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Friday, September 3, 2010

In the Face of Dread

(I'll get to these flowers later)

Here's a late Friday Flash 55 piece, a tale told in exactly 55 words, hosted by the G-man who doesn't know the meaning of defeat:

The ocean’s gray furrowed brow
reminds me of my brother’s face
when he turned toward me to look
unseeing through her window
the day our mother died

Something marched across his face
in regimental rows, something quiet
but relentless as a failing general
reviewing his troops in calm despair
before that final and inevitable loss.
-----------------------------------------

(Earlier in the day)

This morning is a series of stark contrasts. Starting with the micro and moving to the macro, inside me is both dread and willingness. I dread the crap that absorbed my attention yesterday and I'm willing for today to be different.

In the world right around me, neglected undone work hollers, but amidst that is a bouquet of flowers from the garden, quietly resting in their own loveliness.

The world at large clamors with contentiousness. I hear it. But my meditation book contained a different thought:

"Never yield to weariness of the spirit. At times, the world's cares and distractions will intrude and the spirit will become weak. At times like this, carry on and soon the spirit will become strong again. God's spirit is always with you, to replenish and renew. None ever sincerely sought God's help in vain. Physical weariness and exhaustion make a time of rest and communion with God more necessary. When you are overcome by temporary conditions which you cannot control, keep quiet and wait for the power of God's spirit to flow."

In the contrasts that face me today, I think I'll choose the quiet path. I believe I need to rest in the everlasting sheltering arms of the Most High. I pray your day has good in it, and I pray that I can help someone today.

(Postscript 11 p.m.: God answers prayers. I had a miraculous day, and during it, I helped someone. Yay, God. You are, like, totally epic, man!)

21 comments:

Dianne said...

yep, you did, yesterday was one of THOSE days. The quiet path today...
walking,
Di

Scott M. Frey said...

a beautiful, honest post! I hope your day is better today :-)

Terra said...

These are words of wisdom you share here; rest in His arms for renewed strength to replenish and renew. Gardening is a source of renewal too, I know we both find joy in the garden.

Monkey Man said...

Once heard these wise words - "If you're gonna have a shitty day, have the best shitty day possible." Love that and live it. Tomorrow is a new day.

Brian Miller said...

i hope the quiet path was good for oyu today chris...and that your prayers were answered...

The Bug said...

Taking the quiet path is almost always the best course of action. Regardless of anything else it's sure to save your blood pressure! Hope you were successful in it...

e said...

Have a peaceful day, Chris!

RNSANE said...

Chris, I am just reading your post at 2:30AM and I cannot tell you how much I needed to see this wonderful meditation. I had a horrible day - a letter from social security telling me they are not paying me for three months to collect an overpayment of nearly $5000 - they had notified me a couple of months ago and, in my inertia, I did not challenge it earlier. I cried for a couple of hours, then talked to a very nice lady on the phone who said I must go into the Daly City office and ask them to put me on some sort of a payment plan. I get $1200 monthly for SS but, without it, I only get $2300/month. And to think, just 18 months ago, I occasionally cleared $4000 in a two week pay period!

Jess Mistress of Mischief said...

YAY GOD! I love how he shows up as we continue living prayers like that out! SO MUCH EPIC fabulousness!

God continue to be with you and you helped someone else with this experience and prayer too!

izzy said...

Let Hp go in front- step aside-
Let Hp drive, ( I say please & thank you)sometimes I envision leaning
back against Hp - very comforting and restful! some one recently suggested
holding hands...
However you do it have a good day!

g-man said...

Chris...
This post was well worth waiting for. I absolutely LOVED your 55.
I wish I could see poetic description in everyday things. I guess thats what makes you a poet!
Your faith is inspirational and uplifting, thank you for sharing this with us all.
Thanks for thinking of me, and have a Kick Ass Week-End....G

PattiKen said...

Your 55 is beautiful, and the meditative words so soothing. my daughter is in a bit of a turmoil right now. I'm going to send those words to her. She could use the quiet time, and often doesn't recognize that need.

hope said...

Good for you! {And God for you too} ;)

Doesn't it feel strangely wonderful to be able to help someone out?

Keep up the good work...I know I appreciate the person you've grown to be.

Magpie said...

So glad that your day turned out to be just what you needed...almost like a plan. :)

Jannie Funster said...

That is one of the best poems I've ever read, and I've read many many poems in my day.

Thank you for sharing.

Sorry for the loss of your mother.

Titus said...

Thank you for both those sets of words.
Chords struck and resonated.

Brian Miller said...

glad to swing back through and see the post cript...hope you have a wonderful weekend chris!

CiCi said...

How fitting that were placed in a position to help someone. Don't ya just love it.

Unknown said...

The comments to your 55 were as calming as your post. I am sending you an email separately since it has been awhile. Your post today put the calm back into my focus. I don't believe in coincidences..thank you..again. ::hugs::

♥namaste♥

Unknown said...

Glad that things are moving positive and your flash 55 is amazing.

I love the flowers, but being a Dahalia myself of course I would...

I love you and thank you always for helping me through your writing, it's provocative, loving, honest...all of it.
Peace...
gabi

Syd said...

I understand that look on your brother's face. It is a hard thing to realize the loss of a parent. Wonderful prayer.