The blur of the past
Sustains the present
So I presume,
A storehouse of
good memories
And junked failures
Pray
Are these stepping stones
To a bright future ?
Can we bask
only in success;
And dismiss failures ?
Who can fathom the future
Except the One who is Timeless
His Presence sustains
Past, Present and future
A Gift to be cherished
Forever
He is the Alpha and the Omega
The beginning and the end
Who holds us in the palm
Of His Hands;
Do I trust Him?
Now ?
‘For God did not give us a spirit of timidity but a spirit of power and love and self control.’ ( 2 Timothy 1:7)
‘In Him we live and move and have our being.’ ( Acts 17:28)
Times of change,
Challenges abound;
Do I fear?
At any age,
I hear of
Courage with a C
But there is a C
Cancer which oft
may counter Courage
How do I face it?
Fight or flight ;
Combat or surrender
The only way I see it,
Trust in His Spirit
Of power , love and self control!
He is ever near,
Holds us in his loving arms,
As a Father to a son
Am I willing to share this pain
With him on the cross
As grace in abundance flows
Accept with courage
And when unbearable
Surrender
‘into your hands, Lord’
And take each day as a gift
Not forgetting
‘To live is Christ and
To die is gain ‘
I am assured that its better to surrender into His loving arms at all times, as
‘In him we live and move and have our being’ (Acts 17:28)
You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you ! (St Augustine)
Who can fill it?
The more you try,
the more it becomes futile ;
Think of the best in the world ;
It’s all so temporary.
Nature in all its grandeur ,
Love of family,
Pursuits of interest
Romance of life .
Does success,
Money,
Position,
Power
Mean anything?
So how does one fill this void?
My friend,
Our hearts were made for Him.
In Him , you will find fulfilment
The love, peace and joy ,
that no one can give .
So if you are searching
Rest a while;
And know that
When you seek,You shall find
When you knock ,it shall be opened,
When you ask of Him,
It shall be granted.
He can fill every void ,
is ever present ,ever loving ,
He is the beginning and the end
The alpha and the omega,
And seeks to dwell in the silence of our hearts .
Do you have room for Him ?
Years ago I remember reading a comic strip with some humour to it…Slo Jo was a cowboy, who faced the Ketchup Kid…. It was not the usual gunfight however. Here the test was on who could down the burger faster… The Kid finished his burger rapidly….and then watched Slo Jo relishing his burger with Ketchup , taking his own time… the lesson for the Kid… , enjoy the burger…what is the hurry?
I think , many of us are immersed in work, and have a problem of time… we become busy, stressed and worry about work to be done…
I am sure we all had coffee/tea breaks..but was it like the Ketchup Kid or like Slo Jo
Often the best moments are when one actually savours the moments either alone or with friends.
I have tried coffee from roasted coffee beans ground and filtered…. with a dash Sheridan .
……slowly like Slo Jo…while I smell the coffee, savour the taste ..and appreciate the situation around me… my friends, colleagues, family or just connecting with nature …
Time passes by… I see some of my good friends who have worked hard and done well in their careers. One case stands out. Today he has been overwhelmed with multiple health problems. And worse still he has fractured his hip, and now compelled to bed rest.
I wonder at such traumatic changes. Does it really matter, how much I have achieved?
Have I savoured the times I enjoyed with family and friends.
Importantly have I looked at my eventual goal in life?
This will not be easily accepted. We plan for holidays and so much more.
“Do you know where you are going?” These are famous words asked by the renowned basketball player Pete Mavarich, also called ‘Pistol Pete’, because of his brilliance in the game. He continued “ I know where I am going, and am preparing for it” A week later he died.
Our lives change when we are aware of our destination.
I too am aware where I am going, and I will certainly ensure that I prepare for it every day.
Yet often when I even mention this, my family does not like to hear any of it.
But is not death certain? Do you fear it?
There is no need to fear. Life does not end , but only changes.
‘If our hope in Christ has been for this life only, we are the most unfortunate of all people.
But Christ has in fact been raised from the dead , the first-fruits of all who have fallen asleep. (1Corinthians 15:19,20)
When this perishable nature has put on imperishability, and when this mortal nature has put on immortality, then the words of scripture will come true: Death is swallowed up in victory. Death where is your victory? Death where is your sting? Now the sting of death is sin, and sin gets its power from the Law. So let us thank God for giving us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
(1Corinthians 15:54-57)
Are you afraid?
Then remember these words of Jesus ‘ I am the living bread which comes down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will live for ever; and the bread that I shall give is my flesh for the life of the whole world.’ (John 5:51)
Jesus also assures us ‘ And know that I am with you always: yes to the end of time.’ (Matthew 28:20b)
So it certainly does not matter, how high or how fast one paces one’s life. Reality strikes, when one is faced with the inevitable. Reflective moments are necessary; so when you next take a coffee break, take time to smell the coffee and let your thoughts flow.
I asked for patience,
And my patience was tested.
It showed me
my lack of it
So will I still ask for patience?
And yet again see how far am I from it.
But try I must,
For true victory is
To conquer oneself.
How about wisdom;
Why not pray for it.
Money cannot buy it,
Just like love cannot be bought.
For wisdom comes from above.
And love?
It’s the only thing that lasts
Till the end.
Love overcomes evil,
And when one loves
You and I begin to learn Patience!
‘Patience’ of a different kind- when I photographed the butterfly!’
You see a painting and then wonder at its meaning.
So I was privileged to meet Jamie Treadwell, and he shared how he works through process to reach a finish.
I asked him “ Do you have the end in mind while working through the process?”
“Not always” was his reply.
He happens to be a Business/Life Coach. He applies the Process to this aspect of his work too..
One example is using Music in his work as a coach, particularly a workshop with a live Orchestra as a metaphor for business.
He explains so well how creating harmony with instruments can be used as a process to study human behaviour in a team.
When the musicians play in harmony, what is our observation?
Naturally the entire reception of music is a wholesome one signifying Good organisation and team work.
As an example, anyone playing out of tune will display disharmony.
Also if all play aggressively then there is total disarray and is not conducive to
quiet and soothing environ and unity.
He was working on a cover for a music album . Naturally the lyrics of the song needed to match , and he brought out this aspect with a boat moving towards its destination.
The Painting of Jesus on The cross, struck me with the passion of Jesus coming out so well. This was done during a live session with swift movements of his hand , in a matter of a few minutes
The suffering so real and intense.
Many paintings have a poem or lyric Jamie writes before it is painted. This comes with contemplation.
Abstract paintings with intense colours gives birth to more processes leading to the subsequent painting .
I saw mountains and rivers, and a raft going upstream.
Jamie shared that as an Artist one gets quite vulnerable.; just like an author, whose writing reveals his innermost thoughts.
Jamie is a Lifelong Brother with the Servants of the Word , which is a committed religious Christian order, who help in pastoring covenant communities around the world.
For this reason he also serves as business Coach… and all his paintings help in fundraising for various causes., especially for youth outreaches.
With a tug of heart, (I loved the painting of JESUS), so the best I could get as a souvenir, was a photograph of the artist with his painting of Our Redeemer!
Fare thee well Jamie!
(Rewards for patience)
Nothing comes easy ; specially when you have to wait for permissions, or sanctions . All around us , people speak of getting things done and facilitating the process by paying a fee ( I call it a bribe)
Do you agree ?. Does the time factor decide whether it is right to bribe or not.
Who is guilty? The giver or the taker ? If there was no giver, would there be a taker?
My experience still upholds the age old ways of patience, persistence and prayer. Believe me it works .
Outstanding cases for permissions are from the Municipal Corporation, Provident Fund department, and Collector’s Office. There are good people in these places. Please do not prejudge them, and conduct yourself on that aspect. Follow all the guidelines, and also followup; even if it means going 10,15 or 20 times..
When you respect others you will be respected for your patience and honesty….why honesty. Because the giver of a bribe is dishonest and causes another to be dishonest.
Be happy when you taste success for your patience. The Lord above will bless you abundantly.
If anyone tells you that times have changed….please remember, honesty, respect, and love of neighbor will never lose value.
There is another angle to seeking expeditious help in such matters. Have you tried praying?
Not only for yourself, but even for those from whom you seek these permissions/sanctions.
After all authority is bestowed , and God answers prayers
When the shoe is worn on the other foot, you will see the difficulty that such authorities face in being just and honest. Most often , they have to deal with people who are ready to pay their way through , but they also face pressures from political sources in power.
Our ability to respect authority and accept the requirements for sanctions will be a big help for those who will eventually grant your requests.
I have been a beneficiary of following this precept, and have great peace of mind…
So remember, its always two way..
The waiting game is all about patience, trust and respect..
The correct use or abuse of the chair, will decide on two people : take a guess!
Do you believe? Are you ready?
Then be prepared for the ‘Waiting Game’.
The little fellow Tim the sparrow flitted about searching for tasty morsels from the plants ; alongside was Tiny his partner also foraging. Most of the gang of crows led by Doug unofficially claim the area of the huge Mayflower tree as their own.
Then far above we have a visitor McMoran. He is of medium size and has a tinge of green on his wings and head. He has an awkward squark and darts from one branch to another. Do I know his breed? He looks good and is very rarely seen in the vicinity.
What can you expect then? Lets count Doug and his gang. ..about a dozen, and getting into a frenzy.
“ Is that how you guys welcome me , a tourist ? “ questions McMoran
“ Says who? Are you are a tourist? “ caws Doug. “ You look like a trespasser.”
An upset McMoran squawks back “ And who decides who am I”
“ The May flower tree has existed since the past 60 years; my great-grandparents nested here.” Replied Doug.
A nonchalant McMoran continued moving among the topmost branches . Who can stop him?
The chorus of caws increases, and strangely….subsides . The gang of crows realized that , numbers do not matter. Courageous McMoran did not get blown away by the aggressive crows.
What about Tim and Tiny. They finished their search for tasty morsels and have enjoyed their time in the sun. Did they get overawed by the number of crows and their size?
Each is gifted differently. The ability to use their gifts will decide their future. Every weakness is compensated by a strength. What about the crow? Does his appearance deceive you?
The crow is one of the most intelligent and sturdy birds. No wonder , beauty in this case does not matter. They care for their young and mourn for those who die.
Sparrows though small, send their young out early and they begin to fend for themselves.
Who was the visitor ? Dear reader, you need to help me as I can only describe this quiet tourist.
Lets hope he comes again with more of his kind. And may he be welcomed by all the natives of the good ole May Flower tree.
‘Ye shall know the truth and the truth will set you free.” ( John 8:32)
Man has fought for freedom. To be free from all that chains one’s liberty.
So what is freedom? I wonder at the world around me. But then I see the birds in the sky , some on the trees above me. They languish among the foliage. Their only concerns are for the next morsel of food or to build a nest for the young. They stretch and sing and fly to different places.
I hear the screech of the parrot. Does anyone tell it to stop its sound ? Who defines boundaries and territories? Each one to his own place in this land. Who governs their lives? Who provides for their food, shelter and protection?
Yes no government can meet with standards to govern nature. Its only our beloved Father God our Creator who knows best. He has given each a measure of ability to live.
So what is freedom?
I may share what is not freedom. When a man subjucates another to deprive him of living a full life- and forces his way of thinking on another; then it is the beginning of slavery. It is also when truth is covered by lies, so that the common man is deprived of knowing his rights .
Any wonder that Rabindranath Tagore in his poem shared his view on ‘true freedom’
Where the mind is without fear
…Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high
Where knowledge is free
Where the world has not been broken up into fragments
By narrow domestic walls
Where words come out from the depth of truth
Where tireless striving stretches its arms towards perfection
Where the clear stream of reason has not lost its way
Into the dreary desert sand of dead habit
Where the mind is led forward by thee
Into ever-widening thought and action
Into that heaven of freedom, my Father, let my country awake’ ……..
Man begins to live a life of freedom where there is trust and no fear.
So when you know the truth , the truth shall set you free.
Pilate said to Jesus, ”What is truth?” (John 18:38)
Have you sought this answer?
Seek the Lord first and you will find all the answers.
‘’ Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you shall find; knock, the door will be opened to you.
For the one who asks always receives; the one who seeks always receives; the one who knocks will always have the door opened to him. ‘ (Luke 11:9-11)
And Jesus goes on to say ….’ If you then who are evil, know how to give your children what is good, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
So when you effectively pray and ask then and only then
will you discover the truth and you shall be free indeed.
Then you will understand why the birds and the fish and animals live a life free of worries.
They trust their Creator implicitly for all their needs.
You will know then, that there is no need to stress and strain over what to eat and what to drink and what to wear. ( Luke 11:29) Your heavenly Father well knows you need them(Luke11:30b)
Know also that there are consequences, when man is deprived of his liberty or freedom.
History is replete with examples , that highlight good or bad govenance.
So once again, “ You shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free” . ( John 8:32)
I sit out on my terrace with the overhanging Gul Mohur tree. As I sip my coffee and enjoy the grilled cheese sandwich , I realize that I am actually beginning to smell the coffee.
The past two months have been so hectic, that there was just no time to stand (or sit)and stare. November and December vanished like the wind.
Memories flood back, and I savor all the visitors from far and near and specially my family visiting from London. Our home was so full , that naturally we were all out of our comfort zones but still happy. A hasty hunt would either help discover things I needed or leave me dazed at being unable to do so.
It was a mix of meetings, both serious and also of fun. Travel became a part of this time, when we visited our home town in Goa. There was a week end at Matheran a hill station. And I did get an opportunity to walk ( a really long walk) with a Brother from London and was so fatigued that I also lost my favorite Nike cap. The most beautiful moment I treasure was to see my dining table surrounded by all my children and also two grandchildren. An eventful birthday celebration was preparing a ‘go jetters’ cake for my 4 year old grandson; he celebrated it with a few friends and later with the orphan children at Mother Teresa’s Asha Dhaan. My second daughter’s, birthday was eventful as her special friend proposed to her and there was an engagement the next day, in the presence of our two immediate families.
I wonder how these months passed. Christmas was so eventful ; there were moments of quietness in the Advent Recollection , Joyful Thanksgiving services, Children’s Christmas parties, and one of the first ever…when the Eucharist was celebrated in the neighbourhood Cross Oratory for those of our sick and aged members who are unable to attend the church services.
These were times I was called upon to help in different ways. It was challenging but rewarding.
Then the New Year started with a bang!
We had our own Community Council meetings and Team meetings followed by presenting the Thrust for year 2018 for my church community. Through this also, it was only the Lord that I could rely for guidance .
And now as I gaze up to the widespread branches with the leaves providing cover from the midmorning sun, I see the pigeons, crows, wood barbets, all at peace.
Do they ever have a fast paced life? I see them preening their feathers. The crow cawing lazily. The wood barbet carefully observing me , a little away from the little round hole he pecked away in the bark, some days ago.
Looks like its time for his family to begin.
Then I remember this quote from St Bernadette to her Sisters
“ Do not just be a channel for grace, but a reservoir, an overflowing reservoir. No sooner has a channel received grace than it pours it out. A reservoir waits to be filled up and then offers grace to those who come to draw from its superabundance.
If you do not act wisely, you exhaust yourself in senseless work.” (The Private Notes from the book ‘ A Holy Life – The Writings of Saint Bernadette of Lourdes’)
Yes it makes sense to “smell the coffee” , with a friend and at times even when you are alone.
But really, are you ‘alone’ ?
‘ And know that I am with you always; to the end of time.’ ( Matthew 28:20b)
So the next time you have your coffee ( or even tea) savour the moment, listen……. and
……. and let your thoughts flow…………..
let your thoughts flow…………..
