February Spiritworks Reflections Feedback

Dear Reader, Thank you for your thoughtful feedback on “Beginning Again” Reflections  I’m finding that you appreciate the free verse style that makes them a quick read. Here are your emails from the past few weeks. Warmly, Tricia

You can access previous postings by visiting www.spiritworks.org. Just click on “Spiritworks Newsletters” at the top, then choose “ARCHIVES.”

Reflection #41 Creeping Entitlement

This is a good message on entitlement. I'm often aware that I am entitled. As I purchased something at the Wendy's drive-through an elderly woman handed me my order. It was cold out and she just had on a light blouse. I commented on the possibility of her being cold, but she either didn't hear me or ignored me?  As I parked at Wendy's with my purchase, I thought about her. And I was grateful that I had been undeservedly provided with sufficient means to live in my senior years--and being able to choose whether to work or not. I did not have to work. I was spurred by the Spirit to go in and talk to her and I told her with all her fellow employees that stood around listening that "God prompted me back to you." I read Isaiah 11 today. And in my study of Revelation, I was led to these verses as part of the commentary.

Isaiah 11:6 Then the wolf will be subdued and live with the gentle lamb, and the leopards will lie down with the gentle lamb. The young calf and the ferocious lion will be together, and as a shepherd drives his flock, a small child will guide them along! 7The cow and the bear will graze alongside each other; cubs and calves will lie down together. The lion, like the ox, will eat straw. 8The nursing child will play safely near the rattlesnake’s den, and the toddler will stretch out his hand and shine light over the serpent. 9On all my holy mountain of Zion, nothing evil or harmful will be found. For the earth will be filled with the intimate knowledge of the Lord Yahweh just as water swells the sea. --Simmons, Brian. The Book of Isaiah: The Vision (The Passion Translation (TPT)) (p. 77). (Function). Kindle Edition. It reminded me of the Quaker artistry you led me to observe and discuss at the Carnegie. As I pondered this, I thought about the Native Americans and the Quakers in the left corner. And I questioned, "What was the artist expecting from this new world?" Obviously, from his expectations in the portrait of Isaiah 11, it did not work out that way.  Still, I’m looking forward to the new life Isaiah depicts and that the Quaker paints.  --C

This one is sad. I don't remember feeling entitled in my life. But I sure wish life had been generally kinder to me.  –F

Thanks for the honest words that ring true for so many of us! –B&A

Reflection #39 Forever Young

 Tricia: I enjoyed this morning's reflection.  When I first saw the photo you included, I was hoping to discover it was you as a little toddler.  It is so cute seeing your sister carrying a lunch box, which I assumed was for dad as he was headed to work.G and I have been looking through old photos of our children as we prepare a family memory book of our child raising years.  Your sister's picture reminds me of the special bond which existed, especially during the time she was a toddler and preschooler, between my daughter T and I.  We have many pictures of T on my lap reading or playing. T is now 39 years old, and is a member of the research facility at University of Utah, Salt Lake City.   She holds a PhD in Social Psychology which she earned in Salt Lake City.  She still calls G and I daily. Thank you for sharing.  I hope you do post a toddler picture of yourself, when it seems appropriate to your subject matter. –S

So beautiful Trish. I can relate to every word. --J

Very nice. As I read the reflection, I thought about the experience that Dale had while floundering in the river. Sometimes, when everything seems askew, all you need to do is to stand up and get your bearings.  Are you now a certified docent? --R

Reflection #38 Living with Passion

I so appreciate this. --R