Tempus Fugit

 Tempus Fugit

A Few Thoughts: On the passage of time,  healing of old wounds, strengths of family, faith, and community.  

This young lady turned forty this past Christmas, and she still runs as smoothly as ever! "Granny" as she is considered a Grandmother clock says: "Tempus Fugit" (time flies) above the clock face. My Grandma Beatrice Stepleton purchased this clock in 1982, and inscribed it: "With Love to my family" below the face. 

I often reminisce of the days stopping by to visit grandma Bea. She took such delight in seeing her grandchildren, and having family over to celebrate holidays, birthdays etc.. I can still smell the aroma of fresh baked pies wafting in from the kitchen, and the apron tied neatly around her waist.

Time they say heals all wounds, and it does if we are willing to let bygones be bygones. The sheer power of forgiveness flows from the origins of our Christian faith, and it teaches us about compassion, mercy, and the unyielding power of love. But forgiveness is a choice like any other human endeavor. It takes time to rise like bread in the oven, and it is to be savored like that first slice slathered in butter. With Easter not long passed, it paves the way for life eternal with our Lord, and Savior Jesus Christ.  And so, let us be humbled enough to accept our failures, and to seek peace within ourselves, and amongst our neighbors. Let not time fly by without love leading the way!

Amen

God bless!

Witt

Reflections of A Life Lived

A Few Thoughts: A Present Reflection of a Life Lived; The Promises of Faith, and the Power of Patience. 

(A journaling experience)

Dear Journal,

Here I am again recording thoughts. I am rested; though my body aches, my heart is full, and faith is strong.

I contemplate mystery, honesty, forgiveness,....   and what it means to be present. The Chinese recognize 2022 as The Year of the Tiger, of which I am privy to. The stars consider me a lion. Whether it means anything or not I do not know, but I do not put my faith in stars, but in a God who put them there to light the heavens. They remind me not only of the vastness of space, but also of the limitless possibilities of faith.

I struggle with our relationship; God in heaven, as man, and true friend sitting beside me as I travel down this road of life. My childhood image of Him detracts from the infinite being reflected in all things, and places simultaneously. I see His son as man talking the talk, and walking the walk; inspiring apostles, intriguing learned men of his day, and being the ultimate sacrifice for all sinful souls. For this I am grateful, resilient, and determined to live as a whole person. I love more now than I ever thought possible. I am a creation in His own image, a son, brother, father, friend, and husband to a true, and soulful partner.

I have lived many lives it seems. Coming from humble beginnings, small town values, and a Boy Scout's code of honor. I was a soldier once, not like the heroes revered from history, present day, or the Veterans I have listened to over a cold bottle of brew. Sure, I had visions once of heroism in my head, but being a part of the team was always my broader vision of service. Victory is achieved when everyone contributes to the end game of a successful campaign. 

I was a reluctant leader once; afraid of not having the answers when others depended on me, or that I would fail to set the right example when others needed my expertise to get the job done. What I have found is that leadership us much like the Serenity Prayer, especially in its opening words:

 "God grant me Serenity do accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can, and Wisdom to know the difference."

And so I would add one more thing: Patience to allow others to see the potential in themselves. 

Amen, and God Bless!

D.A. Wittler 2/26/22