Observing the Light and One’s Path

January 29, 2021 / law2374 / Leave a comment

Weather in our area this past week fell back into a pattern of three or four days of clouds followed by a day or two of sunshine or brighter skies. This pattern has become typical for January where we live, but this fact does not make it any easier to accept at times, especially when there is a need or strong desire to just see some sunlight instead of a wall of gray clouds. Our adventures this week led us on a search for light, which turned into a rather circuitous path. This has also become a normal pattern in our household. We start out with a clear destination, but end up taking the long way to get there due to circumstances beyond our control. We thought we’d share a few things we learned this week about the light and our paths taken upon life’s journey.

“In Him was life, and the life was the light of all people.” –John 1:4

Lesson of the Week: Learning to Lean

Our week started off with an experiment. We noticed the amaryllis growing by the windowsill starting to lean steeply toward the light of the window. The bulb we planted at Christmas now has four shoots, two of which have buds on them. The tallest shoot was leaning away from the center of the bulb toward the window, so I turned the pot the plant was growing in so that the leaning shoot was furthest away from the window. The experiment was to see if the shoot would redirect its growth back toward the light. The position adjustment was made on Sunday.

By Tuesday morning, just two days later, the shoot that had been leaning was now standing straight. Though we had little sunshine, the amount of daylight hours was all the shoot needed to redirect its growth path. Now, we don’t know how much of an internal disruption this was to the amaryllis, so we cannot comment on the amount of true effort required to make the change. However, we can visually see the impact of the effort put forth.

Another day passed, and we noticed the same shoot now leaning in toward the window at a different angle than the previous one. Once again, we turned the pot so the shoot was leaning away from the window and the light. This afternoon, we noticed the shoot starting to straighten once again. It still has about ten degrees to move before becoming vertical again, and based on our prior observations, should be close to a vertical or straight position by Sunday. The one change that may foil our prediction is the growing bud on the end of the shoot. The bud is adding resistance to the movement with its weight as it grows and prepares to bloom.

Like the amaryllis, we humans often need to bend in order to reach the light. We may need to alter our course or path to reach our growth potential or destination. Factors beyond and within our control may alter the path we take to reach the light. Sometimes we may travel in the path of the light, but other times we may have to go through the darkness to actually reach the light. Regardless of the path taken, our choices are influenced by the nutrients (knowledge, love, kindness, encouragement, etc.) soaked up along the way. What we find in the end may or may not be what was expected, but it will be part of life.

“All things must come to the soul from its roots, from where it is planted.” –St. Teresa of Avila

Treat of the Week: Let the Light Speak

Though my runs and bike rides this week were rather cold with temperatures in the upper teens and mid twenty degree range, I still found enjoyment and renewed energy in doing these activities. Granted, I did question my sanity on several occasions when I had trouble feeling my hands and feet, but something inside said to keep going, keep seeking, and keep the faith. I was not disappointed, for even on the gray, cloudy days, I found a ray of light in the sky offering encouragement.

The most challenging day was Sunday with a morning temperature of 11⁰F. It was cold, for sure, but a hint of light on the horizon told me the sunrise would be spectacular, and experience told me the best place to view it would be along my running route. It took about four miles for me to feel warm while running, but the fact the sun was quickly emerging over the trees in the east made conditions more bearable. As I ran, I said my prayers and reflected on daily scripture readings and the mass I had watched on YouTube before sunrise.

After mile four, I simply let my mind wander as I took in the sunrise and heard the birds calling and crunch of freshly fallen snow beneath my feet. As the snow sparkled in the sun’s light, a sense of peace and warmth washed over me. The eastern sky was awash in a rainbow of colors at this point, and spoke directly to my wondering and wandering soul. The words were clear like the crisp air and gentle like a father or mother patiently teaching a child.

The words and what I saw seemed to rhyme, and as I thought on them and repeated them, I realized I had a pretty good poem in the making going on in my head and heart. This is how I write, and yes, it is not normal, but it is what God gives me to use, so far be it from me to complain. At one point, the words were coming faster than I could keep up mentally, so I asked God to slow down a minute until my mind could bend itself enough to fit everything inside.

By the end of eight miles, I was starting to feel a bit drained physically from the cold and the emotion of the experience. Looking out across the fields at the sun’s light and hearing the stillness around me reassured me that I would be just fine after a hot shower and writing the words down on paper so I would not lose them. This turned out to be true.

I sent the words along with some pictures I had taken that morning to a group of friends via email. Later that day and throughout the week, several friends responded. Now this is where the real treat comes in to play. A number of the responses were received on days when the skies were gray. The kind words of the responses acted as a light for the day to help me find the strength and encouragement to keep moving forward despite some difficult situations encountered during the week.

Sharing my experience in and of the light with others offered them a light of their own. The light they found allowed them to radiate another kind of light back to me. What started out as sunrise Sunday morning turned into light throughout the week to help several people find their way along the paths they are navigating.

“Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard.” -Isaiah 58:8

Theme of the Week: Well-Being for Thee

Looking back on our readings and life adventures this week, we found a common theme. Though the readings and stories shared in them were about a variety of topics, subjects, and characters, the common thread among them was that of well being.

Several of the readings were about animals and what the authors had learned from these creatures. One author shared an experience with dolphins, a second author told of a cow and her calf, the third author wrote about a cat, and the fourth writer reflected on a cardinal and the connection it gave her to home. Other readings offered reflections on single words such as oneness, mindfulness, healing, gratitude, and forgiveness. All of these readings offered examples of daily life with connections to God’s blessings both hidden and seen. These readings also offer insight to how relationships in life influence us. These relationships may be with elements of the physical earth (such as light, wind, and water), animals and people, or states of emotion.

Each story tells of different perspectives from which to view life. These perspectives may be in the light or the dark, past or present, tangible or intangible. Yet all of the perspectives act as a light to a path. These lights and paths are what lead us from the planted seeds that we are to the grown plants we become. As we mature and grow, our well-being is impacted by our environment and reactions to this environment.

Reflecting on these readings allowed us to realize that we don’t always have to walk in the light to find the light. Sometimes in the dark is where we find the brightest light to shine upon our path. Whether walking in the light or the dark, if we keep the well-being of ourselves and others as our focus, we can navigate the many paths that one must take in life to fully experience living life.

“In order for the light to shine so brightly, the darkness must be present.” –Sir Francis Bacon

May the light we seek allow us to find peace. May we learn to bend as we grow in the light of faith, and may the light we share lead to the finding of one’s path.

The Light Upon One’s Path

-Lisa A. Wisniewski

A Note of Thanks

Our thanks this week is actually a remembrance of a special person who helped us find the light along our path. We remember Great Aunt Theresa, whose birthday was January 26^th. Though she has watched over us from heaven since her passing in 2008, we still feel the presence of her light.

-Lisa, Sadie, and Leo

Observing the Heavens & What Has Been Sent

January 24, 2021 / law2374 / 1 Comment

The heavens above this past week in our area were graced with patches of sunshine and patterned clouds in an array of artwork only nature can create. The reflection of the sun’s light off the clouds and the unique placement of the shadows and shades offered a reminder of hope’s existence if only we are willing to be patient in faith and open our hearts and minds to the love around us.

“Faith is taking the first step even when you can’t see the whole staircase.” –Martin Luther King, Jr.

Turning on the Light

Our winter season has been far from harsh thus far, however, periods of gray skies, darkness, and cold temperatures have made for some challenging mental and physical scenarios. Add to these scenarios the negativity in political, social, and financial aspects of life, and you have the potential to create an abyss of darkness. Fortunately, there is an option to seek the light despite the dark. In doing so, we may just find the freedom our souls need to grow and thrive.

We are going to use real-life analogy to help illustrate this point. For Christmas, a neighbor and very good friend gave us an amaryllis bulb to plant. We followed the instructions carefully, and in a day or two, the bulb planted in the soil started to sprout and reach for the light. It was a slow process at first, but with regular watering, the amaryllis has sprouted three stalks. Two of the stalks have buds on them already, but no blossoms. The third stalk just started to grow, so it does not yet have a bud on it. It has been fun watching the amaryllis grow, for each day it grows an inch or more.

Now here is where our analogy comes into play. We humans are like the amaryllis planted in the darkness of the earth. We have a choice to reach for the light provided to us, or simply stay beneath the earth’s surface. As we reach toward the light, we learn to accept the water and nutrients of the soil to help sustain us. If we refuse the water and nutrients, we wither and die.

For us humans, the light can be physical or metaphorical. We may find light in the sun, in scripture readings, kindness of others, or extending what we can to others. Our water and nutrients may be through words, deeds, songs, meditation, exercise, or silence. The options and possibilities are endless, but we have to first open our minds to accepting what has been given to us. There may be days our resources are limited, but these limitations offer the opportunity for growth and creativity. We don’t have to let the limitations actually limit us.

“…we grow by giving of ourselves: not preserving ourselves but losing ourselves in service.” –Pope Francis

Changing the Tides

The additional sunlight in the skies can be attributed to the earth’s position in its orbit around the sun. We have passed the winter solstice, which means the northern hemisphere is starting to tilt back toward the sun after having been tilted away from the sun. Each day, the tilt of the earth is adjusted slightly, allowing for additional minutes of daylight. Sunrise is now at 7:38 AM and sunset is at 5:27 PM in our area. We’ve gained 6 minutes of daylight in the morning hours and 33 minutes in the evening hours since the winter solstice on December 21^st. That is 39 minutes of daylight we did not have prior. What a gift that light is to receive!

This shift in daylight always offers our household an opportunity to shift our thoughts and activities. We typically have a better view on life and increase our activity level around this time of year to take advantage of what the skies and life offer us. There have been years when weather and life circumstances did not cooperate, so that made the shift harder. However, such experiences also offered us a challenge to find a way around the lack of cooperation. In such times, we are glad we have an eight-year old mentality on life, for this allows us to be creative with a simplistic twist of wonder. For the adult in us, this translates to taking a leap of faith.

Admittedly, we did not always have such a mindset in our household and there were many years of darkness before being able to see the light even when it was just a dim ray. How did we change, and what was the impetus to make such a change?

Well, it was not easy, but we realized we were getting nowhere being stuck in the darkness. This created a lot of inner angst and anger. The angst and anger made life more miserable than it really was, so we said enough of that and decided to change. We started doing more mental exercises to help build strength and confidence. We prayed more than we ever had previously, and we kept at it even when things were tough. What we learned turned out to be a hard lesson that actually set us free—free to see the light despite the dark, to act in faith despite the despair, and to feel a sense of love and peace despite the inner turmoil.

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” –Galatians 6:9

Hearing the Songs of Life

We are not the only creatures in our area taking advantage of the increased daylight. A number of birds have emerged from the snowy branches of the trees to sing their morning and evening songs. These songs echo in the cold, crisp air adding clarity to the notes. Seeing the increase in bird traffic has offered an additional ray of hope for what is to come. As the days of spring come nearer, more and more birds and other wildlife will come into view, each with their own set of activities and inputs to keep life going.

In addition to the birds’ songs, we‘ve been relying on some old favorite songs and hymns to get us past the darker days of winter. We stumbled upon a song recently that really resonated with us, and though we are still learning the words, we’ve had this song running through our minds this week more often than not. Interestingly, the song was written by a fellow whom we normally would not listen to, not out of any prejudice or bias, but simply for lack of access to his music.

You see, we live in a rural area, and certain technologies are still not at our disposal every given day. A number of radio stations only come through at certain hours of the day, and given my work schedule limits the hours we can listen to the radio or songs on the Internet, we simply are not “in tune” with many new songs. It just so happened that while driving to work one day, the radio station I was listening to dropped off. I searched for another station and found this song being introduced. Along with the introduction came the story behind the song, which was a real bonus.

The words to the song offer a familiar story, one many can relate to. It is relative to our times, yet reaches back a bit with references to faith by looking to heaven for guidance.

Undivided

You see, Billy got picked on at school
For things he couldn’t change
He tried his best to play it cool
But in the seventh grade
You either fit right in or you don’t fit
That’s just the cold hard truth
I wish that I’d have been the friend
That Billy never knew

I think it’s time to come together
You and I can make a change
Maybe we can make a difference
Make the world a better place
Look around and love somebody
We’ve been hateful long enough
Let the Good Lord reunite us
‘Til this country that we love’s
Undivided (yeah)

You either go to church or you gonna go to Hell
Get a job and work or you gonna go to jail
I just kinda wish we didn’t think like that
Why’s it gotta be all white or all black?
And when we gon’ learn to try on someone’s shoes sometimes? (That’s right)
When we gon’ start to see from someone else’s eyes?

We’re all the same to God
No matter what we get His love
I’m tired of lookin’ left or right
So I’m just lookin’ up

I think it’s time to come together
You and I can make a change
Maybe we can make a difference
Make the world a better place
Look around and love somebody
We’ve been hateful long enough (hateful long enough)
Let the Good Lord reunite us
‘Til this country that we love’s
Undivided (come on)
Oh yeah,
Undivided, oh yeah

(Written by Tyler Hubbard. Performed by Tyler Hubbard and Tim McGraw)

Seeing the Gifts Given in What’s Hidden

One of our treats this week occurred in the bold sunrises and sunsets. It has been some time since both sunrise and sunset have been visible in our area, so seeing those colors flowing from east and west was like having Christmas in January. The warm orange, yellow, and red hues made my runs and bike rides in the colder temperatures much easier to endure, though I still came back home with hands and feet cold like icicles.

A number of our days recently have been extremely long with work and home issues taking up much time and energy. Being able to run and bike in either the sunrise or sunset hours has been not only a gift of light, but also of energy. There were also days when the cold was daunting, but being able to come home to Sadie and Leo and their wagging tails and smiling eyes made the stress of the day disappear. They are their own rays of sunshine in many ways.

We’ve also been working on some house renovations that entail taking apart old things. We’ve uncovered much dirt, dust, and cobwebs in the process, tearing down walls and creating more open space to add natural light to our living space. It has been at times a challenge, but doing so has allowed us to learn more about the history of the house (built in the 1860’s) and ourselves. We’ve come a long way in skillset from our first house project when we did not know anything about flooring, drywall, electric lines, plumbing, and framing. However, we’ve picked up knowledge upon the journey and have come to terms with the areas where our skillset may be lacking. (Granted, our coming to terms has meant go ahead and learn it anyway and keep trying until you get it right or at least as close to right as you can.)

When I first bought the house from my grandmother years ago, I was a fledgling on my faith journey, and it took a number of hard lessons to let go and let God handle things. I had no idea what was behind the walls of the house, but in the years since, have come to know every square inch literally and figuratively. Though I was familiar with the heavenly skies above the property, I had not yet explored in detail all they had to offer each season of the year. Now, I start my days looking first to these skies for guidance. Some days they offer obvious gifts of light and color. Other days, they offer hidden gifts of lessons to be learned and shared (which is what we try to do in our blog posts by sharing facts, stories, and pictures).

Every Sunday morning since the COVID restrictions started in our area, I’ve gone for a long run. I go out not knowing what I will see, feel, or learn, and come back with much to share. It has been one of the positive outcomes of the pandemic, being able to share and offer different perspectives or rays of light to others. Who would have known that out of such dark circumstances so many valuable and good things could be found and shared to have a positive impact on others? I could have chosen to keep what I found to myself or to let the restrictions limit what I do, but instead saw it as an opportunity to allow nature and God to help heal my soul and the souls of others.

“For good or for ill, our choices as individuals have a collective impact on others and future generations. How we treat each other is a marker of our freedom in God.” –Richard Rohr

May our days lead us to the places and lessons we must learn. May what we encounter along the way not deter us, but rather be viewed as challenges to change for the better. May we learn to be thankful for and accept what has been sent.

What Has Been Sent

Lisa A. Wisniewski

A Note of Thanks

Our thanks this week goes out to those who have hung in there with us through lessons both easy and hard. We thank everyone who has supported us upon our journey thus far, some whom we know well and others less so. Regardless of what we do or do not know, we are thankful for what has been sent to us and for us.

-Lisa, Sadie, and Leo

Observing Similes and What Sets Us Free

January 15, 2021 / law2374 / Leave a comment

Sunrise in our area is now at 7:43 AM and sunset occurs around 5:18 PM. These two little facts are one of several small observations opening up a whole new outlook in nature and life this week. Though we are far from the end of winter (March 20^th), we have passed the shortest day of the season and are moving toward longer days, warmer temperatures, and changing skies. The moon phase is a waxing crescent after the first new moon (January 13^th). The next full moon (known as the full wolf moon) will be on January 28^th. January’s days are slipping past, moving us closer to February and the start of Lent. Though certain aspects of life may appear to be standing still, the reality is everything around us is moving and/or changing. The movements and changes in turn play a part in moving and changing us as well.

“All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better.” –Ralph Waldo Emerson

Unveiling and Prevailing

Historically, January may be considered an unveiling month. It offers up the first days of a new month and year. In our area, the skies are often cloudy for extended periods then give way to the sun and stars offering up a new view of the universe. The deciduous trees have very tiny buds on them that will eventually open up to reveal leaves of spring. Flowering blooms in the fields and landscape are almost non-existent except for a handful of dandelions. However, these areas will burst forth with color in a few weeks.

The subtle changes in nature are slowly pulling back winter’s veil so that new growth can occur. This is a gradual process, often not discernable from day to day, but rather noticed from week to week. The unveiling of nature in the new year is also an indicator of what has prevailed through the colder temperatures and grayer skies. This element of prevailing in turn has potential to offer the human soul hope through life’s grayer times.

We noticed a larger number and greater variety of birds in the fields and skies this week. This is an indicator adequate food is available to sustain the increased population. It also indicates nature is waking up to a certain extent, creating a restlessness and ambition to explore and discover.

Like the birds in our area, we are finding food for thought from different sources in this new year. These new sources have our curiosity peaked and energy levels renewed. We find ourselves searching more and staying active for long periods. The activity has helped bolster confidence and increase faith despite the challenges and unrest in the world around us. In reaching out of our comfort zone, we’ve been able to extend our skillset and understanding levels. Though we are far from knowing it all or being fully content with what we encounter each day, we have learned to survive and be thankful for the blessings of the day.

“When things are unveiled, we stop taking things for granted. That’s what major events like the COVID-19 pandemic do for us. They reframe reality in a radical way and offer us an invitation to greater depth and breadth.” –Richard Rohr

Similes and Metaphors Galore

January is also one of those months full of references to catch-phrases with similes and metaphors. A number of these phrases have to do with the new aspect of the year and the handing over of time from one year to the next. Often a baby is used to represent the new year while an old, stooped over caricature is used to depict the past year.

Additional comparisons abound in January, most of which offer up reflections or statistics of what was. The looking back aspect of reflection is believed to help prepare for what is to come. The looking back and ahead ties to the Roman god Janus, believed to be the protector of gates and doorways. January is named after Janus, often depicted with two faces, one looking into the past and the other into the future.

Whether looking back or ahead, we find ourselves using reference points or measuring sticks of different varieties in order to draw parallels or division lines. The parallels often act as guides to steer us, whereas the division lines act more like boundaries to either stay within or avoid. Each has pros and cons and associated stories with reasons behind them. The stories in turn contain similes and metaphors that help us find definition within and along the journey called life.

“Life is not random and we are not helpless to change it.” –Michael Nagler

Greatness of Details

Most of my runs and bike rides this week occurred under sunny or partly sunny skies. This is a small but significant change from the week prior when skies remained gray for days on end. The added sunlight made the coldness of the breezes around me more bearable and less daunting. Having a few more minutes of daylight also allowed me to extend my routes a little, which offered up a renewed sense of freedom. I typically have to alter my routes in the winter due to daylight restrictions or weather conditions, so any days when I do not have to make these adjustments are viewed as great gifts.

The added distance, though rather small this week, allowed me to see some areas I have not seen in some time. Some of these areas appear different than I remember, changed by weather, man, or nature. Others appear similar or the same, as if preserved in and by time. Seeing some of the changes made me wonder how long ago they happened or what occurred as the impetus of the change.

One of the changes I noticed was a fallen tree. Did the wind blow it down? Did heavy rains loosen the soil around its roots allowing it to fall? Was it invaded with insects or disease that weakened its structure from the inside out or outside inward? So many questions with no answers, so many details small in nature with the potential to have a huge impact.

Like the fallen tree, we too are subjected to forces beyond our control that have the potential to disrupt our lives. Our growth can be hampered, our roots of faith and hope shaken, or our branches of life broken. Yet we and the tree have the ability to overcome and live on by God’s amazing grace. We also can draw strength from others around us, some of whom may not even know the extent or influence of their help.

“You are not too small. No one is ever too small to offer help.” –Emlyn Chand

Free, Free, Set Us Free

The new year offers potential to set oneself free from past hindrances, habits, or issues. While the freedom may take time to realize, the potential is often the incentive we have to hold on. And sometimes in order to hold on, we have to let go—let go of past notions, plans, relationships, and places. As we let go, we start writing a new chapter. The newness may feel daunting at first, resulting in anxiety, fear, or sense of loss, but as time reveals a path forward, we learn to accept what was and be more open to what is to come.

Several of our reflection readings this week offered insight to freedom through comparisons and metaphors. One spoke of freedom found through growth, learning, and changing. Another offered an example of a butterfly and the stages it goes through from egg, larva, pupa, and adult to reach its full potential. Yet another depicted growth of courage through the care of a partridge. As the partridge grew, it no longer needed the help of the human who rescued it, and the human learned how to have compassion and when to let go.

The stories in nature and the Bible are ages old, yet still relevant in life today for each of us. Each story has its own set of characters, details, lessons, mechanisms (simile, metaphor, contrast, etc.) for conveying the message. The sharing of such stories happens over time, unveiling the lessons of the past along with instructions or guidance for the future. The connection between past and present is what allows us to find wisdom and set us free.

“The amount of power you experience to live a victorious, triumphant, Christion life is directly proportional to the freedom you give the Spirit to be Lord of your life.” –Anne Graham Lotz

May the unveiling of the new year in the days to come allow for inner perspective and openness to one’s calling. May what we come to see through stories in and of life allow us to become who we need to be and may we allow God’s grace to be what sets us free.

What Sets Us Free

-Lisa A. Wisniewski

A Note of Thanks

Our thanks this week goes out to the many artists whose music has helped us to find a better path in life. Like stories with similes and metaphors, songs offer perspective and reflection in life. They also have the power to transform us from one place in time to another, acting as the bridges of faith, hope, and love through the storms of life. Special thanks to the voices of Patty Loveless, Vince Gill, Martina McBride, Emmylou Harris, Trisha Yearwood, Kathy Mattea, Reba McEntire, Rodney Crowell, and Rosanne Cash.

-Lisa, Sadie, and Leo

Observing Return of the Sun & Where Life Leads Us

January 8, 2021 / law2374 / Leave a comment

The first five days of 2021 in our area were very gray and dreary weather-wise. Day six started out much the same, but a few breaks in the clouds in the early afternoon turned into sections of blue skies with the sun slipping between the clouds. The sight of the sun was a most welcome one for many in our area. We were especially thankful in our household to finally see the sun and spent some time running around the yard taking pictures of the sun from every available angle. The sun’s appearance was winter white, almost gleaming like a large star. The sight offered hope for the coming days and set us to wondering about the sun. We thought we’d share some things we learned and observed in this week’s post.

“Abandon hidden things/Take up what is revealed!” Ephrem the Syrian , Hymn 81

Epiphany Indeed

Interestingly, the sun’s first appearance this year coincided with the Feast of the Epiphany. This feast commemorates the coming of the Magi to Bethlehem to see Jesus. The Magi were guided by a star in the east. The star’s light radiated across the countryside and is said to have moved until coming to rest above Bethlehem. This was the Magi’s sign to stop and examine the area. To their delight, they found Jesus lying in a manger.

The word epiphany has several meanings including a manifestation, an intuitive grasp, an illuminating discovery, or a reveling scene or moment. Often, epiphany implies a component of light or enlightenment. If we consider that the sun offers light that often leads the mind, body, or soul to an enlightening moment, we find that the sun offers us a chance to have an epiphany not just on January 6^th each year, but on any given day of the year.

This may not appear to be important in some contexts, but think about all the things made possible by sunlight. Solar power, light to see, heat to warm the earth, and support of processes like photosynthesis to help plants grow are some of the scientific possibilities. There are also artistic possibilities such as inspiration for painting, writing, or drawing; hope to lead the soul; and encouragement for the mind.

Now consider how all these possibilities are entwined into daily life. The sunrise in the morning starts the process that awakens the world to a new day. Even if we cannot see the sun’s light due to cloud cover, the daytime hours appear brighter, allowing us to see. This in turn allows us to travel to different places like work or school where we find knowledge and understanding. Knowledge and understanding of the world around us helps us to survive. As we survive, we share experiences with each other. These experiences allow us to become communities. These communities help to further foster life. And all this came about because the sun stuck its head above the horizon.

“When we are fully alert in spirit, mind, and body, we are more than we imagine and can accomplish more than we suppose…An awakening is necessary to reconnect us to our origins and one another.” -Barbara Holmes

If Not the Sun, Then What?

The times in life when the sun is not visible may appear difficult. However, if we open our minds, hearts, eyes, and ears, we can find light in other forms. The song of a bird, sight of a deer, or touch of a beloved canine friend can warm the heart and encourage the soul. A smile or kind gesture offered to others in need can have a similar effect. Simply sitting for a few moments in silence and contemplating a Bible verse’s meaning can be an epiphany in its own right.

On one of the grayest days of the week, I came home from work to find a package on the porch. The package was from a dear friend. She had sent the package weeks ago, intending it to be a Christmas gift, but mail delivery in our area has been slow since before the holidays. Though my friend was disappointed the package did not arrive on time, I was elated at both the prospect of opening the package and the interesting nature of its contents.

One of the items in the package was an instrument known as Galileo’s thermometer. This thermometer has a rather neat story behind it. Galileo Galilei was an Italian natural philosopher, astronomer, and mathematician. He made significant contributions to the world of science, often based on his observations of nature. In essence, Galileo was a light to the world of his times, for his developments of theories and discoveries helped people to better understand science and in turn adapt and grow.

One of his inventions was a thermometer that used principles of density to determine temperature. The thermometer consists of a sealed glass tube filled with water or mineral oil and several glass bubbles filled with colored liquid. The glass bubbles have metal tags with an engraved temperature number on them. Each tag acts as a calibrated counterweight. The glass bubbles have different sizes and shapes and the colored fluid in them allows each glass bubble to have the same density. The metals tags attached to each glass bubble allow each glass bubble to have a slightly different density. As the air temperature outside the thermometer changes, so does the temperature of the water or mineral oil in the glass tube. As the temperature of the water or mineral oil changes, so either expands or contracts, thereby changing the density of the water or mineral oil. At any given density, some of the glass bubbles will float and others will sink. The bubble that sinks to the lowest point in the glass tube indicates the current temperature.

If all the bubbles float to the top of the tube, then the temperature is below the temperature engraved on the metal tag of the lowest glass bubble in the tube. If all the bubbles float to the bottom of the tube, then the temperature is above the temperature engraved on the metal tag of the highest glass bubble in the tube.

In addition to the science lesson we learned, the thermometer offered a bright spot in our day with its colored liquid bubbles. Not only do we now have a useful instrument on our kitchen counter, but also a rainbow of colors and an inner uplifting of love from the gift of a friend.

“Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. “ -Matthew 5:16

Light in Words

Each day this week, we’ve read a page from several new devotional books given to us as Christmas gifts. The books we received this year have formats and content that are new to us. One is a very small book with a single work or phrase to contemplate and reflect upon. We really like this book not only for the new format, but also the opportunities it offers to us to learn and grow and see the light of life through little words like smile and peace, as well as bigger words like epiphany and potential.

We are also reading a devotional for animal lovers that offers insight to scripture readings through the antics and habits of animals from dogs and lizards to birds and deer. Some of the readings offer up some neat quotes we will be sure to share in our posts as we go through the year. Each reading is a daily dose of light to help guide us on our journey.

Both of these books were given to us by another close friend whose character lights up the room and the mood of the moment. We find this most helpful on grayer days or days when the sun’s natural light is dimmed by the darkness of illness, loss, or pain. The interesting aspect of this particular friend’s light lies in simplicity and sincerity. No frills or fuss, just plain and straight forward, right to the heart.

We’ve also read the daily mass readings from the Bible, and find it so amazingly wonderful that words written so long ago can still have meaning in today’s high-tech world. To think that the same principles of faith, hope, and love still apply after all these years is a testament to the light these principles offer and to God’s creative vastness. Just like the sun, time has not managed to alter the impact. Though our perspectives may limit the impact we feel, the sources remain as in tact and available as they ever were.

“We may ignore, but we can nowhere evade the presence of God. The world is crowded with Him. He walks everywhere incognito.” –C.S. Lewis

Light of Love

The sight of the sun, along with the new year put a different perspective on an old favorite song that we’ve had playing in our minds and throughout our days via CD and radio. The song offers a reality check on the concepts of love and life, as well as a light to help guide those whose hearts may be hurting or in need of a renewed sense of energy or purpose. Given the state of the world today, the number of such hearts is most likely large. We share the words to the song as a reminder to keep trying, hoping, dreaming, and offering what light we can.

Don’t Let Our Love Start Slipping Away

We’ve been up all night long
Trying to solve a problem, well, it’s almost dawn
Ain’t no time for sleeping if our love is wearing thin
‘Cause I ain’t giving up, you ain’t giving in.

Don’t let our love start slipping
Our love start slipping away
‘Cause the life we’ve been living
Gets harder every day
Don’t let our love start slipping
Our love start slipping away.

And real love walks, a real thin line
No communication will kill it every time
So open up your heart, baby we can work it out
‘Cause we got the kind of love people dream about.

Don’t let our love start slipping
Our love start slipping away
‘Cause the life we’ve been living
Gets harder every day
Don’t let our love start slipping
Our love start slipping away.

It’s past the point of right or wrong
Let’s find a way to just hold on, yeah

Don’t let our love start slipping
Our love start slipping away
‘Cause the life we’ve been living
Gets harder every day
Don’t let our love start slipping
Our love start slipping away.

Don’t let our love start slipping
Our love start slipping away…

(Written by Vince Gill and Pete Wasner)

For us, seeing the sun this week was God’s reminder of similar words used in the song. Just because times are hard does not mean we have to harden our hearts. Just because prospects seem dim does not mean the light is not out there to find. Just because there is unrest and violence in the world does not mean love no longer exists. Just because there is so much negativity in and around us does not mean there is no positivity to share.

“The future, however, is finer than any past.” –Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

May the sun come to shine upon us in and throughout our lives. May the light seen and unseen allow us to experience God’s love no matter where life leads us.

Where Life Leads Us

-Lisa A. Wisniewski

A Note of Thanks

Our thanks this week goes out to our friends, Beth and Sandy, who offer sunshine even when we can’t see the sun in the skies. Thanks also to our new church community for allowing us to have a sense of epiphany and enlightenment as we embark on an adventure in faith.

-Lisa, Sadie, and Leo

Observing Clouds & Sun Around in a Year That Was…

January 1, 2021 / law2374 / Leave a comment

The past week has been one of variety in nature in our area. We’ve seen sun, rain, snow, clouds, blue skies, gray skies, full moons, planets, stars, ice, sleet, barren trees, evergreens, deer, squirrels, birds, green grassy areas, and tilled areas of dirt to name just a few. With all that variety, we were reminded of what every person goes through in a year’s time. Given the unique circumstances of many people, places, and things around the world in 2020, we found this a fitting way to end the year. Not everyone or everything is at the same point or has the same perspective, but there are a few things in common we can find if we look hard enough, and these things are what bring humanity together in this life.

“We need a delivery system in the world to provide the capacity for building bridges and connecting the dots of life.” –Richard Rohr

Clouds, Clouds, Clouds

One of the more dominant features of the week was the cloud cover in the skies. Whether full of rain or snow or simply floating overhead only to evaporate in the passing moments, the clouds were out in full force. This is interesting to us since many people we know have come to view the year 2020 as one great big cloud full of turmoil, unrest, sickness, and loss. However, if we think a little deeper about what makes up the clouds, and the functions clouds play in life, we just might find our perspective changing.

Clouds are made up of water molecules that exist as either liquids or gases and particles in the air. Clouds with higher volumes of liquid water molecules are denser and eventually lose the water they contain in the form of precipitation to the ground. This precipitation may be in the form of mist, fog, rain, sleet, hail, or snow. The precipitation may create short term issues with travel and outdoor tasks, but in the long term, the water from the precipitation helps nurture and sustain plants, flowers, trees, shrubs, animals, and even humans. So, in essence, if we did not have the clouds, we could not have life itself.

Clouds appear to grow when the water molecules pick up additional water molecules and particles in the air. Moist air is denser and allows a variety of molecules the opportunity to gather together. Dry air is less dense, so there are fewer water molecules to gather together and create clouds or lessen the visibility of our view.

Like the clouds in nature, our clouds in life grow when issues of similar or different natures collide and join together. Our life clouds become less in number when we declutter our minds, hearts, and souls. Without all the clutter, there are fewer opportunities for the clouds that do come our way to grow.

“When we live in a safe place, we can find ourselves stuck. Without risk, we cannot grow. Without stretching we cannot change. If we cannot fail, we cannot succeed.” –Lisa Leonard

Come On, Sun!

The winter solstice (December 21) is now behind us, and the days are growing longer. We can see this most in the evening hours in our area. Though we’ve only gained a few minutes of daylight since the 21^st, those few minutes have been made to appear longer on days with clearer skies and sunshine.

Years ago as a youngster, I observed that visible light appeared about half an hour before the actual sunrise and the light remained about half an hour after physical sunset. This was a game-changer for me mentally, for it meant I had in theory an extra hour in each day. I also observed on cloudy days that the extra light was either less visible or non-existent. My observations led me to a deeper questioning of why my mood seemed to change in late fall and early winter. I was a teenager when seasonal affective disorder (SAD) become a prominent area of research in the medical community. Though never officially diagnosed with the disorder, I definitely had a chunk of the symptoms. This was disheartening to me, but I decided not to focus on the negative aspect of the darkness and came up with the mantra, “Come on sun!”

Usually in December, I would alter the mantra a bit to, “Come on December 21^st,” for life and the seasons had taught me that if I could make it to this day in the year, I would be just fine.

It has been a bit of a journey to recognize aspects of the sun and the light it provides. The trek started with observations. Then there were miles of questions and research to find answers. Then there was a time of acknowledging what could or could not be changed about certain aspects of the light. Now there is a stretch of being able to accept the sun and the light for what they are. Through it all, I have had to change my perspective and alter my inputs in order to get the best possible results. While I cannot change the sun or the light as they are part of nature’s and God’s creations, I can stand with them in life and have faith they are with me in life even when I cannot see them so that life overall is a more positive experience.

“Give me a place to stand, and I will move the whole earth with a lever.” –Archimedes

Snow Globes and Snow Glows

Another more prominent feature of the week was that of snow. Each snowfall brought with it another coloring of the landscape, frosting the trees, grass, and shrubs with white flakes. There were several periods of heavier snow with winds that made it appear the snow was falling sideways instead of downward. As the dogs played and I shoveled paths and the driveway in these conditions, I could not help feeling a sense of being one with nature, out there with all the snowflakes making their way through this life.

After the snow, we had several periods of clearing skies that set the sun shining down on millions of tiny ice crystals to create a shimmering landscape. The sights were breath-taking, especially those in the early morning hours when the world and nature appeared to be waking up. To see the fresh snow and resulting reflection of the sun’s light set the landscape glowing for miles around.

On several of my morning runs this past week, I noticed patches of fresh snow that appeared blue. While I recalled part of a science lesson years ago regarding different colors snow can appear, I could not recall the reason for blue snow. Some quick research led me both down memory lane and to the reason snow may appear to be blue in color.

Snow is made up of tiny ice crystals. The crystals reflect back light without a particular color preference. However, if the travel path of the light through the snow is longer, the potential for the snow to appear blue increases. The increase in potential is due to the amount of scattering or absorption of the light. Scattered light upon fresh snow is typically reflected light, which is why the snow appears white. Absorbed light can take on a hue, and in the case of snow, the hue can be blue.

The amount of sunlight snow (or any object surface) reflects is known as its albedo. The albedo can range in value from zero to one. Zero represents a perfect absorber. One represents a perfect reflector.

Like the snow, the people (particles and light) we encounter often play a part in our character (reflected or absorbed light). Both scattering and absorption are required in order for us to find our true colors and direction in life.

“It is those whom we encounter and who break open our hearts who keep us faithful.” –Sister Simone Campbell

Rain Cons and Pros

In between snowfalls this week, we had a period of warming and rain showers. This created a bit of a mess with melting snow, running water from the snow and rain, and a mix of slushy winter concoction. The combination was not great for running or biking activities, though I managed to trudge through on most days. Doing so brought a sense of normalcy and a feeling of overcoming odds to my mind and soul.

Like the mess the rain helped to creates, so much of 2020 has been different for so many people. The stories of struggle could fill volumes of books. Each story is a light of life in its own right, though how the story is told can make it appear less enlightening than actuality and more like a monsoon rain than a rainbow of hope.

The rain did help alleviate some icy conditions, so that was helpful to many in our area. The rain also washed clean the air and put a fresh aroma similar to that of spring thaw floating about. The smell along with the sight of fresh shoots from winter rye and wheat planted in the neighboring fields sent a shot of hope into my soul on one of my morning runs. Though part of the run was in the rain and it was more than a little chilly out, facing the conditions made a truth come to light within me—we all have our rainy seasons in life, but the rains give way to the sun, and the end result is life being recreated.

As humans, we are similar to the seeds that grow in the fields, sustained by the sun and rain. We need to sun to light our path and the rain to wash us clean and water our bodies and souls. We need a mix of both in order to build endurance and strength, as well as teach us when to hold on and when to let the fruits we have to offer go so that life can be passed on to others.

“The power of the stars is nothing compared to the energy of a person whose will has been freed…We are not our own; we belong to everyone else.” –Thomas Keating

Seeds and Deeds

While running and biking this week, I noticed many of the berries and seeds upon the bushes have disappeared. Possible reasons include being eaten by birds or other animals or knocked down by the variety of precipitation and winds. The absence of the berries and seeds brings to reality the point of winter we are in, as well as the starkness of the landscape this time of year. So much life has come and gone and been renewed in the past 365 days.

Though each berry or seed may be small in stature or size or not so prominent in color, each one plays a part of the whole in the grand scheme of the seasons. Like these berries and seeds, we each have a part to play, and be it small or large, it makes a difference. Given many of us have felt boxed in or cooped up or some other metaphor for not being able to contribute in a positive way during this year of pandemic and unrest, perhaps we need to be reminded that any effort counts. Can’t go be with someone in need? Then pray or think positive thoughts to help them get through their issues. Can’t contribute financially to a cause? Offer up some time instead or barter to trade something else you have to lend a hand.

There are always possibilities for the seed to grow. We may need to open our hearts and minds to the opportunities placed before us each day or change our thought process in order to see the way. We also need to recognize and acknowledge it is not about us or our power, but rather what lies beneath the surface deep within us and our reason for being-God’s love and grace.

“God inhibits the tiny seed, empowers the tiny deed…Don’t discount the smallness of your deeds.” –From Max Lucado’s Cure for the Common Life and Grace for the Moment Volume II

Records of the Numbers

Like any year, 2020 has had its share of statistics and numbers to analyze, learn from, and ponder. A few nature-related records to note in our area include:

Total precipitation: 38.98”, more normal than last year’s over 52.46” or 2018’s record breaking 57.83”
Total sunny days: 159, below the national average of 205, but still better than none
Total full moons in 2020: 13, one for each month plus the extra full moon in October
Highest average wind speed: 23 mph recorded on April 10^th
Lowest average wind speed: 1 mph recorded on January 23^rd

While the numbers don’t tell the entire story of the year, they do indicate some highlights.

In keeping with tradition, we offer up some of our own “vital statistics”

4 – number of years Leo has been with us; he turned 5 this December, and we’re glad to have him as part of our family and as our junior editor for the blog
12- number of years Sadie has been with me; she remains a light in the dark on many days and a source of inspiration and energy for this dog-lover’s soul while filling her role as blog editor-in-chief
55-number of blog posts we did in 2020, up slightly from last year’s 53
117-total number of poems written, down from last year, but still a good amount given life circumstances and all we had to deal with in 2020
339-total biking days, down from last year’s record 354 days due to an injury in the fall and weather condition anomalies throughout the year
1604.2-total miles I ran, a personal record; the goal for the year was 1200 miles, so surpassing it is a great feeling and illustration of the power of prayer and the human spirit to help overcome the odds

Once again, the numbers don’t tell the entire story, but they do show effort, growth, endurance, and God’s amazing grace.

Whatever records or numbers you choose to remember or forget in 2020, we do hope that you find a better perspective and light amidst the dark.

“Let nothing that happens today, or has happened before, discourage you about tomorrow.” –Norman Vincent Peale

May the clouds and suns in our skies lead us to our ultimate destination. May those we meet along the way of the journey help us to find our way, and may we find thanks to offer up for a year that was.

A Year That Was

-Lisa A. Wisniewski

A Note of Thanks

Our thanks this week is for all 2020 had to offer us. Be it good, bad, or otherwise, the year shared all it had and then some with us.

Hoping and praying for peace and good health for all in 2021.

-Lisa, Sadie, and Leo

Natural Deltas

Exploring nature's changes by Lisa A. Wisniewski

Month: January 2021

Observing the Light and One’s Path

Observing the Heavens & What Has Been Sent

Observing Similes and What Sets Us Free

Observing Return of the Sun & Where Life Leads Us

Observing Clouds & Sun Around in a Year That Was…