The White Picket Gate
Morning Thoughts
I always try to remember my fortunate birth and live in gratitude.
This morning I am thinking of my parents. They were spiritual in the best sense, both leaving the forms of religion behind as they opened their hearts and minds beyond the confines of organized dogma to growth and inclusion. My father was always Bible based. My mother, too, I suppose, but she was a searcher. She embraced new thoughts on old concepts.
What I am especially grateful for this morning, however, is their lifelong belief in nutrition as the basis of good health. Our gardens were organic. Our table was blessed with rainbows of fresh fruits and vegetables before it was in vogue. And, they both had a hate on sugar. I didn’t see white sugar in my home. There was rich raw sugar used sparingly and honey when we needed sweetness.
What a boon!
I had my breakout years when I followed the golden arches and slurped up the frosties. But, “raise up a child…” and all that. It was easy for me to fall back into my good habits when I began to see the toll on my body.
Thank you, Mom and Dad, for the wonderful life lessons.
The Student
Filed under More Teachers
Something New – Part 12
I know that I am not alone with my concern over the unleashing of longstanding bigotry and hatred in my country. The events of this past year, its political campaigns and the election have somehow legitimized speaking and acting out ignorance and hatred.
I am not a political person. Politics are not my mission and will never be. But I need to find the best ways possible to stay within my own guidelines of tolerance and acceptance, avoid resistance, and still make a difference in the world.
I have became active on an Ad Hoc committee for my small town. I was appointed earlier but the meetings began in October and November. I had real hesitancy on this. Was I qualified? Is my mind still active enough to contribute? Does my history lend itself to experiences that translate to the common good of my community?
Well, obviously the Mayor believed I could do it…so there I was. I met the challenge in a way that felt good to me.
I am writing this after the fact, when we have worked and struggled and crafted and redrafted a resolution that was voted on in February. So you can read it here.
The Student…