What does the Divine Light illuminate in my life?

On March 12, 2012, I wrote out my personal mission statement for that year. I still hold it to be true: "I will express my willingness to grow spiritual and poetic sides by learning about and changing that which I can, by being connected to that which is around me, and by putting pen to paper and relating my personal experiences." I continue to grow spiritually and poetically. Thus, I will share a recent discovery.

I'm participating in an eRetreat, and was asked to draw, paint, write in your journal or create something about, write music to, or meditate upon the question, "What does the Divine Light illuminate in my life?" This poem came forth:

Today I Saw God
By: Annette McFarlane
 
Today
I saw the
Light of God
In the sunshine
From my window.
 
I saw the
Love of God
In the smile
Of a young child.
 
I saw the
Joy of God
In the laughter
Of a couple
In the coffee shop.
 
I saw the
Warmth of God
In the exchange
Of a friend’s embrace.
 
Today –
 
Today
I saw
God.

The Birthplace of Pure Love

I have not written in quite some time. Life has been so busy. I did recently write the poem below and wanted to share it here with you all. I hope that, after reading it, you give the idea of vulnerability a thought. After some contemplation, drop a comment below and share your line of thinking.

The Birthplace of Pure Love

By: Annette McFarlane

 

Dare to be vulnerable?

To pull off your suit of

armor and acknowledge

insecurities, fears, flaws,

or difficult emotions?

To expose yourself,

risking rejection, and

injury to your very soul?

 

Dare to be vulnerable?

To lower your defenses

and stand emotionally

naked before someone?

Stripped of your heart’s

protection, which may

require careful handling?

 

Dare to be vulnerable?

To allow another to know

all the fragile thoughts,

feelings, and parts of

you that are imperfect

and be willingly susceptible

to hurt, harm or attack?

 

Why dare to be vulnerable?

It builds trust, empathy, and

strengthens relationships.

While it may be scary and

takes so much courage to

open up, the act of sharing

your vulnerability is the

birthplace of pure love.

Honey In My Heart

Honey In My Heart

By: Annette Thomas

I have never once felt

Unloved by either of you.

You took me into your

Lives at a time when

Your daughter had

Just came out.

At an emotional time

When you yourselves

Were processing

Your own feelings

Around that news.

But what did you do?

You opened, not only

Your home to me,

But your lives.

You could have

Done as many others

Have and rejected me.

But No. You poured

Honey in my heart –

That same sweet and

Unconditional love

That you gave your

Own daughter.

Then 4 short months

Later, when I came to

You and asked for

Your blessing as I

Wanted to ask Elaine

To marry me…

What did you do?

Did you tell me no,

Despite any of a

Number of emotions

Or reservations you

Might have had?

No. You once again

Just opened your

Arms and heart,

Pouring in more

Sweet unconditional

Love into my life.

So, as I stand here

Today and make my

Vow to Elaine, I also

Want to say thank

You for pouring all

That honey in my heart.

Nothing Can Beat This

Nothing Can Beat This

By: Annette Thomas

All the miles on the road

And messages on the screen;

All the visits with family

And the meeting of friends;

Joining her at church in

A moment of prayer;

And simple connections

Sitting on the porch;

Shared adventures and

Surprise I love you texts;

Cooking together and

The one-on-one time;

The kisses at red lights

And just because hugs;

Impromptu events and

Countless other blessings;

Nothing can beat this

But her saying ‘Yes!’

To spending the rest

Of our days together.