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

Happy Place

A Work, months in the making.

Happy Place

I watched a sunset

From our happy place

After the rain came

And settled on fields of green.

Difficult days passed

Happier years ahead

Glowed on distant horizon

Summer

Gone

Fall

Symbolic end

Winter comes

I hang hope on Spring

Like lights on an evergreen

Twinkling

In memories before me.

Childhood

In a fogged filled haze

Behind in red reflection

Glances in a rear view mirror

Days of play long over

Endless labor confronts me 

From awakened slumber

Little use of sleep

Mind full of wonder

Prayer reminds me

 "Remain calm"

To handle change better

My body aches

Heart beats stronger

Mission focused

On a path made clearer

It does not include me

Rather

A destination

Final resting place

Wrapped in saving grace

Worn feet failing

Carried home

In a loving Father's embrace

A Savior's face

Forgiving

Forward

Onward toward morning

To that happy sunny place

Once more.

D.A. Wittler 12/05/21

In Whom Do We Trust?

I’ve done a lot of thinking lately as you can probably tell. It seems like the time gets further and further apart between postings, but being preoccupied with getting back to work, raising two boys and the whole political scene these days have captured most of my attention. I humbly apologize for leaving those who drop by my den on occasion in the dark. I can’t think of anything more important than being there to help family, friends or a passing stranger in need; even if it’s just a word or two of encouragement.



Well, today began like any other day with the exception that someone sent me an e-mail with a link that stirred the writer in me to share with you. Now, I will tell you the corner of me eyes well up when I hear the National Anthem or when I see one of my scouts salute the flag or do something purely unselfish to help another person, but the following video says a lot why. This country of ours was founded by people who had had enough of oppression, persecution and intolerance. This is evidenced by the fact that some of our first citizens were those who faced religious persecution for their beliefs. They believed that God would take them to a land where they could freely practice their faith and thrive.



After more than two hundred years we have grown beyond the limits of the land to far off islands and snow capped mountains pristine and largely untouched by man. By the grace of God we have prospered, suffered, died and prevailed over every conceivable harm or ill will of other men. Why then do some insist that what we believe is evil or has no place in the public arena? Any religion can be distorted, fanaticized or used to bring people down, but our faith does not waver, does not falter and does not cause others to be put out. Some will give examples to the contrary, and this is partly so, but we are of human origin and we make mistakes from time to time, but what makes us unique is that we stand back up and hold to the principles that made our country great.



To what end is eliminating God from our national identity propose? How do we replace the corner stone of our nation with atheistic notions that denigrate manifest destiny? I believe we were led to this great land to prosper and bring new hope to a world lost in greed and selfish need for power. Please watch and listen to the following video. It says more than I can say here today. God Bless America!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVcoQcdjrsA