41 years old today

When I close my eyes, the years lie around me like a windblown box of photographs - memories and images that are faded and drifting, blurs of dreamy color, familiar and yet forgotten.  

I am grateful for the blessings of life, time, and breath. 

I am grateful for silence and stillness. 

I am grateful for the simplicity of quiet. 

I am grateful for the power of prayer. 

I am grateful for love. 

I have learned how to let go and flow like the river. I have learned to live longer in the heart, listening. I have learned that the mind will monologue like an old ragged politician at the podium, a fleshy puppet for the ego. I have learned how to offer it a walk in the woods. I have learned that God is here with me, guiding me toward the clean light. I have learned that my body is an ally to my soul, offering me evidence of my mistreatment. I have learned to care for my body like I once cared for my delicate infants. 

I have learned that I cannot learn everything yet - that the mystery is necessary. 

I have learned that this life is a gift.