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Jean(Muriel)'s avatar

Yesterday , as I was leaving an appointment , I happened to notice a large vine of plant coming from a private yard out to the public sidewalk. Mostly chopped off of veins of life, the plant was almost leafless. But right in the middle of that destruction was the most beautiful single large white lily. I looked twice to make sure I was seeing correctly. It was a picture perfect single white lily defying all the ugliness of the sprawling , injured vine. Lying close to the gutter, but lying “in wait” for anyone who chose “slowing down” to going too fast.

Remember what you might be missing.

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Graciewilde's avatar

You got it, Murie! There is so much beauty and often not necesarily where we expect beauty to be. I’m glad you found that delightful bit of a beauty surprise. She sounds perfect. Just like you.

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Stacy Low's avatar

I like those ideas. Maybe now we have time to be the ones who ease the burden of those who are still in the thick of raising children and/or working hard at careers or needing extra care in some way. Wisdom, perspective and time are our luxury now.

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Graciewilde's avatar

Exactly, Stacy! I think that is a wonderful way to make the world a better place now. We can’t fix everything but we can make a difference to those parents and people who are under a lot of stress. Thanks for adding to the convo!

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Bruce Tomlin's avatar

You’re making my world a better place and I very much appreciate your presence.

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Graciewilde's avatar

Thank you, Bruce. Your friendship matters.

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Mary Frances's avatar

I think you are right! THis hits home. Thank you.

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Graciewilde's avatar

Thank YOU, Mary! One month from today and you get to have a birthday! Are you ready for it?

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Deborah Brasket's avatar

I love this, Gracie! The small, quiet things we do can make a big difference and be the most satisfying as well. And that last photo, yes! Big smiles here. Thanks you for all the small wonderful things you do and share here with others.

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Graciewilde's avatar

Thanks, Deborah! I selected those photos as my way of pointing to the little things that can make the world quite astounding. My desire is to keep looking for and loving the little things. Thanks for reading and commenting and restacking.

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Deborah Brasket's avatar

Yes, looking for and loving the little things is so important.

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Michael Kohl's avatar

A Jesuit homily awhile back keeps popping up-n "less is more"

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Graciewilde's avatar

Indeed, it often is. Thanks for reading all these posts, Michael.

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heydave56's avatar

Great photos!

We certainly don't want to squander our lives. But somehow that gets conflated with lists generated by a society around us. And that same society is flailing to find meaning, so it needs a list of instructions!

I would suggest that, yes, we need to be responsible and productive. But after the typical Big Things that must people face, read the room and adapt! Lead an existence that conforms to what you feel in your heart to be true.

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Graciewilde's avatar

I like thata, Dave! It's what I intend to do. I liked those big tasks of my life. I liked working with families and also building and nurturing my own family. Now, I want to spend a bit more time just being in the world, appreciating what I see around me. Thanks for adding to the convo.

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