Live Each Day With Awareness

One of the benefits of being "plugged in," is that we often come across many inspirational readings we might have never encountered otherwise...

On this day - the eve of Mother's Day - when many will be remembering and celebrating their mothers, and/or significant women in their lives, I thought I would share this beautiful piece by Joyce Rupp, that truly, speaks for itself - and reminds us all, to live our lives with more awareness. As often happens, it comes near the conclusion of a week when I have reflected on what it means to live as fully present as it is possible. And of course, it is often easier said than done!

Live Each Day With Awareness

Eternal Dwelling Place,
I know all things are passing.
My final home is not here.
Yet I zoom mindlessly through my days
missing the passionate gift of life.
How differently I would enter each day
if I embraced the shortness of my life span.
The things I consider inconveniences
would have a different colored hue.
The work I feel driven to accomplish
would pale beside relationships I cherish.
The irritations and the angers would dissolve
as I inhaled the preciousness of life.

Joyful Journeyer,
I hear you call to me this day:
"Behold! Enjoy! Appreciate!
Welcome all who enter this new day.
Live wild with rapturous wonder.

Look with awe and smile with elation.
Forgive those who stand at a distance.
Thank those who have settled in your heart.
Be tender with the rough edges of yourself.
Taste each morsel of life with fullness."

May I live each day with heartiness,
keeping things in clear perspective,
Recognizing that this day before me might truly be my last.

"For she is a breath of power of God."
~ Wisdom 7:25

Prayer Reflection:
How would you life today if you knew it was your last?
Whom would you thank?
Whom would you forgive or ask forgiveness?
What would you say to those who are significant in your life?

Comments

Lisa Van Ahn said…
I love your blog! It offers me so many insights and so much beauty. I am so grateful for your words and your wisdom.

I feel touched by all you give me as a reader. And in this heart felt place today, I desire to share words that I offered my mother on this blessed day Mother's day 2011


At conception
a mother gives her life
to her child
not knowing what will become
offering her nurturing
praying with God
that all will be given
in the time it needs to be given
but never knowing what will become
what of love?
It is limitless

In childhood
a mother gives her time
to her child
not knowing what will become
offering her values
praying with God
that all will be taught
in the time it needs to be taught
but never knowing what will become
what of teaching?
It is limitless

In adolescence
a mother gives her lessons
to her child
not knowing what will become
offering her discipline
praying with God
that all will be disciplined
in the time it needs to be disciplined
but never knowing what will become
what of forgiveness?
It is limitless

In young adulthood
a mother gives her experience
to her child
not knowing what will become
offering her voice
praying with God
that all will be heard
in the time it needs to be heard
but never knowing what will become
what of surrender?
It is limitless

In adulthood
a mother gives her friendship
to her child
not knowing what will become
offering her ear
praying with God
that all will be understood
in the time it needs to be understood
but never knowing what will become
what of devotion?
It is limitless

For seven days God nurtured life...
In the Garden of Eden God taught...
For many years we were disciplined...
God voiced the Ten commandments...
God gave Her son in a sign of friendship...
And God has given me all my mother gave me. Love, Teaching, Forgiveness, Surrender, and Devotion.

Thanks be to God for bestowing on me my beautiful mother. May Mother God be blessed on this day!
May 8, 2011 at 12:05 AM
Olga Rasmussen said…
WOW! Thank YOU for your beautiful words! They are so true - and thank YOU for touching me today!

Blessings of love,
Olga
May 8, 2011 at 7:31 AM
Olga Rasmussen said…
Lisa,

I have shared this with my friends - and to make sure it is read more widely, I will offer it as a posting for this day. Blessings again!

Olga
May 8, 2011 at 7:54 AM
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