I Believe

          Reflecting on the year past and looking forward to a new one, I feel compelled to examine my core beliefs and values. Some come from childhood lessons learned, while others are more recently acquired.

Here are a few, in no particular order.

          I believe that we receive more from giving than we get from receiving.

          I believe the goodness of God is evident all around us if we only put on our “spiritual glasses” long enough to see.

          I believe a mother’s heart always longs for her children’s best, no matter how old they are or how far they travel in life.

          I believe real love is less about romantic gestures or grand protestations and more about sameness, reliability, and complete trust. It’s about clean laundry and meals shared; taking out the garbage faithfully; remembering to leave the seat up or down; showing consideration in small ways. It is a choice and a sacrifice daily for the other. It is not measured by the size of a gift, home, bank account, or possession. It is corduroy comfortable, dependable, sure, “steady as a pump bolt,” ** and wholly trustworthy.

          I believe small acts of service and charity, especially when performed anonymously, can bring more joy and fulfillment than the highest personal accolades, awards, or achievements. There is something so freeing and thrilling about helping a fellow traveler on this road of life. And doing so without wanting or expecting recognition, in secret, fills an empty hole in the soul not previously perceived.

I believe a book should have pages and be read to the end (unless said book is unworthy of the time investment; then toss it aside without guilt). 

I believe long walks on the beach and time beside the ocean can restore the mind and soul.

I believe the joy, charitableness, and generosity shown during the Christmas season can infect our hearts year-round if we don’t inoculate ourselves.

I believe music touches the human heart and soul in the most intimate, private, life-giving spot deep inside each of us. It is a language requiring no words which opens us up, strips us bare, and fills us with unspeakable joy.

I believe in the power and beauty of words, both written and spoken, to heal, hurt, and enlighten. 

          I believe in random acts of kindness, divine intervention, and hope that springs eternal in the human breast.

          To be continued….

**(from Jessamyn West’s “The Pacing Goose”)