Simple, Wise Advice

Family vacations, reunions, celebrations, special times spent with loved ones.....such blessings!  Have you ever noticed that after wonderful experiences like these there is often a "let down" that comes unexpectedly, bringing a melancholy mood and a longing for more?  How frequently I have said and heard "I miss you already" at the inevitable end of a good time spent with beloved family and friends.  The following quote says it with simple wisdom.....not surprising, considering the source!

"Don't cry because it's over; smile because it happened."  ~ Dr. Seuss ~

Bane and Blessing

There are days when just about everything seems to be going well.  Smooth sailing.  Upon deeper reflection, however, we will always find a bump.  The thought that there is always something wrong does not seem depressing to me, but simply realistic.  We can be sure that, in this life, we will consistently face troubles and difficulties.  The good news is that there will also be much happiness and blessing to savor.  The following quote, I think, gives very practical advice when it comes to finding balance in the ups and downs of life.

"Make the most of the best and the least of the worst."  ~ Robert Louis Stevenson

A Sense of Order Sets Us Free

I am remembering a very unique and special time spent at the Liberty Corner Deaconry, a retreat and conference center, many years ago.  I was tired, worn down, and needed a respite from a hectic schedule at the time, and so decided to treat myself to a 24 hour personal get-away.  The retreat center was conveniently located near our home and my kind husband agreed that it would be good for me to take a bit of time to just rest and have some quiet time. 

It was twilight when I arrived at the Deaconry on that chilly Autumn evening.  A flock of wild Canadian geese greeted me, flying high above in their vee pattern, calling out their encouragement to one another, on their way south I supposed.  I felt the peaceful atmosphere almost immediately.  The straight rows of vegetables in a perfectly weeded garden, the well swept walks, the neat appearance of the guest buildings......the quiet.  I knew the peaceful order I sensed was very much due to the labor and care given by the Deaconesses who lived there and dedicated themselves to providing a true retreat for the guests who came to them. 

As I walked across the campus, I felt the weariness begin to lift, replaced by a sense of freedom, an anticipation of what awaited me.  I was not disappointed.  At the end of my 24 hour retreat, I went home refreshed, strengthened and renewed.  As I later reflected upon my time spent there, and wrote in my journal, I gave much thought to the fact that the order and balance so thoughtfully provided by those who managed that special place resulted in a sense of freedom and peace for me and, I am sure, for so many others who spent happy hours there.  What a blessing.


    "Happiness is not a matter of intensity but of balance, order, rhythm and harmony" 
                                                     ~ Thomas Merton~