A Quickie

My mind is full this morning, which is the funeral of our family friend where my entire extended family gathers today to mourn the loss and celebrate the life of a man whom I remember mainly as hilarious and warm-hearted.  And a great BBQ cook!  So, my thoughts are in Texas with them.

But my thoughts are also in Florida, where family of the woman from my church who died yesterday gather, shocked and saddened by her sudden loss.

And back in Texas with one of my aunts, who has had knee surgery and recovers in a hospital today.

And here in my community, with my friend's mom who is just beginning her journey with lung cancer.

And even right here at home, as I went to back into physical therapy this morning and the therapist (one I knew but hadn't worked with) spotted several new weaknesses and trouble areas and has a whole, challenging regimen for us that will last longer than I had expected (it's now 3 x a week for at least 8 weeks).  Mama and I have talked and will probably buy a treadmill for my daily home exercises, which we will put in the basement (and set it up as we can afford; otherwise, it might shake this old house and wake the babes).  We're waiting to see what happens.

So, big, deep, serious occupations.  But I am continually reminded of a reading on spring that I read to the kids on Tuesday during our "deli picnic" after school.  A box of books had arrived for me, including Rejoice Together, a collection of UU readings, prayers, and meditations.  I read them this one, as the sun shone overhead and the birds chirped and we enjoyed the beauty together:

Spring

Here is a day of promise!

May it be so with me, with everyone!

The gray clouds scudding overhead,

The storm clouds, rain, and the breaking sunshine,

The apple blossoms bursting in pink and white, 

The children gleefully running out to splash in puddles,

The grass green, and the buds

Straining into leaves on shrubs and trees,

And the birds singing, joyfully, in the dawn,

Strutting the lawns as proud possessors.

Everywhere life, life bursting through all fetters,

And the heart singing, protesting against gloom,

Shouting its defiance of clouds and cold;

The gay heart exulting in storm and sunshine alike.

This is a day that aches with the promise of life,

Life which will not be denied.

Let all hearts swell with glad acceptance,

Joyful with the sense of the always becoming,

For out of earth, into the air and sunshine, out of ourselves,

There rises spirit in us,

Neither dark nor threat shall thrust it down.

It rises irresistible in us.

This is the season's gift.

Robert T. Weston