A Change in Perspective


It has been an interesting few months.  As one who has worked pretty much non-stop since the age of 11, being out of full-time work since October has been one of the more trying times of my life.


I wish I could tell you that I see the wisdom of it, that I learned great lessons, that I'm a better person having gone through it.  Someday, I may be able to say that.  Right now, not so much...


But, yesterday at church, I heard the message perfectly timed for me.  The speaker's main message was on the biggest decision we face every day.  That decision is the choice we must make every day - sometimes every moment - between fear and love.


As an adult who was abused as a child, I sometimes have the perspective on life that the world is not a safe place.  And, whereas there is certainly a case to be made for this by simply reading the news - it is a view that ignores so much.


In the midst of unemployment, I have had many wonderful days with family and friends.  I have written poems I like and felt the sun on my face - unexpectedly - on winter days.


When I think of our history, the many sad stories of injustice, I think of so many people who oppressed, abused, and sometimes killed other people - solely out of fear.  


Fear of change, fear of loss, fear of the unknown.  


And, then I think of other stories, memorable piercing stories of courage and truth.  People who - out of love - risked their lives, some gave their lives - out of love for country, family, truth or justice.


So, today, as we celebrate President's Day, I celebrate by renaming my blog.  The old name - it is what it is - was a statement about acceptance of what is.  And whereas that is always a good thing to remember, I think a better message is one of degree.  The new name - love the moment - reflects better aspirations.


If acceptance is good, love is better.  Instead of merely tolerating or enduring this moment.  Instead of gutting it through hoping for a better moment to follow, my new aspiration is to love more.


I want to love more myself in this moment - flawed and fearful as I sometimes show.  And I want to always look for the opportunity to love my neighbor - to love that person closest to me.  Whether that neighbor be homeless, angry, fearful or lost.


I want to love this present moment - accepting the difficult, but never forgetting to find something, someone to love.


The world certainly is full of those trudging through their day.  And although I may many times fit that description, my new intention is to love the moment.


No matter the moment, my goal is to choose love, not fear.

Oh, and by the way, I gladly accept any and all assistance along the way.

Peace, love & light to you all.


dg


2/21/11

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