Write about something that you have seen or experienced lately that has renewed your strength. It's been a hard Lent this year, it seems, but as Mr. Rogers says, "look for the helpers" in the midst of the wilderness. What or who are your helpers? I'm writing this prompt in full view of a riotous bouquet of electric yellow daffodils...
Renewed by Pastor Larry P Morris
ReplyDeleteWe all have gifts.
We are all called to serve
and we give our energies to that work.
I have seen your toil.
I have seen that some days
it is not easy for you.
You don’t have all the answers
And some days you don’t have any,
I know.
That is when life get tiresome
and weighs you down.
In those days creativity
leaves you and there is nothing to do
but carry on
I’ve seen you …
and you do - carry on.
You do serve.
I’ve seen it.
In those times
renewal may not come
until the work is over,
until the serving is finished.
It is then when you can breathe deep
and sleep long
and refill your soul.
And in those days
we will look back together
and see that we were never really alone.
And when we talk
we will both see it
and be renewed.
Thank you for this one. I will print it remember it when I feel stalled.
DeleteThat's exactly right. Thank you for those words : )
DeleteHELPERS AT HAND
ReplyDeleteBy Marlene Obie
I’ve seen helpers everywhere throughout my life, in disasters, personal crises and have had my faith in humankind renewed every day. Especially this last month.
People trained and paid to respond who go beyond a shift—
throughout this mudslide disaster.
Neighbors whose instincts as soon as they are safe are to check on and aid the next nearest.
Volunteers who show up with equipment, food, clothing, money, other resources.
Hundreds of people attending vigils, services to grieve with and comfort families and each other and honor those who’ve passed on in a variety of circumstances, some unexpected accidents, and some normal transitions.
Providers of refreshment whose generous sharing fills the tables to more than enough for the crowds.
Ordinary people living along in their days who leap into action without overthinking when they spot someone in dire straits.
Advocates for positive changes and those who move to be personally involved in compassionate solutions throughout the world.
Friends who listen, share wisdom, experiences and connections, help us to laugh and cry, and hold on to us.
Family angels who always step up to enfold us
Prayer warriors whose persistence keeps adding to and stirring up the mix as it cooks and releases aromas of love to angels’ wings.
All faces of God, our Helper, Sustainer, Upholder, Provider to whom I am grateful for showing us who we really are.
Very nice! Loved this.
DeleteSooo earthy and powerful! Thanks Marlene!
DeletePastor Larry
DeleteSuch beautiful words, such wisdom. I love your contributions. Clarene Aitken
ReplyDeleteSitting around a table with my sisters of fellowship.
ReplyDeleteAlll our kids are in their respective beds
And a feast awaits us.
Abundant wine, meat, cheese, desserts
Some of our kids are sick at home with Daddy.
Some of our kids are whining about sleeping arrangements.
Some of our kids are with Grandma.
But the mothers are here
Talking,
Creating
Envisioning the future for themselves, their families
Weaving stories throughout the night
of past lives
of present difficulties
of absurdities, good and bad, that cause us to cackle wildly.
Some of our children come upstairs,
curious about what these women are doing.
Why are we having so much fun without them?
I give them some cake and send them back downstairs.
This is wild womyn time.
Time for spinning the future out of laughter, wondering, food and friendship.
Thanks for drawing the curtain back, just a bit, for the rest of us! I love it! Pastor Larry
DeleteLove it all--especially the last line!
ReplyDeleteMarlene