Just a quick note to wish you all a Happy New Year and remember: Feed the Fire!
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Tuesday, December 30, 2008
So Much to Read, So Much to Write
I currently have four books sitting on my desk in various stages of either being read or waiting in line to be read. Ralph Waldo Emerson: Selected Essays, Lectures and Poems, Jason Wright: Recovering Charles, Tim Russert: Big Russ & Me, Father and Son: Lessons for Life and Glenn Beck: The Christmas Sweater. Obviously, they are all male authored with various themes that men are not typically known to discuss openly. My hope is get these books read some time in the next month or so since I am still laid off from my job.
Honestly, I could care less to go back to a job where my hard work goes largely unappreciated and underpaid, but then I feel as though I sold my soul to the working man’s woes when I chose to abandon a bachelor’s degree for life in a factory. It must be my father’s blood that demands the practical side and traditional role of provider that keeps me harnessed to this work horse mentality. The difference is that those nice paying automotive jobs are all but vanishing and the “Big 3” are quickly becoming the “Old 2.”
Call me crazy for bucking the current, but if I can’t find a way out of this quagmire and do what I know in my heart is true for me, then I am indeed a lost soul.
The coming New Year is still a mystery with so much uncertainty that all I can do is live for the present moment and pray God will help sort out the rest. “Eternal vigilance”, was Albus Dumbledore’s advice to Harry Potter as the final battle between good and evil in the magical world loomed ahead. J.K Rowling was wiser than she realized when she penned these words in her now legendary series of books. While I do not claim to possess her skill, I share the desire to make a difference through the written word. The hard part is sticking with it and truly believing in the dream.
We all owe it to ourselves to find something to follow as our guiding star and this remains my burden to carry. Hopefully, as you read on and consider your path in life, dig deep and find that dream. I pray you find it, nurture it and see it bare fruit. Just as the Samurai lord sought his perfect cherry blossom amongst the toils of war in a modern world, may you strive ahead to find your perfect dream. While some would say to live with your head in the clouds is a waste of time, I say what a shame to live a life unfulfilled. With so much to read, so much to write and so much to dream we cannot go wrong in the pursuit. Together then let us go forth undaunted into that good night and see what God has provided; if only we just make it so. Have an excellent New Year!
Honestly, I could care less to go back to a job where my hard work goes largely unappreciated and underpaid, but then I feel as though I sold my soul to the working man’s woes when I chose to abandon a bachelor’s degree for life in a factory. It must be my father’s blood that demands the practical side and traditional role of provider that keeps me harnessed to this work horse mentality. The difference is that those nice paying automotive jobs are all but vanishing and the “Big 3” are quickly becoming the “Old 2.”
Call me crazy for bucking the current, but if I can’t find a way out of this quagmire and do what I know in my heart is true for me, then I am indeed a lost soul.
The coming New Year is still a mystery with so much uncertainty that all I can do is live for the present moment and pray God will help sort out the rest. “Eternal vigilance”, was Albus Dumbledore’s advice to Harry Potter as the final battle between good and evil in the magical world loomed ahead. J.K Rowling was wiser than she realized when she penned these words in her now legendary series of books. While I do not claim to possess her skill, I share the desire to make a difference through the written word. The hard part is sticking with it and truly believing in the dream.
We all owe it to ourselves to find something to follow as our guiding star and this remains my burden to carry. Hopefully, as you read on and consider your path in life, dig deep and find that dream. I pray you find it, nurture it and see it bare fruit. Just as the Samurai lord sought his perfect cherry blossom amongst the toils of war in a modern world, may you strive ahead to find your perfect dream. While some would say to live with your head in the clouds is a waste of time, I say what a shame to live a life unfulfilled. With so much to read, so much to write and so much to dream we cannot go wrong in the pursuit. Together then let us go forth undaunted into that good night and see what God has provided; if only we just make it so. Have an excellent New Year!
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Wisdom of the Terrapin
I was delighted to watch the video “Kung Fu Panda” tonight with my boys. I was especially drawn to the character Oogway, the turtle. He was the master of the jade temple where the martial arts associated with Kung Fu were taught. His display of common sense and spirituality intrigues me. I especially liked his approach to the events in our lives we call accidents. To Oogway, there is no such thing as an accident; all things happen for a reason and a purpose. He also implies that it makes no sense to try and exercise our will or power over people because we have a need to be in control.
Every person chooses a path just as nature takes its course. We can no more choose another’s direction in life than we can tell a tree when to bloom or bare fruit. All we can do is patiently bide our time and wait for things to happen naturally. What we can do is believe in something greater than ourselves and in ourselves. This is the crux of the story; to know ourselves and to use that knowledge to learn and grow. This is where the character Master Shifu comes into play. From his talks with master Oogway, Shifu learns that just because we are not like other people, does not mean we cannot develop our own abilities to become better people. Our particular style or talents are specially adapted to who we are as individuals. Our size and shape are unique to each of us and we must use what we have to our advantage. Just as Po is taught to use a particular motivation to better himself, we can find what motivates us and use it also.
What struck me also about the story was how beautifully Oogway departs his final scene with Master Shifu in a flurry of peach blossoms. I find it comforting to realize we do not always have the answers in life, but we can believe in ourselves and in others to an extent that we can let go and let God and not worry about the outcome. We must trust in our faith and all else will simply fall into place.
This will be my challenge this year; to not let others control my attitudes or beliefs about my abilities, rather, to go with what I know is true about myself and strive to be the best I can be. For me, writing has become a passion in life and I just have to stick with it until the fruit comes to bare. One goal I have is to finally get something published. Whether it is a poem, essay or short story, it makes no matter as long as some confirming evidence exists to keep me going on the path I have chosen. I hope and pray you can do the same in the New Year. May the wisdom of the terrapin be with you and may the grace of God guide your journey!
Every person chooses a path just as nature takes its course. We can no more choose another’s direction in life than we can tell a tree when to bloom or bare fruit. All we can do is patiently bide our time and wait for things to happen naturally. What we can do is believe in something greater than ourselves and in ourselves. This is the crux of the story; to know ourselves and to use that knowledge to learn and grow. This is where the character Master Shifu comes into play. From his talks with master Oogway, Shifu learns that just because we are not like other people, does not mean we cannot develop our own abilities to become better people. Our particular style or talents are specially adapted to who we are as individuals. Our size and shape are unique to each of us and we must use what we have to our advantage. Just as Po is taught to use a particular motivation to better himself, we can find what motivates us and use it also.
What struck me also about the story was how beautifully Oogway departs his final scene with Master Shifu in a flurry of peach blossoms. I find it comforting to realize we do not always have the answers in life, but we can believe in ourselves and in others to an extent that we can let go and let God and not worry about the outcome. We must trust in our faith and all else will simply fall into place.
This will be my challenge this year; to not let others control my attitudes or beliefs about my abilities, rather, to go with what I know is true about myself and strive to be the best I can be. For me, writing has become a passion in life and I just have to stick with it until the fruit comes to bare. One goal I have is to finally get something published. Whether it is a poem, essay or short story, it makes no matter as long as some confirming evidence exists to keep me going on the path I have chosen. I hope and pray you can do the same in the New Year. May the wisdom of the terrapin be with you and may the grace of God guide your journey!
Friday, December 26, 2008
Fragments
On Christmas Eve day we packed up my wife’s car, our two boys, luggage and gifts and of course, our dog. It was a short trip compared to the literally hundreds of thousands taken by families all over the country, but this one has come back to me this day after Christmas. Actually, it woke me up in the middle of the night with crazy dreams and thoughts I could not get out of my head. I guess this is one of those redefining moments in life when the inkling tugging at the back of your mind confirms a truth about yourself. Indeed, as many times as I have dismissed the notion that I could ever be a published author, tonight seals the deal for me. I know that there is a fine line between ego and humility that exists between a writer and his work; that it strays not far from a need to be heard and a need to be understood, but I have to share this with you.
As we pulled into the gravel driveway of my mother in-law’s country home, I noticed the flag pole in the back yard had been pulled down by a winter storm that had passed through the area a few days earlier. The American flag was still attached to the rope and was lying on the ground in shreds. It was a shocking site for me as I remembered losing my father in-law just over a year ago last November and how he always had a flag flying in the back yard on that very same pole. It was like losing a piece of him all over again.
After unpacking the car and wishing everyone there a Merry Christmas, I went back out outside and recovered the flag from the back yard. It was rapidly thawing out in the wicked wind storm that had begun to bring in warm air from the south west and was wreaking havoc on my brother in-law Jack as he attempted in vain to sweep thawing ice water away from our mother in-law’s flooding garage door. Just as quickly as he tried to sweep it away, another gush of water replaced it like the storm surge of a hurricane.
I went inside the garage to feel the warmth rising from the wood stove and to hang the drenched and tattered flag to dry. It looked quite pitiful hanging there as if it had seen the worst end of a battle in which all hands had been lost. There it hung to dry and somehow recover some of the indignity it had suffered in the storm, and I knew I had done the right thing to take care of it before pitching in to help Jack in his valiant effort to curb the flooding as it had seeped into the garage soaking the corner of the carpet laid down in front of the wood stove.
A day later, on Christmas afternoon; after everyone else had left, I went back out to find more fragments of the tattered flag all over the back yard. There were white strips and red threads strewn everywhere, but the amazing thing was that the blue field of stars still remained in tact and clinging to the rope on the pole. I couldn't’t help but wonder how the memories of by father in-law still lingered in my mind much like those fifty stars on a field of honor clung to the collective memories of those who had served her and those left behind to pick her up again. I am amazed at how such a natural event such as a winter storm and a tattered flag could stir such emotion in me and how I was much like those fragments lying on the ground; scattered like seeds to grow from the experience rather than be forgotten.
Now, early in the morning on the day after Christmas, I sit answering a call from who knows where to share this with you. In doing so I hope that you too can find a few tiny fragments of your life to restore whatever it is that needs mending or simply remembering. Good and bad are interchangeable gifts from God to do with whatever we wish. That is the beauty of free will and the choices we face each day; to bind our wounds and to go about our way a little stronger and perhaps a little wiser. But we do this together, clinging to those fragments and seeing the bigger picture as our faith will allow.
As we pulled into the gravel driveway of my mother in-law’s country home, I noticed the flag pole in the back yard had been pulled down by a winter storm that had passed through the area a few days earlier. The American flag was still attached to the rope and was lying on the ground in shreds. It was a shocking site for me as I remembered losing my father in-law just over a year ago last November and how he always had a flag flying in the back yard on that very same pole. It was like losing a piece of him all over again.
After unpacking the car and wishing everyone there a Merry Christmas, I went back out outside and recovered the flag from the back yard. It was rapidly thawing out in the wicked wind storm that had begun to bring in warm air from the south west and was wreaking havoc on my brother in-law Jack as he attempted in vain to sweep thawing ice water away from our mother in-law’s flooding garage door. Just as quickly as he tried to sweep it away, another gush of water replaced it like the storm surge of a hurricane.
I went inside the garage to feel the warmth rising from the wood stove and to hang the drenched and tattered flag to dry. It looked quite pitiful hanging there as if it had seen the worst end of a battle in which all hands had been lost. There it hung to dry and somehow recover some of the indignity it had suffered in the storm, and I knew I had done the right thing to take care of it before pitching in to help Jack in his valiant effort to curb the flooding as it had seeped into the garage soaking the corner of the carpet laid down in front of the wood stove.
A day later, on Christmas afternoon; after everyone else had left, I went back out to find more fragments of the tattered flag all over the back yard. There were white strips and red threads strewn everywhere, but the amazing thing was that the blue field of stars still remained in tact and clinging to the rope on the pole. I couldn't’t help but wonder how the memories of by father in-law still lingered in my mind much like those fifty stars on a field of honor clung to the collective memories of those who had served her and those left behind to pick her up again. I am amazed at how such a natural event such as a winter storm and a tattered flag could stir such emotion in me and how I was much like those fragments lying on the ground; scattered like seeds to grow from the experience rather than be forgotten.
Now, early in the morning on the day after Christmas, I sit answering a call from who knows where to share this with you. In doing so I hope that you too can find a few tiny fragments of your life to restore whatever it is that needs mending or simply remembering. Good and bad are interchangeable gifts from God to do with whatever we wish. That is the beauty of free will and the choices we face each day; to bind our wounds and to go about our way a little stronger and perhaps a little wiser. But we do this together, clinging to those fragments and seeing the bigger picture as our faith will allow.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
On the Eve...
On this morning of the eve of Christmas, I sit here in my den reflecting on the day and evening to come and the opening of presents this morning. Since my wife's family tradition has been to gather at the family homestead, we have opened gifts on Christmas eve morning with our two boys here at home. With our newest family addition lying on the floor beside us, Buddy, we each tore into the wrapping paper and discovered the surprises hidden beneath.
Afterwards, I sat back in my easy chair to read the opening pages of the two new books my wife bought me this year. It will be a pleasure to read them over the holidays as I ponder the yet to be written pages of my own book still brewing in my head. 2009 will be the year I finally get into print!
So, as the breakfast dishes are washed and the boys gather up their Christmas gear, I want to offer a blessing to all of you; especially to the family across town who will be traveling to visit relatives today. May the eve of Christmas fill your hearts with joy and the anticipation of Christ's coming. May he enlighten you with the revelation of his saving grace which shall remain with you all throughout the coming New Year. Amen. Witt-
Afterwards, I sat back in my easy chair to read the opening pages of the two new books my wife bought me this year. It will be a pleasure to read them over the holidays as I ponder the yet to be written pages of my own book still brewing in my head. 2009 will be the year I finally get into print!
So, as the breakfast dishes are washed and the boys gather up their Christmas gear, I want to offer a blessing to all of you; especially to the family across town who will be traveling to visit relatives today. May the eve of Christmas fill your hearts with joy and the anticipation of Christ's coming. May he enlighten you with the revelation of his saving grace which shall remain with you all throughout the coming New Year. Amen. Witt-
Monday, December 22, 2008
Countdown to Christmas
I wanted to share this video as we count down to Christmas and a poem I wrote some years ago. Just like those early pioneers in Northwest Ohio who cleared a Great Black Swamp and transformed it into prosperous farmland, God reminds us of a simple birth that transformed the hearts of countless people world wide. Enjoy the video and be transformed by the words as I have been.
Merry Christmas!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2egKS4d1oI
On a cold December night
As the stars shine bright
Windowed faces of log houses
Flicker in candle light.
Warm quaint spaces
Crackling fire places
Kettles cooling beside once busy hearths
Shadowed now in evening shade.
In a time long forgot
People settle in their cots
While snow drifts gather
Ever higher along a man-made river.
Paths between cleared fields
Scarred by wagon wheel trenches
Now covered in utter white perfection
Stretch a lonely mile in starlight.
Forest branches creaking restless
Weight of ice and arctic breezes
Bring dormant trees to life
In clues of seasons past.
Doe and yearling forage
For a meal made scarce
Steaming breath releasing
A drink of water from a thin veiled stream.
Everywhere, darkness lingers
Stilled by a shining celestial body
Gleaming high above in an eastern sky
While immigrant farmers dream a yuletide scene.
A story told since youth
Son of God born a humble birth
In a land of palm fronds and sand
A king of heaven on earth.
Simple men tending their flocks
Wise men stirring from their dreams
Flee to a simple manger in Bethlehem
To see a Savior who would be king.
Now, looking back upon tradition
Christians telling in succession
This same story passing generations
As our founding is self evident
Remains for us a destiny
An American yuletide legacy.
Merry Christmas!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2egKS4d1oI
On a cold December night
As the stars shine bright
Windowed faces of log houses
Flicker in candle light.
Warm quaint spaces
Crackling fire places
Kettles cooling beside once busy hearths
Shadowed now in evening shade.
In a time long forgot
People settle in their cots
While snow drifts gather
Ever higher along a man-made river.
Paths between cleared fields
Scarred by wagon wheel trenches
Now covered in utter white perfection
Stretch a lonely mile in starlight.
Forest branches creaking restless
Weight of ice and arctic breezes
Bring dormant trees to life
In clues of seasons past.
Doe and yearling forage
For a meal made scarce
Steaming breath releasing
A drink of water from a thin veiled stream.
Everywhere, darkness lingers
Stilled by a shining celestial body
Gleaming high above in an eastern sky
While immigrant farmers dream a yuletide scene.
A story told since youth
Son of God born a humble birth
In a land of palm fronds and sand
A king of heaven on earth.
Simple men tending their flocks
Wise men stirring from their dreams
Flee to a simple manger in Bethlehem
To see a Savior who would be king.
Now, looking back upon tradition
Christians telling in succession
This same story passing generations
As our founding is self evident
Remains for us a destiny
An American yuletide legacy.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Welcome to my Facebook Friends!
Not long ago, I joined Facebook to interact with people on-line. I'm still exploring all of the options of the site, but I wanted to welcome those who have ventured into the realm of "Witt's Den." I hope I can offer some perspective on life and share a deeper spiritual side that is so often neglected in our world today.
Like I recently stated on an atheist web site, "Knowledge without faith is a lost gamble." I then proceeded to wish them a Merry Christmas because it means more than just an empty greeting or marks some natural event in nature. The wager is to have faith and lose nothing in the end than to not have faith and lose everything in the end. Thank you for stopping by! Witt
Like I recently stated on an atheist web site, "Knowledge without faith is a lost gamble." I then proceeded to wish them a Merry Christmas because it means more than just an empty greeting or marks some natural event in nature. The wager is to have faith and lose nothing in the end than to not have faith and lose everything in the end. Thank you for stopping by! Witt
Friday, December 19, 2008
New Life
I left the blog scene back in November after the presidential election. I felt as though I had compromised the integrity of my blog by letting my personal political beliefs get in the way of my original purpose of blogging; to share my thoughts, struggles and poetry with those who are "seekers" like myself. I hope that this new life will bring back the same sense that I intended in the first place. For all of you who are out there looking for something better to occupy your time, talent and wealth of experience; welcome!
P.S. Please check out this link to learn more about contemplative living: https://www.mertoninstitute.org/index.php
P.S. Please check out this link to learn more about contemplative living: https://www.mertoninstitute.org/index.php
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