Go Forward With Courage

When you are in doubt, be still, and wait;
when doubt no longer exists for you, then go forward with courage.
So long as mists envelop you, be still;
be still until the sunlight pours through and dispels the mists
-- as it surely will.
Then act with courage.

Ponca Chief White Eagle (1800's to 1914)

Dear friends, I thank you for kind words yesterday.  They really mean a lot to me.  As another week comes to a close, I feel a need to take some time this weekend to re-examine my life and values for once again I have been brought face to face with the fragility of my existence.   It's been a bittersweet week, and I'm really tired, physically and emotionally drained. 

On the upside,  I got word that two of my clients who I referred to do an internship program have done so well that both are going to be hired by the company.  This is a whole new life for them, both of whom have been incarcerated for most of their adult lives.  It is this that makes the job worth it.  And then, on the bitter side, there was the senseless loss of my other client.

And then there is the devastating news coming out of Japan and the possible destruction of the western coastline and Hawaii.  May we pray for the safety of those in Japan and for those who are facing the coming Tsunami.

In a few moments it will be time for me to go in to run the Community meeting; usually, I try to make it fun and light-hearted.  After all, we've had a hard week at work and with the weekend upon us, I like to see them go out on a happy note, but today it will be different.  Today I HAVE to let them share their feelings; they HAVE to let go of their pain  or it will fester away in them.  Today will, indeed be a day of healing, a day for client and counselor to come together as one.  

May you all have a wonderful and blessed weekend. 

Before closing, I'd like to share the reading I have chosen for today's meeting:  

If love is reserved for things that never die, love is doomed to die.  If flowers fade in a minute or two, will not stones wear to sand in time?  Even this earth, this garden of life, one day will be like the dust of stars.  We must walk gratefully, carefully on it now.  Now is the lifetime that passes here, now is the best of all days; now is the flower's eternity in the sun, our chance of a lifetime.

This is all we have, this moment.  Within it, anything can be done, any dream fulfilled, if we only use it well.  Why hold back?  There is nothing to stop us.

What can I do to use this moment well?