As we boarded the boat for the sunset cruise around the Maine islands, I knew it would be a spectacular evening. The air was filled with the enticing aromas of grilled food and the harmonies of acoustic guitars from the Old Port eateries.
We were playing local tourists that day, doing the things we always intended to do over the years. Jim and I raced to the back of the boat, hoping to get seats with an unobstructed view of the lighthouses.
Leaving Portland Harbor, we were greeted by two seals, playing like black lab pups in the water. The lights of the city had just come on, and sparkled like diamonds from a distance.
We sat side by side in a comfortable silence, taking in the magnificence of the craggy shoreline dotted with white Adirondack chairs. Everyone aboard waved to those lucky enough to have front row seats to the Atlantic.
The first of six lighthouses, Portland Breakwater Light, came into view. I had seen each of the beacons from the land, but there was something so calming from this aspect. Each one, as we passed by seemed to say “You’re safe, stay the course.”
One in particular intrigued me – Spring Point Ledge Light. To mariners properly positioned in the channel, the light showed white. Outside of the fairway, the light was red, providing clear, unmistakable guidance, even in the worst weather.
How dangerous and unpredictable sailing must have been before these guideposts were built. And by contrast, how assuasive it had to be for those aboard to see the steadfast lights.
It was the same reassured, confident look I get from my children as our eyes meet. Whether it’s from the stage of their elementary school Christmas concert, or peering out the window of the school bus in the morning, they’re just making sure I’m there. They’re looking for that light in my eyes telling them, “You’re safe. Stay the course. I’ll be here for you.”
This T-Day, create that safe harbor for someone in your life. Let them know you’ll be a steadfast beacon they can count on when times get tough.
Our monthly Together We Can Change The World Day is about joining together to make a conscious difference.
Please visit our website at www.togetherwecanchangetheworldday.com and scroll across available service projects and add your own.
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Showing posts with label T-Day. Show all posts
Showing posts with label T-Day. Show all posts
Monday, August 24, 2009
Monday, May 18, 2009
In the Stillness
I often think back to the years when I worked as a forester in Maine, and remember special, one of a kind moments. Although at the time, I’m sure I thought these were great experiences, it’s only now that I am older that I can really appreciate their value.
One rainy, late spring morning, I found myself aching to get out of the office. I don’t remember what it was that weighed on my mind that day, but I do remember the feeling of needing some space from the world, and a safe place to cry. Surely, the forest would provide solitude. I drove down the winding Canton Point Road to an area I was responsible for managing. Even though I put on my cruising vest and took the orange roll of flagging with me, I knew I had no intention of working. Soon, I found myself sitting on a boulder the size of a VW Beetle, sobbing while the rain fell all around me. An hour went by. Eventually, my tears subsided, and I was quiet in the stillness of the newly green forest. I couldn’t cry any more or even think any more so I just sat and enjoyed the peacefulness. Out of the corner of my eye, I caught some slight movement, and there she was! A dappled fawn, probably only a few weeks old, wandered not more than ten feet from the boulder. How sweet it must be to have not a care in the world.
Our encounter was fleeting, but it was long enough. She looked up at me, I looked at her and whispered, “Thanks.” Then she was off.
So often as we go through our days, we find ourselves in need of stillness, but we reject it. Doing nothing is unfortunately viewed as unproductive in these times of multitasking, texting, and social networking. Now, I know, being still can be just as productive as being busy. It’s part of my parenting repertoire these days for my five children.
When one of them is stressed, I often recommend that they spend a few moments on the porch swing. There’s a bronze plaque hung on the porch post, visible only to the person on the swing that reads “Be Still and Know that I Am”.
On T-day in June, how about offering someone time to be alone, to be still? Whether it’s a frazzled parent, or a teacher pushed to her limits by a class anxious for summer, giving each other our time is so important.
Every project is special enough to be registered on the T-day site. Your idea may spark many others to do the same. Our monthly Together We Can Change The World Day is about joining together to make a conscious difference.
Please visit our website at http://www.togetherwecanchangetheworldday.com/ and scroll across available service projects and add your own.
One rainy, late spring morning, I found myself aching to get out of the office. I don’t remember what it was that weighed on my mind that day, but I do remember the feeling of needing some space from the world, and a safe place to cry. Surely, the forest would provide solitude. I drove down the winding Canton Point Road to an area I was responsible for managing. Even though I put on my cruising vest and took the orange roll of flagging with me, I knew I had no intention of working. Soon, I found myself sitting on a boulder the size of a VW Beetle, sobbing while the rain fell all around me. An hour went by. Eventually, my tears subsided, and I was quiet in the stillness of the newly green forest. I couldn’t cry any more or even think any more so I just sat and enjoyed the peacefulness. Out of the corner of my eye, I caught some slight movement, and there she was! A dappled fawn, probably only a few weeks old, wandered not more than ten feet from the boulder. How sweet it must be to have not a care in the world.
Our encounter was fleeting, but it was long enough. She looked up at me, I looked at her and whispered, “Thanks.” Then she was off.
So often as we go through our days, we find ourselves in need of stillness, but we reject it. Doing nothing is unfortunately viewed as unproductive in these times of multitasking, texting, and social networking. Now, I know, being still can be just as productive as being busy. It’s part of my parenting repertoire these days for my five children.
When one of them is stressed, I often recommend that they spend a few moments on the porch swing. There’s a bronze plaque hung on the porch post, visible only to the person on the swing that reads “Be Still and Know that I Am”.
On T-day in June, how about offering someone time to be alone, to be still? Whether it’s a frazzled parent, or a teacher pushed to her limits by a class anxious for summer, giving each other our time is so important.
Every project is special enough to be registered on the T-day site. Your idea may spark many others to do the same. Our monthly Together We Can Change The World Day is about joining together to make a conscious difference.
Please visit our website at http://www.togetherwecanchangetheworldday.com/ and scroll across available service projects and add your own.
Friday, May 8, 2009
The Big Date
Back in the fall of 1989, I was scouting a tract of forest in a remote part of Riley, Maine. It was chilly enough to see my breath as I hiked up the old skid trail. Riley is known for its rugged terrain, and this was no exception. My eyes were mostly scanning the ground to make sure I had sure footing. These kind of days were what I loved most about being a forester. I had the freedom to let my thoughts wander as I continued up the mountainside.
A loud breathy snort brought me back to attention. Up ahead about 20 feet was an enormous bull moose! Now, these guys run about 1500 lbs and 6 feet tall at shoulder height. To make matters worse, it was their rut, or mating season. Guess who he wanted to be his date?
Panic stricken, I looked all around for a place to hide, eventually crouching behind a huge spruce. Once I knew I was safe from Bullwinkle’s advances, all I could think of was how ‘wicked cool’ this was! I continued to watch the magnificent animal until he was out of sight. My fear had been transformed into appreciation for the majesty of nature.
These can be very scary times for people. Maybe the best thing you can do for someone is to be a safe place. Putting some distance between them and their fears might allow a different perspective on the problem.
Together We Can Change the World, Inc. isn’t just about the big projects. It’s about what we do in our every day lives to make things a little better.
Our monthly Together We Can Change the World Day is about joining together to make a conscious difference, big or small.
Please visit our website at www.togetherwecanchangetheworldday.com, scroll across available service projects and add your own.
A loud breathy snort brought me back to attention. Up ahead about 20 feet was an enormous bull moose! Now, these guys run about 1500 lbs and 6 feet tall at shoulder height. To make matters worse, it was their rut, or mating season. Guess who he wanted to be his date?
Panic stricken, I looked all around for a place to hide, eventually crouching behind a huge spruce. Once I knew I was safe from Bullwinkle’s advances, all I could think of was how ‘wicked cool’ this was! I continued to watch the magnificent animal until he was out of sight. My fear had been transformed into appreciation for the majesty of nature.
These can be very scary times for people. Maybe the best thing you can do for someone is to be a safe place. Putting some distance between them and their fears might allow a different perspective on the problem.
Together We Can Change the World, Inc. isn’t just about the big projects. It’s about what we do in our every day lives to make things a little better.
Our monthly Together We Can Change the World Day is about joining together to make a conscious difference, big or small.
Please visit our website at www.togetherwecanchangetheworldday.com, scroll across available service projects and add your own.
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