Manifesting Kindness As Strength

"Tenderness and kindness are not signs of weakness and despair,

but manifestations of strength and resolutions."

Khalil Gibran 

Terrible thunderstorms with lightening and thunder passed though the other night.  My four and a half year old grandson is afraid of thunder, but his two and a half year old sister is scared of lightening.  Progressively more intense, I gathered my grandkids into a bed holding them both.  

Although obviously frightened, my grandson, in his sleep, would reach over and gently touch his sister's arm.  My granddaughter in her own fright would pat her brother's back.  Tenderness and kindness were the exchanges in spite of fear.

To react with kindness is difficult when others are in our face or life is dissolving around us.  It takes strength to be tender, risking the unknown response of others.  When we remain mindful and choose kindness, we will draw closer to resolution leaving fewer scars.  Healing transpires through the strength of kindness rather than impulsive judgment.

Those Who Are Bookmarks ...

"One day you will ask me which is more important?

My life or yours? I will say mine and you will walk

away not knowing that you are my life.

Khalil Gibran

The interior of life greatly differs from one person to the next.   We have our own memories, and even shared memories are recorded differently.  There are family histories we hold within, but they too have been altered over time.

Our inner strength is impacted by how we perceive physical challenges, mental limitations, and spiritual disconnect.  Efforts are made to maintain momentum moving forward, but forces distract us from our guided path.  When it is all said and done and life is slipping away, what will remain in our heart?

Family members and children rank highly in our last thoughts, and perhaps an image of a favorite vacation.  Beauty, art, talent might rise, but what will be exceptionally significant?  For me, those who have been book marks in the many chapters of my life will prevail ... and sadly,  probably unbeknownst to them.

Friends, Beyond the Limits of Time

"In the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter, and sharing of pleasures.

For in the dew of little things the heart finds its morning and is refreshed."

Khalil Gibran

The  joys of friendship can be found in childish games or in the depth of a revealing conversation.  There is no end to the realms friends can enter  whether it is residue from a past life experience or the   investment into an unknown adventure.  There are no bounds that cannot be broken when the assistance of a friend is needed.

Acquaintances bring color to the weaving of our lives, but a true friend is the substance that expands and contracts to match our yearnings.  He or she is the one who extends a shaking hand into the darkness of our hearts, hoping to renew us once again.

Years may slip by before we physically reunite with a friend.  Our best intentions to remain connected can fall to the way side and even life times may pass by.  It is guaranteed, however, once eye contact is exchanged between two bonded friends, recognition survives beyond the limits of time.

"Your Children are not your children" by Khalil Gibran

"Your children are not your children."

Khalil Gibran

Khalil Gibran presented himself to me quite by surprise in a public library.  I had graduated from college, married, and was pregnant with my first son.  One day per week, I had a date with my growing self at the library.   As I settled in to the library table with pen and paper and lists of authors to pursue, I noticed a small book already waiting for me:  The Prophet by Gibran.

Khalil Gibran captured my attention immediately.  Throughout my pregnancy I would devour his works and for some odd reason, began to copy his works by hand.  His words flowing through my mind were the blood flowing through my body.

"Your children are not your children," challenged me as I awaited the birth of my son.  My child was mine!  I would be nurturing, accountable, and present in his life.  Of course he would be my child!  In time, I would bring four children into this world and continue to dispute internally Gibran's wise words. Deep inside, however, I eventually understood his meaning  and let my children go.