Slow Down

There is beauty all around me.

I am surrounded by it.

Sometimes in the hustle and bustle of life I forget to see it,

to create it.

Moments when hurry yields to watchfulness and thought

I realize what this earthly experience is all about.

I play the piano, and let feeling express itself through melody and harmony –

eternal concepts, rich and symbolic.

Snowlight reflects on polished piano wood

My fingers direct while my mind wanders

pondering the day’s troubles, and feelings flow.

Colors become richer when veiled by clouds.

Now those moments are short

Replaced by “Mommy! My turn!”

Her striking fingers and unabashed song remind me why I give up my time

Exchanging honors for true honor; for “jewels in my crown” – for children

I notice bubbles glistening in the sunlight,

my baby’s shining deep blue eyes,

twinkling with light and knowledge

of a place she knows, yet I cannot remember

inviting me to connect – with her and with God

no judgment, not self-conscious or even self-aware

completely dependent on me.

Inviting empathy.

My daughter’s beautiful hair finally long enough to braid,

Her quick excited pounding of feet;

not a tantrum this time but excitement, LaLa or Danny is home

Watching a kite take flight for the first time

through this child’s eyes – awe, wonder, amazement;

not yet questioning, not baffled, not skeptical

Simple pleasure

Complete delight

Fireplace aglow

I sit, warmed by my dowry quilt hand-stitched

hundreds of hours of Grandma's love

I will stitch someday. But not today.

Today is precious.

Today's sunset reminds me of a happy childhood

when the sky was aflame with light and color

Dad drove me to the hilltop so we could soak in the intense color

of God’s masterpiece together.

The artist within me bursting to paint my own masterpiece

Aflame with inspiration

Bedtime. Soft gliding motions as I rock baby

a bitter-sweet goodbye.

Then my calm and her silence as I pray over her;

she knows this is no ordinary moment.

Listening.

Precious moments where she presses her body deeper against mine,

a treasure,

my own gratitude for slowing down.

Memories of the day –

when she ran to me completely enamored,

seeing my flawlessness through her eyes

forgive and forget eyes

inviting me to see the world and myself as she does.

Reminding me why I need her.