“Whether you’ve seen angels floating around your bedroom or just found a ray of hope at a lonely moment, choosing to believe that something unseen in caring for you can be a life-shifting exercise.” – Martha Beck
Years ago, Jim and I went to see the musical “Rent”, and ended up walking out at the intermission. It felt depressing and dark, hopeless and heavy.
Then last summer, we cautiously went to see “Rent” again, put on by our local Musical Theatre. We loved it!! I cried and laughed. The music stayed with me. I loved the story, and was in awe at the courage of the young people who were facing AIDS in the 1990’s, dealing with drug addiction, homelessness, and no money. I could feel their love, in spite of their circumstances. I could feel their hope and community, in spite of lives that seemed pretty hopeless.
It’s easy to get caught up in our challenges, and forget how blessed we are, how supported we are. All we need to do is look around – at people who are homeless and struggling to survive, at people who don’t have enough to eat, at people who are dealing with painful and frightening illness – there is so much pain around us. And there is also so much love and kindness and courage! People keep going, laughing, loving, and enjoying what they do have!
I keep some “Blessing Bags” in my car for homeless people. They have some food and water, socks and a beanie hat, some cash… Last month I handed one to a sweet man who was asking for help by a stop sign. He was so excited to see new socks! He sat down and put them on his feet (which were bare in boots) right there! This stayed with me for a long time – how something as simple as new socks can make someone so very happy! He kept thanking me. It brought tears to my eyes. And reminded me to be grateful right here and now. This song always opens my heart and brings good tears:
Finale B – by Jonathan Larson (from the musical Rent)
No Day But Today
“There’s only us, there’s only this
Forget regret, or life is yours to miss
No other path, no other way
No day but today
There’s only us, only tonight
We must let go to know what’s right
No other road, No other way
No day but today
I can’t control my destiny
I trust my soul, my only goal
Is just to be
There’s only now, there’s only here
Give in to love or live in fear
No other path, No other way
No day but today
There’s only us, There’s only this
Forget regret, or life is yours to miss
No other road, no other way
No day but today”
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“Spread love wherever you go. Let no one come to you without leaving happier.” – Mother Teresa