Here is something to think on as 2015 gets under way:
Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. (James 4:13-14)
There is nothing wrong with planning ahead, of course, and it would be foolish not to. The trouble arises when we allow ourselves to be seduced by the illusion that we are in control of our own lives. We are not. Tomorrow I could stumble on the uneven cobblestone sidewalk in front of our Hostel, and be thrown under a fast-moving bus. So much for my plans. We dream, we hope, we plan. But today is the only day we have.
So dream big dreams, hope for the best, and lay your plans for the future. But don’t live there. Live here, live today.
Journeys with Michael and Trueda 
Hi Michael and Trueda from Ron~
I’m writing this to your plural of posts, for it’s the wee hours and easier. I’ve enjoyed the posts immensely, although they surprised and chagrined me that you’re probably home with the trip change–but I trust you’re better now, Trueda. I’ve got an idea on this for our first meeting and want to converse about it. Along with a poem by [Saint] John of the Cross I feel both of you may adore.
I do wish you have been able to make some start on the life change you ‘ve envisaged for this new year, Michael, which I think is the very stuff of wisdom. You’d like the observation a friend made after his return from a trip impregnated with vision: that all his life he’s never been able to accomplish what he’s planned at any time despite running hard, so why not enjoy walking to the failed list check-off instead?
On the Ecuador and America differences in New Year’s vantage, I’d feel either one would be unbalanced without the other. So to me, here in Enumclaw, that means more attention to the past year(s) to bring up the balance, hey, hey, hey!
Michael, your 8 year old Christmas book experience is for me, with no similar book debut, a WORD debut wound through with sound as fully, or more, than sight. And I sense one of my most satisfying books (already being snippeted on in addition to the oneness quoations book and poetry book) will be on words we commonly, and pretty much unconsciously, use (told you already?) that
at the moment I’m thinking of calling, Our Words.
On your own, what with taking care of Trueda in her grave need and the surprising labor and expense of a disappointing trip adjustment, how are you with it now, Michael, after your return? I do feel strongly that a more harmonious and simple year is here for us all and I hope, my friend, that you–and Trueda–experience its joy and give it joy in return. Until we meet.
LikeLike