March 4th - Otherwise

The story...

A poet, I'm not; however, I do own a book of poetry that's beneath an end table in our living room. The book is titled "Time's River - The Voyage of Life in Art and Poetry."  Kate Farrell selected the art and the poems - they were published by the National Gallery of Art, Washington,in 1999.  The book is organized under four phases of life:  Childhood;  Young Adulthood;  Maturity;  and Old Age.  I saw these life phases in a series of paintings during a tour of the Smithsonian Museum in 1982 - I sometimes contemplate those life paintings and relate to the character depicted in those paintings.  I wonder: "am I solidly in the third or fourth phase?"  Am I experiencing the right stuff?

Please enjoy "Otherwise" written by Jane Kenyon in 1947.

I got out of bed on two strong legs. It might have been otherwise.

I ate cereal, sweet milk, ripe, flawless peach. It might have been otherwise.

I took the dog uphill to the birch wood. It might have been otherwise.

At noon I lay down with my mate. It might have been otherwise.

We ate dinner together at a table with silver candlesticks. It might have been otherwise.

I slept in a bed in a room with paintings on the walls, and planned another day just like this day.

But one day, I know, it will be otherwise.

How does this poem relate to the only church in town?  My life is both my own and part of the communities that I'm a part of.  My communities do shape and form me.  They're likely a key part of what I take with me into the next life.  Hebrews 4:15 confirms that Jesus the Christ's life on earth is important to Him so I expect ours will be important in eternity too.  I intend to continually grow my faith and more naturally love God with all my heart, strength, and mind.  And, I am learning to love me and my neighbor too.  Yet, one day it will be otherwise.  Thank you Jane for sharing a "good" piece of your life with us today.

Just for today...

"This day is a beautiful room that's never been seen before. Let me cherish the seconds, minutes, and hours I spend here. Help me to think before I speak and pray before I act." Courage to Change (p.64)