• Smell the sweet, the rank, the rich variety of each day • Contentment is a choice to be pursued and adopted • Life is full when surrounded by companions amid the messes • Warmth and security emanate from care and craft • Prepare and lay down what is needed for daily tasks • Work together and receive instruction and assistance humbly • Dedicated labor brings care and satisfaction • Build strongly and wisely • Home is shelter and a quiet place to curl up • Caring for needs fortifies and feeds minds and bodies • Give thanks for warm dry shelter • We are all part of a rich stew – sheep, donkey, horse, cow, cat, dog… • The seemingly lowest of places can give birth to the greatest of light • See the Light that pierces through the dust and grime of life
From “Reflections from the Everyday” Charlotte-Anne Allen
• Sometimes we need repaving and make-overs • Life’s storms and seasons can cause much wear • Potholes can develop during rough times • Preparation is important for getting anywhere • A caring hand in times of hardship helps prevent accidents • Travel slowly in adverse conditions • Smoothing the process allows for optimum progress • Look for opportunities for doing good when you’re out and about • We have a common need to move forward • Take much thought when considering your route • Don’t be afraid to explore • Side roads and country routes can lead to less stressful opportunities • Rushing about leaves little room for introspection or service • God travels with us over many types of terrain
Growing up in a small town, it was very common to see our neighbors strolling down the sidewalks in front of our house. As we greeted each other they would occasionally stop to chat for a few minutes. It was a place and time of closer communities and greater security. We kids were always racing up and down, our shoes pounding the ground as we played and talked with friends in nearby yards.
Walking. Wearing shoes… Even with our occasional disagreements or upsets, we valued those friendships. That makes me think of another kind of “walk” and “shoes.”
What do we do when we see real or perceived differences in others, whether big or small, that we disagree with? I know that, for myself, these are especially important times for me to step back and try to see and understand things from their perspective. We have probably heard or said, “Put yourself into their shoes” or “You haven’t walked in their shoes.” For some things it’s just a simple and easy adjustment or a matter of miscommunication. Other things may be big challenges.
A neat word for being aware of and responding to something or someone is “sensibility.” It makes me think of “the ability to sense things” about situations or others. Considering things from the perspectives of others is key to empathy and compassion… or just plain dealing with the stressors of life. It reminds me of Jesus’ words to “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Mark 12:28-34)
So, let’s take a walk, in community, and nurture our sensibility. My prayer for us all is that we continue to grow in wisdom and understanding. May we learn to love better and to see others through God’s eyes, uplifting each other in prayer and grace.
• Where there are knots, there is growth • Wisdom grows from our experiences • See the beauty that is drawn from our imperfections • Character is reflected in how we shape our lives • Rugged places can build depth and empathy • Hold on to positive values to avoid holes • We are stronger when we come together • Enjoy the quirky things in life • Build a strong base connection to meet each day • Surround yourself with positive influences • There is beauty in a life well-lived • Stand tall and support and learn from each other • Sink yourself deeply in God’s Word • God is our secure connection to life and being
– from “Reflections from the Everyday” Charlotte-Anne Allen
The Still Small Voice 