Adaptation changes colors – vividly reflecting the times it celebrates seasons Shedding sustains being – detaching a little at a time makes for a long life Dormancy practices stillness – listening to a cold wind keeps possibilities open “Out” is naked and vulnerable – exposure does not cancel it respects truth and goodness Blossoms renewContinue reading “Tree Lessons”
Author Archives: carlfmaulbeck
Rain
“One can find so many pains when the rain is falling.”[1] Rain, rain… go away “Umbrella is comfort, rain is life! You must often leave comfort to touch life!”[2] Come back another day “Those who say sunshine brings happiness have never danced in the rain.”[3] Rain, rain… soak away “If you pray for rain, youContinue reading “Rain”
Remember
To dismember injures and rips us asunder, to remember submits and restores by healing. The disconnect disrupts creating division, to remember unites and enhances the bond. Clichés are empty words formulas are hopeless, to remember enjoins and creates communion. With wonder detachment fosters transformation, to remember renews and assures commitment. Yes, membership outlasts the emptinessContinue reading “Remember”
Communion of Saints
The saint’s path is not a road of social prestige. The disciple’s routine does not scintillate the world. What is the Church of God? A living promise of her Founder to be with her all days unto the end of time. “It is of the Holy Spirit It is the Kingdom of God. It isContinue reading “Communion of Saints”
Use Me
(Based on the Prayer of St Francis of Assisi) O God, Make me an instrument of the Spirit; where there is bias, openness; where there is intransigence, reconciliation; where there is hesitancy, zeal; where there is judgment, compassion; where there is fear, peace; where there is selfishness, love. O God, Help me to confront prejudiceContinue reading “Use Me”
Hands
Hands touch and feel, listen and speak. Hands of an athlete… quick and sure compliments supple and strong – poetry in motion. Hands of a technician… precise and careful compliments intuitive and diligent – embodied instructions. Hands of an educator… open and directive compliments assertive and self-disciplined – lifelong mentor. Hands of a mother… softContinue reading “Hands”
Greater Good
Disciplined imagination reflects God’s reflection. When I was a child, reward and punishment was activity’s pivot. When caught breaking the rules, absolution was sought through atonement and reparation. As a reflecting adult, compassion and sacrifice mirrors Divine mercy. The Beatitudes rule, communion is achieved through submission and grace. Common good relies on justice and seeksContinue reading “Greater Good”
Signature Move
A signature move is an essential act that awaits accompaniment. Jackson’s Moon Walk, a handshake, Churchill’s “V” sign, a high five, Fosbury’s Flop, a raised glass, Cesar’s thumb down, a standing ovation, Bernstein’s entreating wave, crossed fingers. Sometimes someone goes unrecognized despite wondrous works. Concealed by who people want to see, disguised by who theyContinue reading “Signature Move”
A Good Friday Prayer
Our Creator, I abandon myself to you; I will do your will and drink from the Cup. I will serve the Greater Good; I accept your expectation of me and wish only for peace and harmony with you and my neighbor. Our Creator I submit myself to you; yes means “Yes”. I take the CupContinue reading “A Good Friday Prayer”
The Lottery
There are always possibilities on my life’s way Gambling wagers gambol with a heartless devil, it’s dicey and can lead to ruin, even becoming addictive. Lottery odds for example, favor the house, the chances of winning… doubtful – and rarely brings true good fortune. Winning tickets are indeed one in a million – countless ticketsContinue reading “The Lottery”