Up early on a spring morning. I opened myself to the beauty of the rising dawn sun. A little later in the day I would hide my eyes behind thick sunglasses. Still there were breath taking moments when I could not look straight ahead. And I owe my daily breathing to the sun... blinding and life giving...The mountain, the mountain...you are the occasion so often for my stopping,staring-- becoming so amazed that I can barely breathe.
You stand so powerfully over me, quiet, unassuming, with no need to strut back and forth trumpeting to all who would dare ignore you that you are strong and awe inspiring... you are what you are...beauty and power standing gloriously above me...
Father Stephen Okumu, priest administor of St. Therese Church... your love, warmth, and good humor are the occasion for my crying one moment during the Mass and laughing the next. I am so privileged to be on the same planet with you. Thank you.
Any moments you would like to share, my dear friends...
6 comments:
A beautiful reflection, Joseph, and wonderful pictures!
PS, I am very glad your life glistens, Joseph!
It's so funny about your timing, Joseph. Such a lovely, life-affirming post. Today has been a bit of a rocky day and this sure helped!
Stephanie and Kim, thanks for catching so wonderfully the feelings I have been experiencing the last few weeks... I have been moving, with the loving help of so many, from being an only child who hid away in his books and television, to an aging gentleman who finds great delight in listening to other people's stories, wonderful gospel music, being part of a God oriented community, and building relationships with new friends...
Today I met a wonderful man who is dying and he was quite clear, though he had some misgivings, he thought he had led a loving life, built on being close to other people, and, should he die tomorrow, he would go on to God without regrets... no fine homes or beautiful cars or mortgages that needed to be paid of...
I hope to be able to say that I did my best to share myself with other people and accept the gift of their presence they offered me when I die... I think I will be able to leave this planet a satisfied man.
Joseph, you share yourself with the Neighborhood each time you share your spirit here. Keep sparkling.
Your thanksgiving to Mt. Rainier especially resonated with me. The first time I left her was when I went to WSU as a freshmen. It had never occured to me that there was anywhere in Washington State where you could not see that great mound of spirit. Much later, while visiting family after several years of residence on the east coast, I rounded a corner on my way to Ravensdale, and there she was, bold and imposing. I had to pull off the road to catch my breath. Honestly, I had forgotten the power of her beauty. For the first time, I understood the impulse to see her as a holy spirit. This she has been to me ever since. Realizing then the influence she has had on forming the Puget Sound psyche and character, I have worried about those folks southward, who have lost St. Helens.
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