Flying Solo

A Prayer from "Thoughts in Solitude" by Thomas Merton

"My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think that I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you. And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road, though I may know nothing about it. Therefore will I trust you always, though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone."

What?

A savior is born

You never know how much light you have within, until you try to shine it for others.

The Changing Seasons of Life



Fall

Seasons put my life into perspective. I stare under the trees in the area where I live and know not only that some of them are older than me, but will be here for many generations to come long after I’m gone. It puts things into perspective for me.

In a flash, I have aged.  I have propelled myself through another 5 years in my life.  And before I know it, I’m in my 40s, 50s, and finally 60s.  Decades seem to fly by and before I realize it time can fly by me.

Nowadays, I find ways to ensure that I am enjoying life as much of it as I can and most importantly living the life I want to live



Winter

Life is not a dress rehearsal.  When I was younger, I did not act in the moment because I thought there would always be another moment. No longer do I let so many opportunities and possibilities pass me by.  I pursue every opportunity that presents itself, and try and live as much in the moment as possible.




Spring

It is not always easy.  I lose track of days and weeks that dissolve into months and before I know it, another season has come and gone.  I look back on those days and say, “What do I have to show for the last three months?”  Sometimes, not a lot.  Sometimes I will think only in terms of my work, and put aside my own spiritual and emotional needs.

When a change of season is upon me, I realize that I have to try and as much as possible be a whole person.  And work on all areas in my life as much as possible day to day, week to week, and month to month.

Sure, some weeks, some area may suffer from a little neglect. But I should never let months or seasons go by without paying attention and taking care of my needs.  None of us should.



Summer

Fog can cover you up this morning

This is what it looked like at about 7 a.m. today.

My work hours have been changed.  I am working 6 a.m. through 2:30 p.m. every day Monday through Friday.  How am I doing? Well I always got up at 5:00 a.m. but usually went back to bed.  I used to work at 8:30 until 5 p.m.  It is dark and quiet when getting to work now. And because I live closer to work than anyone in the office, it is not as bad as I thought it would be.  As long as I have a cup of coffee after arriving at work.  It is great leaving before everyone else at the office!  I can get to the gym/pool and make any other appointments late in the day without taking my vacation time. I don't eat after 4 p.m. and my body feels so much better. Wonderful! Just wonderful!