Looking forward to a new year induces me to look back as well. Who have I become in this last year? In these past 50 years? What have I gained? Lost? Any new skill sets...tangible or emotional? What has the M-elephant in the room taken? Given? What AM I looking forward to....tomorrow? Next week? Next year? I don't claim to be able to answer all my own questions, but here are some things that I've been thinking about. They feel very wise to me...
In his book, Traveling Light, Daniel J. O’Leary quotes Bearwatcher, an Apache medicine man...
In the Apache language there is no word for ‘guilt.’ Our lives are like diamonds. When we are born we are pure and uncut. Each thing that happens to us in our lives teaches us how to reflect the light in the world; each experience gives us a new cut, a new facet in our diamond. How brilliantly do those diamonds sparkle whose facets are many, to whom life has given many cuts.From Rent, Seasons of Love ~ Jonathan Larson
Five hundred twenty-five thousand
Six hundred minutes
Five hundred twenty-five thousand
Moments so dear
Five hundred twenty-five thousand
Six hundred minutes
How do you measure, measure a year?
In daylights, in sunsets
In midnights, in cups of coffee
In inches, in miles
In laughter, in strife?
In five hundred twenty-five thousand
Six hundred minutes
How do you measure a year in the life?
Five hundred twenty-five thousand
Six hundred minutes
How do you measure the life
Of a woman or man?
In truths that she learned?
Or in times that he cried?
In bridges he burned?
Or the way that she died?
It's time now to sing out
Though the story never ends
Let's celebrate, remember a year
In the life of friends.
Remember the love.
Measure in love.
Seasons of love.
And then there are these words from another wise sage, My Bentie:
We are starting, no, continuing our lives. It is not a fresh start, but one on the same trail. We have turned around to see where we have already been, a wonder and turn, to move on with hope. May dragonflies lead your way!
Shine bright, like a diamond. Measure in love. And may there be dragonflies for all of you, my friends. Happy New Year!!! - c
I absolutely love the song "Seasons of Love." It has a special place in my heart. I sang it in high school choir and it has remained one of my favorites. Thanks for sharing the words. They are timeless!
ReplyDeleteIsn't it amazing how songs themselves, especially when particular events are combined with them, become integral parts of our heart. Beautiful.
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