Caretake This Moment

Caretake this moment.
Immerse yourself in its particulars.
Respond to this person, this challenge, this deed.

Quit the evasions.
Stop giving yourself needless trouble.
It is time to really live; to fully inhabit the situation you happen to be in now.
You are not some disinterested bystander.
Exert yourself.

Respect your partnership with providence.
Ask yourself often, How may I perform this particular deed
such that it would be consistent with and acceptable to the divine will?
Heed the answer and get to work.

When your doors are shut and your room is dark you are not alone.
The will of nature is within you as your natural genius is within.
Listen to its importunings.
Follow its directives.

As concerns the art of living, the material is your own life.
No great thing is created suddenly.
There must be time.

Give your best and always be kind.

~ Epictetus ~

This seems like a good "new year's resolution"-type reading for this morning. Yesterday we had a very nice, relaxed Christmas. We spent time eating good food, opening nice gifts that will allow us more family time in the future (games and puzzles), and visiting. I also still made it to the Meetinghouse to sit for awhile, and visited a Friend whose company I enjoy every day. I made an effort not to change too much of my routine - my routine at this point is there for a reason - because it creates space for me, provides opportunities for reflection, and strengthens my relationships with others. As I look back on the past six months, new job, more Quaker responsibilities, new endeavors, I am amazed at how many of these peaceful, enriching "resolutions" I have created and kept since the summer. Today's poem for me is a good reminder that each of these small moments has the potential for a miracle. It's the little things that reflect the bigger picture - my need for world peace starts with peace in my own world.

Later today we will head to Maine for a weekend of exploring and family fun. I'm hoping to visit a new Meeting on Sunday, glimpse another version of my own community, or perhaps a totally different one. I am looking forward to a week of rest, inspiration, and learning.