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)
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