Be still, my soul, and steadfast.
May Oliver, The Gift
Earth and heaven both are still watching
though time is draining from the clock
and your walk, that was confident and quick,
has become slow.
So, be slow if you must, but let
the heart still play its true part.
Love still as once you loved, deeply
and without patience. Let God and the world
know you are grateful.
That the gift has been given.
I’m beginning to accept aging as more of a constant companion than someone to avoid. Nor do I live in a fantasy that it will go away. Aging now walks with me every day and walk at that slower pace. Some days I feel the grief of losing that walk that was confident and quick in my life, as Mary says in her poem. Yet, in this season of my life I am grateful for the gift of the life which has been given. What a gift it is to slow down, be present to life, fully experience and enjoy it. So my simple prayer this morning is that I may love as never before. The world needs more love! Why not let a spark begin with me.
I began a crock pot of 15 bean soup this morning. Well there are more than 15 beans in it, which will be ready about 1:00 pm if you wanna come over. May you have a wonderful day, filled with a heart of gratitude!
2 Comments
Tom Dills
It doesn’t seem like soup made from only 15 beans would be very filling…. 😉
Lovely poem and appropriate sentiments. We must embrace the inevitability of aging, despite it slowing us down. Love without patience indeed, as time is short.
Monte Stevens
Yes, 15 beans just won’t cut it. This actually does make a nice portion. I buy the one bag of beans, adda can of peeled tomatoes, a tsp of chili powder, two chicken breasts and chicken broth. I shred the chicken breasts when it’s done. Simple and filling. I really do enjoy Mary Oliver’s poetry!