Day: December 19, 2021

In the world there are many other voices speaking – loudly: "Prove that you are the beloved. Prove you're worth something. Prove you have any contribution to make. Do something relevant. Be sure to make a name for yourself. At least have some power -- then people will love you; then people will say you're wonderful, you're great."

These voices are so strong. They touch our hidden insecurities and drive us to become very busy trying to prove to the world that we are good people who deserve some attention. Sometimes we think that our busyness is just an expression of our vocation, but Jesus knew that often our attempts to prove our worth are an example of temptation. Right after Jesus heard the voice say, "You are my beloved," another voice said, "Prove you are the beloved. Do something. Change these stones into bread. Be sure you're famous. Jump from the Temple..." Jesus said, "No, I don't have to prove anything. I am already beloved."

-- Henri Nouwen, A spirituality of living.

Eleven years have slipped by since 
you left us, Love and you are missed
now as much as then.  Tears and laughter
as well as thinking about all the goodness
you possessed.  Your wisdom exuded
whether we liked it or not.  You seemed
to be right on all the important issues.
You were a mother hen protecting your chicks
There were times when you got in the way, but
that only gave them strength and armor to
face the big world in front of them.  You never
talked about how much you harvested but
only of the seeds that you had planted.  We
learned so much about life from just watching you.
We all wish you a happy birthday today with
lots of love attached.

Steve Haarman aka Stanski
December 19, 2021 ^

A CAROL TO MOM

She had a golden touch,
which explained the richness of her living.
Her heart was open just enough,
to give out all the love that was needed
for the right here and now.
Her soul she would feed with only triple washed,
certified organic, gospel be damned truth.
Her soul was pure.
She was always on the lookout
for scraps, discards, and rejects.
She found uses for all of these,
never related and connected only by the fact
that they all added layers to her nest.
Little feathers added one by one
brought warmth and comfort.
She kept this quiet with only subtle mention,
but radiated it with her glow
of peace, hope, and understanding.
She reached out far enough
so you would always know
that her hand was there, waiting.
Her voice was much like the soft summer song
of early morning nature.
She had a silver lining,
but it never came with a storm.
Her only complaint was of not having enough hours.
Our complaint was,
there was not enough of her.
She was an original,
first and only version,
pure joy and now gone.

By Steve Haarman

November 6, 2019

December 19, 2021  Happy Birthday, Love.