Lightning

This morning as I drove in to work I had the opportunity to witness a brilliant lightning display. It is quite humbling to see that amazing power streaking through the sky and then realizing I'm just a puny life form residing on this rock that is jetting through the universe. I also realized that we can have as much power and influence as that brilliant lightning bolt. Haven't we all known people that come into the world in a brilliant flash, lighting up our world, and making a difference? We may be small in comparison to the natural elements of our universe, but we do have power--power to change ourselves and the world we live in.

Nature's lesson for today: Light up the world like a lightning bolt--make a difference.

Love and Laughter

A little over three years ago I joined an online group on MySpace--a recovery group for ex-Jehovah's Witnesses. I had been out for many years at that point, but still had some residual issues, and thought that perhaps I might have something to offer others, as well. As it turned out, one of the first people I met in that group was a woman named Raven. She was one of the few folks in the group that was near my age, and I felt I could relate to in many ways. Fiery, outspoken, a super-hero defender of the downtrodden, I loved her incredible spirit.

It wasn't long after that I began to meet her children online, and eventually her hubby, too. They all brought unique viewpoints, creativity, and humor to our discussions. Over the years, we have often talked about meeting in real-life and how we might accomplish that. Recently, fortune smiled on me with a job change that has created a lot of opportunity for me, including travel. So, after three years, I was able to travel south and was welcomed into their home. What generous people to let me in their door, provide a pillow for my head, and wonderful site seeing opportunities. For all they knew, I could have been Jack the Ripper in disguise, but they had faith in me (and it went both ways, doncha know). We all had faith in each other and took a leap.

I have to say, that I have enjoyed nothing but love and laughter since I've been here. Our common past and shared journey has bonded us in ways that many "outsiders" will never understand. It is one of those rare opportunities that I can honestly say that I am glad to have traveled this sometimes painful journey, in order to add to my "family of the heart." So, to Raven, Bee, Ryan, and Mike, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for the opportunity to expand my family.

Let the journey continue....

Steph

Universal Conversation

Today's lesson was brought to me by the birds that insist on having a rather shrill dialog beginning as soon as the sun shows it's early morning rays. It prompted me to write a bit of poetry this morning (I was up early, thanks to the birds--lol).

Universal Conversation
By Stephanie Van Vreede

The first shrill call came at 4:00 a.m.
Like the referee’s whistle calling a foul.
Soon others joined in,
Creating an undirected symphony
Each adding its own harmony

Thus began the day
One voice
Then many
All joining the stream of
Endless dialog

Their message is clear
To those who will listen
With hearts, not ears
Awaken!
And join the universal conversation