This day...
May I live this day
Compassionate of heart,
Clear in word,
Gracious in awareness,
Courageous in thought,
Generous in love.
As I write this reflection, I hold a conversation from earlier this evening with a good friend. It was an honest exchange - sharing where we find ourselves in this moment in history.
I offer this reflection with my friend by my side.
I have been engaged and active in what's happening in our country and the world for years. I have watched the news and gathered with others to discuss and pray about what it means to be a Christian witnessing the injustice we would see all around. I have organized food drives and joined others in marches. I have been an advocate with others for people with disabilities, sharing my own story and encouraging others to share theirs.
Now
As hard as it is to admit, I find it overwhelming to be engaged on this level at this moment! It's exhausting.
The stakes are higher than they’ve ever been in my life and there is some fear. Fear of the unknown, fear of experiencing heartless vulnerability. The kind of vulnerability that could remove all respect and control of our daily lives. People with disabilities have experienced this in the past. During the last 40 years, we have worked tenaciously to make sure that this would not happen again.
There is no giving up! The road ahead will be challenging. It will be rougher at some turns than others, but it will be traveled.
So, my question for myself and others – how do we take care of ourselves?
The same thing doesn’t always work for everyone. For now, I am starting each day with a simple routine. A routine that honors the work at hand and the emotions that feel overwhelming.
With a prayer and time to reflect on the words offered above by John O’Donohue, I prepare for the day. This prayer helps set a direction with a gentle and compassionate perspective.
I am glad to share it with you…
Quote: JOHN O’DONOHUE
Photo: Ann Cahill
Thank you, Carrie. Carrie on! :-)