Tag: growth
Mosaic Moments
Transitions increase a felt wistfulness.
We look back
and long for
what worked before.
Those pieces of us that
like routine and
the comfort of the predictable –
well, those parts feel sharp
in such seasons –
the edges hurt.
And yet, there is the buzz –
the bubbling energy of the new,
of possibility.
There are new faces to greet,
new tasks to learn and
fresh ways to open the heart
and to be.
Life is
as life does-
and its mysteries inspire and instruct.
Its best when
there is a mix of things
for the creative touch of God is genius
and multi-dimensional.
So, even when loss
is the larger piece at the time,
there will always be the sparkle
and felt presence
of grace, of love … even joy.
When awake,
we can wonder at and
give thanks for
the whole design of it all.
We see our piece in the creation.
Copyright© Cynthia Cady Stanton, 2019
Gratitude for Anne Lamott and her coining of the term, “mosaic moments” in her recent book, Almost Everything.
God’s Reach
Sometimes I feel as if
I am in a favorite pocket of yours.
Once and a while,
you reach in and touch me –
and I am remembered again.
You may adjust me a bit,
smoothing my edges and
moving me about inside the pocket,
your touch comforting
as you bring me to new places
for my learning.
When the moment is right,
you lift me up and out
and I feel the rush of freedom knitted with
the warmth of grace
as you hold me in your hand.
You look at me,
and I look at you.
And I remember again
what home feels like.
Then you place me back
into your pocket
for easy reaching later.
I am your treasure
and in your keeping –
you keep me safe from harm.
One day, I know
your lift up
and into the light
will mean I get to stay.
My vision will be clear then
and so will my reflection
of you.
Copyright© Cynthia Cady Stanton, 2019
The Art in Stepping Aside
Lighted From Within
Oh, the view that blesses
when the horizon glows
whether morning or evening.
The bright moon in the distance
also inspires
as it illuminates the soul.
Seeing light from a distance
is an invitation
that instructs…
For I can wander in the darkness
for days
or even months…
but when the light enters in
from afar,
a new energy
begins to germinate again
as its beams touch me.
I become sprouted and fed –
even if only for a bit.
These glimpses provide for me.
As I grow and heal
and new branches form –
stretching me beyond
all the ways and limits –
daring to ignore the broken places –
the glow given grows.
I know healing has arrived
when I have less need
of the horizon
and all its sparkling colors.
Sure, the hues and brilliance
still are a gift and reminder…
They show me what lies deep within me –
the colors that shine and beam
through me
in a never ending way.
I am lighted from within
and I know where to look
when I need the horizon.
Copyright© Cynthia Cady Stanton, 2018
Entering the Dance
When the winds are shifting,
and change is here,
I sometimes shudder with
fear, which blankets my heart
in a covering so itchy…
the restlessness it brings
grows like a cancer,
consuming health.
I wonder out loud,
and through every pore –
my cells scream
No!
The resistance builds a wall
around my soul,
and I begin to hide.
I grieve…
the tears wash over
all the tensions and aches,
bringing yet another baptism.
Eventually, I remember
that changes bring a
kind of birthing process…
and I know there is
something beautiful coming
after this pain.
I love how tears
release and inform
all at once – as if
we must break, deeply –
apart and before
we can be refashioned.
These very insights, eventually
bring gratitude.
I know,
it does’t make sense
to the logical mind…
but it is the dance of Spirit
within and beyond me.
When I learn to
accept the invitation to
the dance of life,
letting go of my need to
lead it,
I get lighter on my feet,
and my being
finally hears the music
and is wrapped in comfort
and delight.
I am set free.
Copyright© Cynthia Cady Stanton, 2018
Each One, A Mountain
Everyone has something…
It is a mantra that is inwardly voiced
more and more
as I get older.
We each have our own brand of challenge.
As life progresses,
these challenges unfold
and introduce themselves.
Sometimes they swallow us up
with the force of a big ocean wave…
Or, they might creep upon us
like a spreading mold.
We get to choose
how to respond
when our personal mountain
shows up.
For some,
the mountain may be too vast
to climb alone –
so we bring loving souls with us.
For others,
the mountain may be a series of hills
which warrants a solo journey –
each vista building strength within.
We may fool ourselves, thinking
that our mountain
is bigger than anyone else’s –
that somehow,
our mountain warrants
special attention…
But as we mature,
and build our climbing muscles,
our compassionate heart opens,
our personal nature fades,
and our vision widens
to see what others endure.
Our climbing becomes
the road to awakening
to what this life
is all about.
Yes, we each have a mountain –
especially designed for our own unfolding…
but as we meet it,
with grace and courage,
the vista that comes,
connects us to the
suffering of others.
This is the stuff of
a life well-lived.
So, I bow to my mountain –
giving thanks for its lessons…
for without its presence,
I would walk with blinders on,
tripping on my own feet,
and all alone.
Copyright© Cynthia Cady Stanton, 2018
