Four Somethings – October

Four Somethings is the spiritual practice of remembering, reviewing, and savoring life’s lessons and sacred moments in our lives. So occasionally I share bits of wisdom in four categories.

• Something Wise
• Something Wonderful
• Something Whispered
• Something Whimsical

Gathering Four Somethings makes me aware of all the blessings often hidden under busyness, worries, and distractions. These “somethings” become markers in our spiritual journey. With so much pivoting and uncertainty in our lives right now, being grounded in a simple practice like this guides my way. 

Here are some recent “somethings.”

Something Wise

Kate Bowler shared this in her recent newsletter: “So I wanted to tell you about my friend, Gary Haugen. Gary runs International Justice Mission, a non-profit organization committed to liberating vulnerable individuals from the clutches of modern slavery and human trafficking across the globe. When I asked him for wisdom about sustaining that hard work of justice for decades? Joy. “Joy is the oxygen for doing hard things,” he says.”

Then Joyce Rupp shared this wisdom in her newsletter: “…reminded me of Macrina Wiederkehr’s oft-quoted line: ‘Joy and sorrow are sisters. They live in the same house.’  Reflecting on living in this world of opposites, I (Joyce Rupp) wrote:

Sometimes the sisters quarrel when sorrow won’t stop crying, but almost always joy understands. She wraps her arms around sorrow and repeats often, “I’m here for you.” And how glad joy is on those rare days when sorrow allows her to join in a walk in the woods, reading a good novel, having a talk with a supportive friend, or listening to the beauty in a piece of music.

Joy and sorrow are sisters—they plan to go on living in the same house, knowing how each helps the other. Sorrow softens the too-hurried steps of joy, draws her beyond her self, toward more empathy for others. And sorrow, well, we know how sorrow requires the companionship of joy to balance her heartaches and keep her from being disheartened. What beautiful sisters they are to one another, these two living in the same heart.”

Joy and sorrow, tough times and gratitude. Lately the power of joy and gratitude surfaced in many conversations, and we were all amazed and almost surprised at how these elements gave life and renewal to a life draining situation. In life we will face both joy and sorrow. May we learn from both.

Something Wonderful

I am beyond giddy to finally have this book birthed: Sacred Surroundings: Finding Grace in Every Place.   My, my what long winding journey to completion this one has journeyed but finally is ready. I do love writing but as the adage says, it is more fun to be written. 

And I have to praise and thank God for reading that the Lahaina famous Banyan tree is spouting new leafs as it slowly comes back to life. Resurrection amid destruction. Reminds me to never give up and the power of compassion and care to bring hope.

Something Whispered

 “Do not ask your children to strive for extraordinary lives. Such striving may seem admirable, but it is the way of foolishness. Help them instead to find the wonder and the marvel of an ordinary life. Show them the joy of tasting tomatoes, apples and pears. Show them how to cry when pets and people die. Show them the infinite pleasure in the touch of a hand. And make the ordinary come alive for them. The extraordinary will take care of itself.”  William Martin

Something Whimsical

Ever hear of a Leaf Sheep?  ‘Leaf sheep’ are a bizarre kind of sea slugs that is the only multicellular animal which is able to photosynthesize light and turn it into food. This leaf sheep does not only have a completely strange and cute name but also has a very cute appearance.  So unique and great reminder of how creative our Creator is.  I bet God giggled the day he designed the leaf sheep.

What have you been gathering in your heart and mind lately?

P. S. As I wrote above, I am so excited to share with you my latest book, Sacred Surroundings – Finding Grace in Every Place is available on Amazon.  The e-book version can be preordered now and the print version will be released October 31. I appreciate your support in my writing and your sharing this book with others.  Thank you!