Let it fly...

I’m not sure when they came into popularity; yet, many people fly a flag in front of their homes. Yes, some may keep it patriotic and fly the American flag. Because black and gold roots run deep, others proudly and, for some, year round, let the Steelers flag whirl in the breeze. Still, others decorate their homes with seasonally and holiday-themed banners.

Each in one's own way is making a statement about one’s homeland, one’s nationality, one’s allegiance, one’s rooting interest.

Why this entire flap about flags?

This morning on my commute into work, while stopped at a traffic light, I glanced up and noticed there was a flag flying above the Children’s Museum on the North Side. It was a baby-blue colored flag and I waited for the wind to unfurl it in such a way as to allow me to read its message.

As the blue flag snapped outward printed on it in bright red letters was the word, “Hi” --- perfect.

Perfect for a place dedicated to children; think about it, when you meet a small child there greeting is often a simple and innocent “Hi.”

Perfect for all of us considering a flag to fly --- what could be more welcoming and more a sign of warm hospitality than unfurling a banner that unassumingly says, “Hi.”

In a world wired for distance, consider how far a simple “Hi” can reach.

sj;

With beauty before me, I journey....

A most happy, happy New Year! Does anyone know how long one should use that phrase? When is the year no longer considered new? When is the year no longer considered happy?

I’m banking that the year 2013 still has a good bit of dew on it and that all is well.

The blog begins another year. As is true for most of us “resolution makers,” I too hope for more discipline and stronger priorities and a commitment to do what brings the most light and peace.

In preparation for this New Year, I spent some time reflecting on 2012. One of the spiritual practices I do each day is along with writing down five things for which I am grateful in that 24-hour period, I also write down where I saw beauty that day. Along with providing a nice close to the day, it is also fun to look back over what I wrote and recall those moments of beauty.

During 2012, my list of where I saw beauty included:

• Bright sun reflected on white snow
• The woman who is always smiling as she sweeps the streets on the
North Side
• Noticing the blooming
• A kid on her first bike ride --- going it solo
• Day baseball at PNC Park
• White trillium filling the hillside
• A doe and two spotted fawns
• Softness of morning light
• Kayakers on the river, paddling under the 9th Street Bridge as a
steady rain falls
• A rainbow arching over the Sound at the Outer Banks, NC

2013 is three days in, where have you seen beauty?

I invite you to try this practice. See if it sticks. Share your list with another.

As the year begins, may you journey with beauty before you, behind you, below you, above you, and all around you.

sj;

Holiday ABC's....

V = Voices Do you hear the voices of the season? The laughter, the stories, the songs? Christmas at the House of Snyder is, as is true with most family gatherings, a loud, raucous, laughter-infused affair. None of us would have it any other way. It seems that at this time of year it is easier to still hear the voices and laughter of the many who have passed on. Listen.

W = Winter Snow on trees and rooftops; bundling up in coats and scarves and gloves; air so cold you can see your breath --- all this makes you want to get inside and get warm by beverage, in front of a fireplace, or in the company of others.

X = The Greek letter, “Chi” written in English as X When I was young and impressionable, I was offended by people who would write X-Mas instead of Christmas. Then I learned that “X” is how one writes the Greek letter Chi that stands for Christ. We get so bothered by little things and forget what really matters --- how we live and the call to love will make it clear to everyone the why of the season.

Y = You So much of this season is what you choose to make it. So, how goes your holiday?

Z = Zither You thought I wouldn’t be able to find a “z” word, didn’t you??? Even though I have zero musical ability, I always thought (and really still do) that it would be fantastic to be able to sing and play a musical instrument and entertain. In trying to assist with that dream, one Christmas my parents bought me a “Zither,” is a small, lap-held, harp instrument. To play it, you would put the music sheet under the strings and follow the notes that were color-coded. Sounds simple --- did I mention my total lack of musical ability. Yet, one can still dream….

sj;