Twelve

Its cold outside. A freezing little bird peers in to the big, steel gymnasium through an open window. It's not an inviting room with its steel beams, bare walls and concrete floor, but would be shelter from the shivering cold. She hops with tiny little hesitant hops to the inside sill,  looking for a safe refuge. There are windows all around, but somehow they got closed behind her. She doesn't want to be there . . . feels trapped, panicked, and longs to be back outside, flying free. But after a while the  warm cell becomes more comfortable.   The steel rafters are a perch where she can admire the beauty outside. She longs for her freedom and the cool clean air, but she has become accustomed to her new home and familiar with the surroundings. A stranger, or maybe a friend, finds her and opens a window, allowing her the freedom she has longed for. But once that freedom is attainable, the little bird hesitates to leave the place she has come to know and trust. . . the place that keeps her safe from the cold and dangers of the outside world that she so longed for. Why can't she leave?

Faith

When you have come to the edge
Of all the light that you know
And are about to drop off into the darkness
Of the unknown,
Faith is knowing
One of two things will happen:
There will be something solid to stand on or
You will be taught to fly.

Patrick Overton

In the End

"People are often unreasonable and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.

If you are honest, people may cheat you. Be honest anyway.

If you find happiness, people may be jealous. Be happy anyway.

The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough. Give your best anyway.

For you see, in the end, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway."
— Mother Teresa

Lesson #1

Ever feel like something else is out there? Something you are supposed to be doing but are not? And have no idea where or how to find out what it is?

One year ago, I was in just that state of mind (and still am). An ad on the radio proclaimed there was a school offering credit toward a degree for your experience. At this point in my life, I thought, all I have are experiences . . . so what the heck! I had often regretted not getting a degree, so as I drove past that very college the same day, I did a U turn and walked into the office just to get some information. One hour later, I had applied, and found myself at initiation that next morning. At 51, I was off on a journey . . . something new . . . something different.

With the support of my friends, one year later, I’m still on that college journey, and with an assignment to experience something new. So, I’m going to try blogging.

Sometimes people, and things, pop up in your life for reasons you may not understand. Sometimes you should embrace those people or opportunities for what they are. . . just to see where life leads you.

Lesson #1: Try something new. Take a chance.