Humility

From My Garden
Originally uploaded by ruthykarp67

"Humility - is perpetual quietness of heart. It is to have no trouble. It is never to be fretted or vexed, irritable or sore. To wonder at nothing that is done to me, to feel nothing done against me. It is to be at rest when nobody praises me, and when I am blamed or despised. It is to have a blessed home in myself where I can go in and shut the door and kneel to my Father in secret and be at peace, as in a deep sea of calmness, when all around and about is trouble..." Author Unknown

Who wrote this "beautiful something" I aspire to and why are they unknown? Someone should get credit.

Alas, those that know me realize that I lack a perpetual quietness of anything! But I do desperately long to be still and rest in the Living God of the Universe. I have made many mistakes, especially lately, that have been rooted in pride. So I find myself withdrawing to a place of calm, praying for a humble and quiet spirit - hoping for some peace of mind and heart.

Mother's Day

"My mother was a minister of blessing to all human beings within her sphere of action...She had no feelings but of kindness and beneficence. Yet her mind was as firm as her temper was mild and gentle. She has been to me more than a mother. She has been a spirit from above watching over me for good, and contributing, by my mere consciousness of her existence, to the comfort of my life...Never have I known another human being, the perpetual object of whose life, was so unremittingly to do good." ~John Adams

Many days, when I come home from work, I'll hear the wonderful clink, clank of buttons and zippers in the dryer and find neatly folded clothes on the dining room table. The work of my laundry fairygodmother. I'll look out the front door and see her, not sprinkling fairy dust while waving her wand mid-air. No, she's sitting in a wicker chair on the porch with Phoebe at her feet, enjoying the sunshine while waiting for the next load to dry or her grandkids to come home - whichever comes first. It's a snapshot that I will always hold close to my heart.

John Adams summed my mother up quite nicely, I think. She is truly the comfort of my life. Today, especially, I can't help but think of how blessed I am to be the beneficiary of such a beautiful gift.

P.S. I recently wrote a story (for a class assignment) entitled, "This Little Light Of Mine." It's a very special childhood memory I have of her. (You can read it by clicking on "ruthys writings" to the left.)

Happy Mother's Day to all who "watch over" your little and grown ones for good!