I Will Think of You

When you are gone
The birds will come
With memories of today
Lit upon their wings
And I will think of you

Many days will pass
But I will remember you
When the birds come
Bearing the gift of sweet reverie
And I will think of you

There will be a time
When the call will be undeniable
I will hear the voice of Eternity
I will heed its call
And I will think of you

When I am gone
Birds will visit where I lie
Perhaps find someone to remind
Of the days we have had
And they will think of me

Heart of Hearts

Break open your heart
Let in all love and light
Adorn the walls therein
Covering all with prayer
Seek peace and simplicity
Open wide the windows
Welcome the change and flow
Unlatch your heart's door
Gentle kindness awaits
Eager anticipation wins
While contentedly we watch
He brings unity, peace, and love
In Grace

Thought on Veteran's Day

Ah, Veteran's day. A day to remember veterans, their service, their sacrifice, and whatever else that arises. On the flip side, those of us connected to service members who have served to the extent that they have been compromised, broken, or even lost to us, it is bittersweet. It is a great thing to honor them, but for many, it is a reminder of what has come to pass, which taints memories. The plans that had been made, dreams that were imagined, become but dust and a wisp of a thought.

When I think of my veteran, I appreciate his sacrifice, without a doubt. When I think of other veterans, I appreciate the same, but I am closer to the families that laid out their entire existence to be apart, the present they sacrifice (and continue to do), plus the future that may not come to pass, and how their worlds will more than likely be shifted upon the return of their soldiers.

When someone thanks my husband for his service, I am grateful they think of him and his willingness to stand and fight. I would be remiss if I did not also mention that it also feels so empty, since not all will truly know the reality of seeing someone off to war and having someone else return in their body. In my world, every day is veteran's day, because I have no choice but to live with what war does to people and has done to my husband and our family. This is a centuries old predicament that permeates all people in all places and so I feel for all generations and families, near and far.

This veteran's day, I implore you to consider that, although a veteran's countenance may appear average, the inner workings are almost always churning and they must live with what they have left, which sometimes is precious little compared to what might have been. Compassion is something they cannot live without and their families deserve a big hug, even if only in prayer and spirit. Remember the veteran, remember the families, remember the lessons, and continue with love and understanding.

Shifting

The weather has finally begun to reflect the season which is now upon us. The gray hues in the sky provide a stark contrast for the bright leaves still clinging to the trees. It is my most favorite, as it slows me to the pace I find the most peace. Productive, without overactivity, and contemplative, with enough time for proper thought. I ought not be anywhere as changing of the seasons, but they have always had a way of shifting my energy and focus into one so decidedly theirs.

I love the stillness that comes with the cooling and darkening of the year. It never fails to amaze me how the trees and creatures flow so knowingly along with each passing day as the days change. When the cold sets in is when we see the staunch and sturdy beauty this Creation truly has in store. It is almost as though we are privileged enough to have a peek into the foundation of strength and eternity which lies beneath all that we see. To perceive with sight is a gift, indeed, but to sense the thread that binds the present with eternity is most certainly a blessing, without question.

Glory to God for all things! Blessed Autumn to all!