Our labor here is brief, but the reward is eternal. Do not be disturbed by the clamor of the world, which passes like a shadow. Do not let the false delights of a deceptive world deceive you.
-St. Clare of Assisi
I have been missing Michael a lot this week. I have been weepy. I have also felt him so close during Mass. One time I could feel his hand on my shoulder. He was sitting on my right. I could sense him there at the Consecration. How right that he should be there when all three parts of the Church are together; the Church Triumphant, the Church Militant and the Church Suffering.
I have been restless and wanting out of my skin, but no luck, I am firmly in it.
Then today at Mass Father reminded my of a poster that I had on my wall as a teenager. The Desiderata written in 1927 somehow managed to speak to me then as I was trying to figure out who I was and who I wanted to be. The words today are as fresh and timely as when they were written. Now they speak to an older and hopefully wiser me.
I find them calming in this time of missing Michael and finding my new single self. I share it with you for it is worth sharing:
Desiderata
Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be critical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy.
© Max Ehrmann 1927
~Cindy
