Martin Luther King, Jr.

"For sure he was my contemporary.

I knew him – tho’ he didn’t know me.

I wasn’t as old as he was when he died.

I had a spouse and 2 children when he died.

He had a spouse and 4 children when he died.

I watched my family grow, move on, love life.

He has been gone more years than I had lived when he died

I’ve always thought,

Someone emotionally opposed to MLK,

To his dream of equality for all,

Opposed to his work to gain justice where injustice thrived,

To his leadership helping wherever able,

Opposed to him living daily to benefit others,

A hate-filled person killed Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Dr. King’s non-violent mantra,

Action, never just words,

Forced America forward. 

Thus on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day,

We honor all he accomplished.

He lost his life. 

Yet he lives on.

May it always be so."
                                         - M. L.  Stith

No Tears

House Speaker Paul Ryan kept a civil countenance; even several times leaning over to share a brief thought with VP Biden.   Speaker Ryan’s conciliatory persona, promoting the strong possibility of political adversaries working together, warmed my heart.  I intently watched the State of The Union address on CSPAN.

Yes, last night, I didn’t sob and neither did Mr. President as he presented his perspective on conditions of utmost concern to the life and vitality of the United States of America and all of us who call the USA our home.

Was it a State of The Union speech most appropriate to be his final one?   I’m thinking it was.  

He acknowledged what my emotions categorize as scary issues plaguing our lives. Included are terrorist activity, gun violence, and the various ways we disrespect one another with attitudes and boundaries that diminish the opportunity for personal well-being.  I’m talking about the dearth of job opportunities that pay a living wage; getting a meaningful education that doesn’t cost a fortune; and needing voting rights that include the absence of gerrymandering to control results.   

As I write, a silent TV before me streams headlines commenting on the State of The Union address.  It is apparent the positivity of President Obama’s message is being discussed by at least one media outlet.   My brain speaks, saying "his presentation was constructively informative to an unbiased audience."

Can we be conciliatory when it’s necessary for the good of all?  I hope we care enough to stop politics that benefit only the politicians.  

My prayer is for us to individually and collectively know that a democracy such as ours can be ruined if selfish malice aforethought is permitted to be controlling.

I’m optimistic about our Nations future.  How about you?

Our new President and VP, reviewing 2009's Inauguration Parade.
 Univ. of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Marching Band passing by.
A historic moment saved with this photo of my TV screen.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

A view this morning from my front window brought to mind several seasons from 2015.  

The neighbors fall pumpkin thrives; my spring/summer geranium came back to share its’ beauty these winter days and the weather-beaten Christmas décor shines, yet reminds me removal must begin.

We get to thrive again in 2016.  My personal prayer is to handle the new hours, days, weeks, months and every season with the precious attention each deserve.  

May God abundantly bless you and yours throughout our brand New Year.

He's Coming and I'm Not Ready

Christmas at Galilee

Earlier this afternoon, Christmas cookies, made from scratch, were in and out of the oven and generously sampled.  Wonderful aroma continues to permeate the house.  They look lovely and grandson judged them ‘the best’.  Daughter says that’s all that counts.  I agree.  I'll make more.

A fresh evergreen tree vies for attention in our living room.   That’s right, it’s not decorated. The family’s lifetime collection of lights, bulbs and ornaments are staged, ready to be positioned; may be done before everyone is snug in their beds tonight.  (Commitment – will be done before I’m tucked in tonight!)   Hey, I remember a Christmas Eve many years ago when my son and I bought and decorated the tree that night.  

Outside, a Christmas wreath adorns our front door and back door, too.  White and colorful lights have been festively draped on shrubbery.  Not as many as we’ve done in earlier years but perhaps we’re not finished.

Gifts aren’t wrapped.  I know where they are and where the wrapping, ribbons, tags, tape and scissors can be found.   Confession, I’m very nervous about the challenge – but such is my tradition.  It will get done before Christmas morning.

And so will grocery shopping, vacuuming, and dusting.

Christmas is fast approaching and I’m feeling more stressed than Merry.

Yet, it never fails.  Year after year, Christmas Day, celebrating the birth of the Baby, Jesus Christ, The Light of the World, is the most joy-filled holiday of my year.

Happy Holidays to You and Yours.

Year in Review

Facebook presented their concept of my year 2015.   Why not?  No doubt we share more time together than any animate species in my life.  Facebook and me, our relationship is consistent!

This year it’s a montage of photos selected by – selected by what?   I don’t think a person.  Technology with insight far beyond the reasoning of archaic human beings must have done it.

I found my Facebook year inspiring.   Admittedly though it took some degree of deep contemplation for me to reach that conclusion.  Today tears threatened to escape as I scanned through those pictures.  Yet, not one photo evokes sadness.  They magically work together connecting me to a lifetime of experiences and this year as I alone knew it.  Touching.

I’m retired.  I have time to ponder this kind of thing.

Celebrate the Season