Morning Song. The Labyrinth of My Life.

I awoke this morning and remembered.

I remembered where I came from.
I remembered my mother.
I remembered my life.
I remembered the people who have shaped me.
I remembered the lessons each relationship has taught me.
I remembered my sorrows.
I remembered my joys.
I remembered truths I'd buried.
I remembered moments - vividly.
I remembered friendship.
I remembered childhood.
I remembered the deathbed.

The walk of life is a labyrinth.
I'd forgotten that.

I'd forgotten that we are here to learn.
I'd forgotten that we are here to give.
I'd forgotten that each experience is a lesson.

I remembered that we are each walking our own labyrinth.

I learned the lesson of loss early in life.
I learned there is no quota.

 I am no longer young.
My life has been rich and deep and soulful and blessed.

I awoke this morning
   an elder.

I am filled with gratitude for each twist and turn of the labyrinth.
We have companions for the journey
 each who walk with us for certain period of time.

My walk.

Mother.
Survivor. Strong. Tough. Fierce.

 Father.
My core. He lives in me still.  No distance between us.
Everything I am today is because of him.

Children.
Honesty. Independence. Love. Joy. Pride.  Letting Go.

 Friends.
Old
 New
False
 True
Lifelong
 Steadfast
Near
Far

Each has been a teacher.
Some have been guides.
Others angels.
A few soul mates.

From my friends I have learned
Playfulness.
Soulfulness.
Acceptance.
Laughter.
Forgiveness.
Generosity.
Humility.


Marriage is its own labyrinth.
It begins with youthful exuberance and ripens with each turn.
Marriage is a difficult path and the greatest teacher.
Along the labyrinth of marriage we are faced with many
Challenges.
Celebrations.
Disappointments.
Expectations.
We face the mirror.
 Forced to look at ourselves.
 Naked.
Flawed.
 Vulnerable.
Cherished.
Whether we are deserving or not.
It is often said that the only truly unconditional love is that between a mother and child.
I don't believe that.
A mother's unconditional love is instinctual.
Love in marriage is unconditional by choice.

The marriage vows are the most important words one will ever utter.
For better. For worse.
For richer. For poorer.
In good times and in bad
In sickness and health.
A Vow is a promise. Renewed every day.
Marriage is commitment.

Work is necessary.
Meaningful work is a gift.

Work is an expression of self.

My work is an artistic chore.
Passion.
Joy.
Collaboration.
Misstakes.
Creativity.
Students.
Learning.
Purpose.
Salvation.

Place is where are.
It is the landscape. The vista. The horizon. The spot.
It is sacred.

My place is the beach.
Sand.
Ocean.
Constant. Surf.

Home is
Sanctuary.
Timeless.
Kitchen.
Dinner.
Conversation.
Happiness.
Hearth.
Christmas.
Warm.
Cozy.
Safe.
Comforting.
Gathering.
Celebration.
Memory.

The center of the  labyrinth.
Self.

This morning, I awoke and  remembered who I am.

This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad.
Give us this day our daily bread.
Forgive us our trespasses.
Deliver us from evil.
Surrender.
Thy will be done.