Dear Reader:
As I read these words from the 13th century poet, Rumi, the message rang just as true today as centuries ago. It is becoming clearer with time that nothing happens outwardly in our lives until they first change inwardly.
I loved Lee’s birthday tribute to his wife Vikki yesterday while they waited to see if their ” pink princess” would make her debut to join her mother’s and Granddaddy’s birthdays…
” Will she give birth on the day that she was birthed, which also happens to be the day that my dad was born? Is that too many celestial miracles for one day? Only time will tell.” ( I finished up the post at 4:00 yesterday afternoon and no news then… )
As Ben and I ate lunch out yesterday for his birthday … we both talked about the revelation that we are both alive … in spite of some serious dual health challenges. We both feel like our perspectives on life has changed … providing us a deeper understanding of it and appreciation for it.
In retrospect we have to admit we have been our greatest obstacles in not always living life to its fullest. Neither time, money, or circumstance have ever been to blame. Instead it has been a lack of deep gratitude for life itself.
We realize now we owe nothing to our younger selves but everything to our present self. We must understand that there is no search, path, or way to happiness. Happiness Is the Way. Simply by being content, present, and accepting right here, right now… can happiness dwell within us.
So until tomorrow… Be grateful every single day of our lives…for our lives… and happiness will find us!
Ben showed me how to park in the back where he putts balls and watches the golfers on the course -I told Ben he has the best backyard scenery of anyone!
ichaseferalcats
John Turner
Legally Ohm
Becky Dingle
Mrs. Dingle, where can I find Ben’s book? I meant to ask you a long while back and it kept slipping right out of my mind. I would love to buy one and if possible get Ben to sign it for me. And of course I’ll pay shipping to and fro. I wanted to also let you know I start my day everyday by reading your blog (if that’s what you call it). I feel like I am a member of your family at this point. We are all Brothers and Sisters as well as children of God, right? Thank you for allowing me to be part of the family!
Johnny,,,,you can order Ben’s book straight off Amazon.com and get it delivered to your house in two days,,,at least that has been my experience and Ben would be happy to sign it- I will take it to him asap after it arrives, Ben took all his extra copies to Wellmore when he moved there last year and donated them to the library there…. he just gave a book talk to some of his fellow residents last week!!!
And I certainly consider you part of the chapel of hope family …a founding father so to speak!!!:)
Johnny,,,would you send me your address ` have something I want to send you!!!!!
Happy Birthday to Ben. He looks so good and it seems that he is very happy and content at his new home. Love the efforts of the staff…those folks are angels…
Yes they are Gin-g….he is Mr Popularity there!!!:)