"Happiness is a butterfly, which, when pursued, is always just beyond your grasp, but which, if you sit down quietly, may alight upon you."–Nathaniel Hawthorne
I enjoy watching butterflies. Since my teen years, butterflies captured my attention.
The process of metamorphosis - the extraordinary change from caterpillar to butterfly intrigues me.
Over time, since I entered the process of spiritual transformation - metanoia - at age 14, butterflies remind me that I am still in process, still being transformed.
I began this year with the goal of increasing time sitting still in the presence of the Lord. This goal has been elusive - my mind jogs ahead at a steady pace with reminders of what needs to be done.
When I saw Hawthorne's quote last month, I stopped in mid-thought.
What would it be like to still my mind (even more so than my body) so that I can hear more clearly?
Lent offers me a mind stilling pause as I ponder the transforming grace of God who provided the Way to know Life. As I sit quietly, transformation comes and with transformation comes gratitude.
I open my heart and mind to record a multitude of thanks this day for:
#831 - 850
sitting still and being present
book pages turning
juicy green kiwis
sparking lemonade
observing comraderie between 93 year old Miriam and 2 year old Kaiden
fragrant and tasty pineapple
Mama's laughter
Shirley's determination
Delores' life and nurturing influence
Reggie's help with the floors
Rachel's loyalty and hospitality
dinner with Barbara
MGM's ability to live now
breathing deeply and blowing bubbles
habit-forming gratitude
newly planted burgundy and yellow pansies
purple pansies that survived the winter
dinner and conversation with young married couples
hope as an anchor
new beginnings
Writing and counting gifts with the community of thanks-givers.
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