Kind Thoughts

May God (or that which we pray to) watch over the world, and may all persons think with fair, intelligent minds.

For All

Heavenly Father,

Grant us the serenity to accept the things we cannot change,
the courage to change the things we can,
and the wisdom to know the difference.

Amen


I did not write this prayer. It is simply here to share.

Who is he?

His eyes could see

His mouth could taste

His body could feel

Leaves in the trees

Blew gently

The wind offered freedom

Blue below

And around

Yellow warmth from the East

Perfect.

Morning hunger sang

A voice calm and silent

On the branch

Over the lake

Waiting.

Small ripples

Too small

Loud sounds ruin focus

Intruder interrupts

Waiting, again.

Pass the waves, and White

Patient stillness.

- - -

Loud sounds gone

Morning hunger calm

Curious current offered freedom

Blue around

And above

Yellow green Northeast

Pleasant.

Plump with energy

Instinct tells him to jump

Gracefully eager

Big ripples.

- - -

There.

Wings stretch six feet

Diving fast through crisp air

Swoop and snatch

Back to branch

Satisfaction.

Beautiful and bold

He calls this home

A wonder to the rest

A question

A sight

We wait for a glance

Seconds long

And dance

Around ideas and thoughts

Memories of light

Eagerly jumping

Many ripples.

The Tennis Lesson

So it begins, the father teaches. I am young, but quick to learn. The green ball bounces from one friend to the other with such rhythm, the rackets an extension of each player’s arm. I watch and listen. I’m in awe. Suddenly I see the green before me. I swing. Ouch. It’s caught by the net. Shoot. “Try again!” Dad starts the play. I feel my wrist throb. “It hurts my wrist!”

“A good hurt, keep it straight!” I catch a smile from my teacher. Okay, keep it straight. Green again, straight swing. Ouch. It clears the net. Old friend passes with a grin. And so it continued.

I must confess that’s the only time I’ve played thus far. Therefore, I am by no means an expert. But I did learn something quite unique that day. Inside that little green ball lies a lot of power - and not just because it leaves your wrist sore. The true power of the tennis ball is in the gift of sharing. Each time it bounces from your racket, it’s yours for the moment. Then you pass it along, and it becomes your friend’s. What a wonderful way to share wisdom.