Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Elder Wisdom

Some days it hits me more than others just how incredibly blessed I am.

Today was one of those days.

Somehow fortune smiled upon me in the form of Lexington sage who found me and decided I was worth investment - in time, spirit and wisdom. His to give that is and mine to reap!

There is something quite remarkable when someone who has no apparent benefit, no profit motive, and possibly no additional gain to himself takes an interest to mentor, coach, stretch you.

Such has been my adventure over the past year. Wonderful one-on-ones, a tasty lunch at some cool place and amazing conversation and thought.

Just when I thought it couldn't get any better, he's decided to introduce me to new folks... other wise elders willing to share a thought, idea, dream, challenge.

In a world content with emails and tweets, postings and texts, I float in the joy of leisurely lunch topics and a world of seventy-something insight.

Let me soak it all in. May I use it well. May I pass it on.

Sunday, March 13, 2011

The World Feels Small

At this time of great loss and suffering, the world feels small.

I see the loss and devastation - lives and infrastructure - in Sendai, the coastal Y near the Japan earthquake's epicenter. Where I feel joy for those I know from Tokyo who are safe and accounted, but I also experience immense sadness for those I do not know but feel a kindred spirit with in Sendai. I wonder what would I do if my world was threatened so violently in an instant?

I feel the frustration of a friend in Israel with so much on his plate and few supportive resources when he needs them most. I contemplate how to do more.

I ponder the faces of children playing in trash rubble in Kosovo that a friend posts on Facebook. While I hear my own children bicker over petty items. I renew my commitment to expose them to realities which will strengthen their character.

I admire a friend who followed his dream of time with immediate family and a move loser to extended family. I resolve to build in real moments of connection with my own crew - near and far.

My nightly prayers should be interesting.