At the beginning of the day

August 9, 2021

Columbus, Ohio

I have lost the rhythms I'd intended around posting poetry and blessings and words of meaning each Monday. I have missed the sense of connection that offered me and am glad to be here again today.

Sometimes I search for something to share, but most of the time those words of meaning find me. Today's offering is from Always We Begin Again: The Benedictine Way of Living. It's so lovely, and I'm glad we are sharing it.

Each Day

At the beginning of each day,

after we open our eyes,

to receive the light

of that day,

As we listen to the voices

and sounds

that surround us,

We must resolve to treat each hour

as the rarest of gifts,

and be grateful for the consciousness

that allowed us to experience it,

recalling in thanks

that our awareness is a present

from we know not where,

or how, or why.

When we rise from sleep let us rise for the joy

of the true work that we will be about

this day and considerably cheer

one another on.

Life will always provide matters for concern.

Each day brings with it, however, reasons for joy.

Every day carries the potential

to bring the experience of heaven;

have the courage to expect good from it.

Be gentle with this life,

and the use of life

to live fully in your time.

I need to remember to have the courage to expect good from life. This likely means limiting my news consumption to something that does not bring despair but still keeps me reasonably informed. Lately I seem to be awaiting another shoe to drop most of the time.

Blessings and love and light to you on this day, beloveds, and on each day. ~jh