Saturday, August 16, 2008

embracing the light

IMG_7056
Carmel, California

In the past few weeks I have been able to see the gift I have been given more clearly. I have been stretching on my tippie-toes to see the horizon and the beauty that is there. It can be easy to get all caught up in how hard *life* can be, but lately I have been able to see the good that comes from the opposition.

These children are in my keeping; for both of our goods.
They have and will continue to teach me.
They make me stretch myself into a better and stronger me.
Their strength is astounding.
Their wisdom is simple, but sure.
Their beauty radiates, especially when I focus on it.
They have helped me observe my habits and it’s as if I can see myself in a mirror, the good and the bad together.

I love being a mother. I am smitten with my children.

***

Your children are not your children.
They are the sons and daughters of Life’s longing for itself.
They come through you but not from you.
You may give them your love but not your thoughts,
For they have their own thoughts.
You may house their bodies but not their souls,
For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow, which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams.
You may strive to be like them, but seek not to make them like you.
For life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday.
You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth.
The archer sees the mark upon the path of the infinite, and He bends you with His might that His arrows may go swift and far.
Let your bending in the archer’s hand be for gladness;
For even as He loves the arrow that flies, so He loves also the bow that is stable.

-Khalil Gibran

12 comments:

Dallas and Krista said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Dallas and Krista said...

Love this. Love the pics of your kids in Carmel... wish I were with you on that glorious looking day... I was probably in the air flying over your head! :)

linda may said...

That was beautiful! I loved your poem and the one following it.My kids are pretty well grown now and you are still beginning.

gautami tripathy said...

I love Gibran...

Has anything changed?

Anonymous said...

Oh I loved that, I might steal it and hang it on my fridge :)

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Dini said...

I loved this post. You are going to be an amazing Mom to all five of your kids. You are blessed!

the wrath of khandrea said...

i had to click on "gift" to see what your gift was. i had forgotten about this gift. i giggled when i saw it.

twins.

hee hee.

Tamara said...

I love Gibran...but I love Carmel more...glad you all are having a great time!

Wendy said...

Why is it that our "trials" are the complete antithesis of each other. I'm still standing on my tippy-toes trying to see the horizon and find the beauty. Some days are easier than others to find it. At the same time I too, know how important it is to enjoy the journey. Its sometimes hard to do when you're getting stretched and pulled in ways you're not used too.

Anonymous said...

A wise woman once said,

I believe that children are our future
Teach them well and let them lead the way
Show them all the beauty they possess inside
Give them a sense of pride to make it easier
Let the children's laughter remind us how we used to be

Unknown said...

Ha! Ah, Whitney Houston--a true hero with wisdom abounding.

W: well said. I know. It's hard because I feel like all my friends are having the "opposite trial" as me, so I feel a little misunderstood and alone in my strange struggles. I love you.

AnnieB said...

Love this! Needed this! Love you! Need you!...
Okay, well, I need your writing and your insights and your pictures and your friendship! I loved seeing you at the reunion and getting to know you more. You are amazing and is it too bold to say somewhat kindred!?
Hug your tummy and those twins for me! Mine just started 2nd grade!