Starting Again.

Sometimes life forces you to stop, turn around, return to your drawing board, acknowledge your lack of control, start over. Such a time has come to my life this month.

Driving north from Augusta

As we pass through yet another Lenten Season I am thinking about all the elements that have given me life over this past year. The family that keeps me grounded, the town that has given me a home. The community that has seen me at my best and worst and taken me in. The good people at Catholic Charities Maine who have given me a chance, and inspire me to practice forgiveness and give chances to others in my life as well.


In turbulent and uncertain realities like those shown to us through JVC, it helps to remember simple words that validate your struggle and encourage your perseverance. One such writing captures this very well. If you know it, say it along with me.

'Desiderata'

Max Ehrmann

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 the 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 or bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.


Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own 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 cynical 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 dark 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 cheerful.
Strive to be happy.