(from Shell Ridge "Ridge Runner" - November, 2008)
Sandy and I are part of a Tuesday morning hiking group that usually hikes about three miles on East Bay trails. Today we walked in a new parks property east of Clayton. It offered magnificent views of Mount Diablo – plus close-up encounters with cows and their newborn calves. It was a time to enjoy nature’s quietness and reflect on the calm available to us almost anytime in the privileged and beautiful setting where we live.
This week had more than the usual occasions for recreation and reflection. Many friends and family joined us in celebrating my seventieth birthday; then Sandy and I went to Mendocino for the gorgeous coastal scenery and more quiet walks, times by the fireside, browsing in little shops, and yes, eating more wonderful food! On our return, out-of-town guests helped celebrate my birthday some more.
Such times make us realize how much we love and appreciate those who support us -- in the ordinary moments and in facing life’s bigger challenges. Family, friends, and church are great blessings that give us meaning and encouragement when we need them most.
In Linda’s Soul Words group, we were discussing autumn -- its beauties and attractions. Many of us said Fall is our favorite season because of the colors, sounds, smells, and activities (including holidays) that make this time of year special. Afterwards, someone remarked that "elections" had not been mentioned! We agreed that they might not be among our "favorite things" but that they do lend their own special "flavor" to the season (not to mention the competitive ending of baseball season and exciting start of football). So we have many distinctive distractions, decisions, delights, or dismays, but we also need the quiet moments of renewal and reflection to offset the busyness and the craziness of our days.
Shakespeare said, "The world is too much with us, late and soon. Getting and spending, we lay waste our powers..." I confess I don't remember the end of his statement -- I guess that’s up to each one of us, isn't it? But those first lines resonate with us all. Getting, spending, and laying waste describe rather well the mood and spirit of modern political campaigning, as unbelievable quantities of money, time and energy are marshaled (and squandered?) on ads, debates, sound bites, and "gotcha" scenarios of all kinds. I suppose our ability to endure it all and then vote is, indeed, a tribute to our patience and hopefully valid trust in the system.
Can the anger and mistrust that’s been expressed during this election season be set aside on November 5? I hope so, no matter who wins or loses. The need for such forgiving and forgetting are necessary for our sanity and survival.
One of our grandsons, when still small, was asked to say table grace. Being rather shy he descended beneath the table to pray. His words were muffled, except for the ending that was clear as a bell: "Never mind, Amen.” So I leave you with this suggested reflection and response to an exhausting political season – a quiet and prayerful “Never mind, Amen."
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