Seeking Clarity

Glimmers January 23, 2023

Dear Friends,

I’ve joined the statistics, was it inevitable?

My husband and I had symptoms, each tested positive, and landed in bed for several days. Our schedules were rearranged and I repeatedly thanked God for a working furnace and the kindness of neighbors to keep us safe.

I’m fully aware that the circumstances of my encounter with Covid were very fortunate. During these long, isolated days I thought about those who suffer and those who grieve. As our world-wide pandemic becomes endemic to our way of life, we are confronted with loss. How do we find our way through the consistent drumbeat of difficulties in 2023? I offer a hopeful reminder, the gift of those who accompany us, our human family.

“I’ve heard it said that people come into our lives, for a reason, bringing something we must learn.And we are led to those, who help us most to grow if we let them, and we help them in returnWell, I don’t know if I believe that’s trueBut I know I’m who I am today, because I knew you”

This message from the musical “Wicked” arrived in my life, recently, and offered comfort to my lonely heart.  A golden arrow pointed at the relationships in my life as the Covid-enforced quarantine prevented simple, every-day contact. I thought about friends long-past, our lives moving apart in different directions, but the gifts remaining. I recalled single moments of connection, never followed-up, but sacred in their way. Filled with love, I remembered hugs, a shared cup of tea, a quiet breath of another…. And I, too, could sing, “I know I’m who I am today, because I knew you.”

How do we find our way? Where is Hope housed in these confusing times? For me, on this first day of the rest of my life, I place my trust in our human connections of love and compassion, of tenderness and kindness. I rest in this singular moment, dear friends, and continue to sing “because I knew you, I have been changed for good.”

“You’ll be with me like a handprint on my heartAnd now whatever way our stories end, I know you have rewritten mine by being my friend
Like a ship blown from its mooring, by a wind off the seaLike a seed dropped by a sky bird in a distant woodWho can say if I’ve been changed for the betterBut because I knew you, I have been changed for good.”
I invite you to take a moment to listen to this song written by Stephen Lawrence Schwartz, let us all be changed for good.
Peace, Lisa

 

2 Comments

  • Reply Angela Grout January 24, 2023 at 2:28 pm

    Beautifully said! My dad has always told me that
    Whenever you encounter another- your life will change because you met them. And it is so true. Meeting kindred souls connects us together and to our inner true self. And meeting you, I know I have been changed to accept that their are people who follow their calling. It’s refreshing and sacred to know you.
    Thank you for reminding me of the song from Wizard of Oz…it’s music in my soul 🎶

  • Reply Lisa A Irish January 26, 2023 at 11:33 am

    You are welcome Angela! How fortunate you were/are to have such a dad!
    And I’m so glad having met YOU, changed for good.
    peace, friend – Lisa

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