves to become something new.
Tuesday, June 9, 2015
The Celebration
The Celebration-
What is it that people want out of this life? What makes people smile, giggle, laugh out loud? The answers are all over the board. What pleases one may not make any sense to another. What tickles one may seem super silly to others. That means it is difficult to make a list that would answer those questions.
However, I would like to take a shot at some possible responses. Let's begin with the first question. What do people want out of life? Actually the answer is quite simple. Most desire a job that pays enough to have a home, enough to pay the bills and buy groceries. A little left over for fun activities. Maybe a ballgame. Or an occasional concert. Enough to take that special someone to dinner. Or the kids for ice cream on a hot, muggy day.
Other possibilities include someone to share life with. Someone to listen without judgment. Someone to hold when storms surround. Someone to appreciate and respect our accomplishments. To welcome us home. To share special times. And, of course, dear friends. What would this life be like without those special folks who brighten our life simply by walking into our space. Those people who love us even when we are most unloveable. Who rejoice in our victories and cry with us when our lives fall apart. These folk fill the void that often overwhelms us. And when we are at our lowest point, they remind us that we are worthy. That we have much to give. That it isn't always about us.
These are the people who celebrated our 50th with us. These precious people who share pieces of our lives. Together we have made many memories. We have taken trips together, attended concerts and graduations, accompained choirs, borrowed reading glasses, cried together when life hurt. These are the ones who brighten our day. Who laugh with us until our sides are sore. This wonderfully diverse group of people fill us up. Each brings something quite unique to our relationship.
So, yes, we celebrated our 50th anniversary this weekend. Fifty years with one person. Quite a feat in today's world. Ups and downs. Laughter and tears. Anger and quiet. Compassion and no compassion. All the emotions that make us human merged together. Yet, we have held steady. We have worked through challenging times. When I look back, I can honestly say it has been good. So good.
We had a party. Invited friends and family. Worked and worked in our yard. Tended the plant beds. Added compost. Trimmed shrubs-all except the ones with nests. Those are quite overgrown now. We painted the deck. Planted flowers. Mopped the floors. Dusted the furniture. Ordered good food. Bought wine. Lots of wine. We hoped for a sunny day. Even a cloudy one. However, that was not to be.
As time drew near for the party to begin, clouds began to turn that dark shade of blue that signals a storm. So we took the party inside. Folks visited. I remember laughter. And then the sky opened and the rains came. Over an inch of liquid sunshine. We continued to party. A bolt of lightening caused a car alarm to start. The owner turned it off inside the house. At some point I realized the house was much hotter than it should be. When the bolt of lightening turned the car alarm on, it must have done something to the air conditioner. Yes, repairs were necessary. Expensive repairs. Yet, the party continued.
At one point I heard my piano. Someone was playing. Downstairs I hurried. There I found my friend entertaining guests. Nothing to do but join her on the bench. We played three hands for quite a little bit. Such fun. Such memories of us playing in church. I admit I was a bit rusty, but kept up most of the time. A few choice words did escape my lips as I worked to keep up with her. She is a wonderful pianist. I am average. Together we make it work.
More rain as people began to leave. While most drove off our lawn and onto the road with no problem, a couple became stuck in the mud. Mud that wasn't there when they arrived. Mud that presented itself as the rains poured from the sky. Husband retrieved the Kabota and chain and wearing rain gear and boots, began to pull people onto the driveway. Not exactly what we had in mind for our party. Memories!
One vehicle was in too deep. Time to call a tow truck. Is that what you call it? Anyway, it took quite a long time for it to arrive. After much work, the car was successfully pulled to the driveway, and the poor people finally got to depart our yard. The party continued. And as it continued, I thought about what people truly want.
It is my belief that people want love, respect and acceptance more than anything money could buy. People want the warmth of a smile when others see them. They want a friendly greeting. They need to know that others enjoy their company. None of these can be bought. Not with cash, check or credit card. These things come from the heart. These things are given away to others from hearts full of gratitude for life itself. Filling our lives with friends and family makes our life worth something. Walking through my house watching and listening to those who came to celebrate with us, I was reminded again how precious life is. How grand it is to share life with others. I saw eyes sparkle and shine with lovely greetings. I heard laughter floating across the rooms. What delight. What absolute delight.
Yes, I truly believe that what we all need is a large dose--a tablespoon full-of love. Of acceptance. Of respect. Heaped up and overflowing so that our joy in living touches all those we meet. I felt those things in my home. I felt loved. I felt respected. I felt accepted. Those are the things I wish for others to feel. To know that they are valued.
Eventually the evening ended. People were hugged and thanked for helping us celebrate our special day. Dishes were stacked for another day. Cards were read again. Gifts were placed with cards ready for thank-you's to be written. Exhausted, we made our way to bed. Naturally sleep did not come. I was way too excited to allow myself to fall to sleep. I wanted to remember it all. To relive moments with people. To be grateful for it all.
We are so blessed. We made memories with delightful people who call us friend. What more could we possibly ask?
What is it that people want out of this life? What makes people smile, giggle, laugh out loud? The answers are all over the board. What pleases one may not make any sense to another. What tickles one may seem super silly to others. That means it is difficult to make a list that would answer those questions.
However, I would like to take a shot at some possible responses. Let's begin with the first question. What do people want out of life? Actually the answer is quite simple. Most desire a job that pays enough to have a home, enough to pay the bills and buy groceries. A little left over for fun activities. Maybe a ballgame. Or an occasional concert. Enough to take that special someone to dinner. Or the kids for ice cream on a hot, muggy day.
Other possibilities include someone to share life with. Someone to listen without judgment. Someone to hold when storms surround. Someone to appreciate and respect our accomplishments. To welcome us home. To share special times. And, of course, dear friends. What would this life be like without those special folks who brighten our life simply by walking into our space. Those people who love us even when we are most unloveable. Who rejoice in our victories and cry with us when our lives fall apart. These folk fill the void that often overwhelms us. And when we are at our lowest point, they remind us that we are worthy. That we have much to give. That it isn't always about us.
These are the people who celebrated our 50th with us. These precious people who share pieces of our lives. Together we have made many memories. We have taken trips together, attended concerts and graduations, accompained choirs, borrowed reading glasses, cried together when life hurt. These are the ones who brighten our day. Who laugh with us until our sides are sore. This wonderfully diverse group of people fill us up. Each brings something quite unique to our relationship.
So, yes, we celebrated our 50th anniversary this weekend. Fifty years with one person. Quite a feat in today's world. Ups and downs. Laughter and tears. Anger and quiet. Compassion and no compassion. All the emotions that make us human merged together. Yet, we have held steady. We have worked through challenging times. When I look back, I can honestly say it has been good. So good.
We had a party. Invited friends and family. Worked and worked in our yard. Tended the plant beds. Added compost. Trimmed shrubs-all except the ones with nests. Those are quite overgrown now. We painted the deck. Planted flowers. Mopped the floors. Dusted the furniture. Ordered good food. Bought wine. Lots of wine. We hoped for a sunny day. Even a cloudy one. However, that was not to be.
As time drew near for the party to begin, clouds began to turn that dark shade of blue that signals a storm. So we took the party inside. Folks visited. I remember laughter. And then the sky opened and the rains came. Over an inch of liquid sunshine. We continued to party. A bolt of lightening caused a car alarm to start. The owner turned it off inside the house. At some point I realized the house was much hotter than it should be. When the bolt of lightening turned the car alarm on, it must have done something to the air conditioner. Yes, repairs were necessary. Expensive repairs. Yet, the party continued.
At one point I heard my piano. Someone was playing. Downstairs I hurried. There I found my friend entertaining guests. Nothing to do but join her on the bench. We played three hands for quite a little bit. Such fun. Such memories of us playing in church. I admit I was a bit rusty, but kept up most of the time. A few choice words did escape my lips as I worked to keep up with her. She is a wonderful pianist. I am average. Together we make it work.
More rain as people began to leave. While most drove off our lawn and onto the road with no problem, a couple became stuck in the mud. Mud that wasn't there when they arrived. Mud that presented itself as the rains poured from the sky. Husband retrieved the Kabota and chain and wearing rain gear and boots, began to pull people onto the driveway. Not exactly what we had in mind for our party. Memories!
One vehicle was in too deep. Time to call a tow truck. Is that what you call it? Anyway, it took quite a long time for it to arrive. After much work, the car was successfully pulled to the driveway, and the poor people finally got to depart our yard. The party continued. And as it continued, I thought about what people truly want.
It is my belief that people want love, respect and acceptance more than anything money could buy. People want the warmth of a smile when others see them. They want a friendly greeting. They need to know that others enjoy their company. None of these can be bought. Not with cash, check or credit card. These things come from the heart. These things are given away to others from hearts full of gratitude for life itself. Filling our lives with friends and family makes our life worth something. Walking through my house watching and listening to those who came to celebrate with us, I was reminded again how precious life is. How grand it is to share life with others. I saw eyes sparkle and shine with lovely greetings. I heard laughter floating across the rooms. What delight. What absolute delight.
Yes, I truly believe that what we all need is a large dose--a tablespoon full-of love. Of acceptance. Of respect. Heaped up and overflowing so that our joy in living touches all those we meet. I felt those things in my home. I felt loved. I felt respected. I felt accepted. Those are the things I wish for others to feel. To know that they are valued.
Eventually the evening ended. People were hugged and thanked for helping us celebrate our special day. Dishes were stacked for another day. Cards were read again. Gifts were placed with cards ready for thank-you's to be written. Exhausted, we made our way to bed. Naturally sleep did not come. I was way too excited to allow myself to fall to sleep. I wanted to remember it all. To relive moments with people. To be grateful for it all.
We are so blessed. We made memories with delightful people who call us friend. What more could we possibly ask?
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