Ever Ready Presence

"Patience is not passive, on the contrary,

it is concentrated strength."

Bruce Lee

Throughout life, trees have been a symbol of patience and strength. They withstand brutal weather, gently release decorative leafs and bury roots deeply into the ground. This root system feeds neighboring trees that are in need. Science is also documenting how trees communicate with each other.

What patience trees must have to stand so tall throughout the years. They are impacted by altered climates, faulty air, and carelessness of human beings. I believe Sid Silverstein's book, The Giving Tree best describes the life of a tree. Too often we take for granted all of the gifts freely offered by various species of trees.

Trees offer the example of resilience, and calm without clarity.   They offer shade and allow  humans to climb high for higher views. There is great energy exchanged when someone leans against the trunk to read, write, or simply be. Trees are sturdy companions with an ever ready presence. They are a remarkable gift from God. 

Tending to Promises

"It's all a great mystery ...

Look up at the sky and you'll see how everything changes."

Antoine de Sait-Exupery

The bell in the tower started ringing, so I instantly looked up. I could see partial movement and noticed the greenery growing ... actually thriving. I then spotted a large black bird circling overhead with a background of large fluffy clouds gently floating by. And isn't this just like change? The slightest shift and new segments appear.

Spring is advancing, bringing new growth while rekindling our desire to be outside. Our mind shifts to promises made over the winter and wonderment of how to bring them into the present. Shrugging off heavy outerwear, we are eager for the sun to shine, just as tiny buds push up through the earth. They, too, long for the energy beaming from the sun. 

Let us not forget the promises made for longer bike rides, garden explorations, and extended walks in the park. Retrieve an old vase with the intention to fill it with flowers every week as recognition that a new season has arrived. Begin anew, reaching higher levels of self understanding and celebration!

Bamboozled and Hoodwinked!

"Fool me once, shame on you.

Fool me twice, shame on me."

Proverb

April Fool's Day can be a time filled with playful pranks amongst friends. It can also be a day reminding us of all of the times we have been foolish or the recipient of deception. While maintaining an essence of innocence, one can be gullible. In our ability to see the good in people, and the desire to be kind, too often we are led into fraudulence. 

With a willingness to believe in people, we often times allow credit to a person where it is not deserved. We tell ourselves stories portraying people learning lessons and deserving a second chance. We may regard a trickster as having grown older and wiser and surely would not bamboozle again. As on honest human, we may find it difficult to believe anyone could be so disingenuous. 

We are less likely to be hoodwinked if we listen to our gut churning with discomfort or our heart clenching with suspicion. Being careful with the self has nothing to do with disrespect. It is a safeguard of evaluation of what just doesn't seem right. When things simply don't add up, it is time to recalibrate with careful reassessment to avoid being fooled.