Favourite Dress

I met someone recently who had a favourite dress.
Pink. Bow on the front, not tired up.
Free, relaxed, worn in the comfort of home.
This was her favourite dress.

Seeing her put it on, still wet from the washing machine...
Well it made me think of my favourite dress.
Of how certain items of clothing make us feel.
How they can tell us something about the person wearing them.

In that light, let me tell you about my favourite dress.
It is moss green, old, lose fitting, and is made of rayon.
It has black buttons down half of the back and
is covered with black birds. I throw it on so easily, so naturally.

I wear it on my days off, it helps me relax.
Huddled up, laying down, stretching out,  no one else around.
Or there may as well be. Because this dress is one I wear when comfortable.
So good news, if I wear it around you, I'm truly relaxed with you.

You know who you are. Family, close friends and dogs.
I love you and can recharge. I don't feel observed and judged.
Because you are people and animals that stick around.
When I've had a hard day and get emotional, you help me get through.

This isn't just about a dress, it's about what it means.
It means that I am giving myself time to reflect, no expectations, no pressure.
So, reader, how about you.  I'm wearing mine as I write this poem.
I want to hear about your favourite item... what do you come back to and repair?

What is your favourite dress?

Feel

All of it. Pain, sorrow, not only yours but others.
So deep it wounds you.

But... if I did not feel...
How would I know?

To just hold, stroke, speak gently.
Be present and give all attention.

Till you find the pain bearable.
For I bear it with you.

Truly sorry that someone I
care about is in such pain.

So... thank you God.
For allowing me to feel.

To feel a little like you did.
When you bore all our pain.

“Come, Mr. Frodo!' he cried. 'I can't carry it for you, but I can carry you.”

― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Return of the King

Fire Extinguisher

-Dedication: To all the Fire Fighters in NSW... thank you.-

Flames. Any kind.

Easy to exacerbate. Easy to create. 

But hard to tame. 

How do you lessen a flame?

It takes time to quell.

Why? Because fire is powerful.

Angry fire, boiling emotions.

Fire is real, hot, and decimates fast.

How to make still? Still enough to quench?

We'll need resources: patience, time, respect.

A clear head and a calm presence.

Let it still and slowly soften the flame.

It is love.

 Love that gives what is needed.

To save relationships, treasures and life.

The willingness to fight back  the flames.

So thank you to firefights of NSW.

Those who put themselves at risk,

to save others, often strangers.  

Thank you for showing us bravery. 

For your example we can find courage to fight.

To fight flames of anger and powerful emotions. 

To help others fight internal flames.

To say 'hey, let's take a breath together'. 

Because if a fire-fighter can stand up to flames...

Then so must I. 

With you by my side. 

Luke 18: "For nothing is impossible with God"

"Come to me, my people"

"They will be my people and I will be there God@. Sath the Lord.

Why do I complain?
I have been a victom, yes. But lately that is all.

Lord, I have paused on your path.
At times I even forgot.

So filled with sorrow I could not see.
Could not sing as I walked along.
Stumbling, on I stayed.

Why? because nothing could separate
me from you God my Father.
Somthing keeps me traveling on.
For I trust the one who first trod.

Christ, the one sent to guide.
To be the light in the darkness.
So I follow the light.
The one who has borne many burdens.

Always bringing me back.
Picking me up. Taking me home.
Pursading me to eat and drink.
Oh, to be nurished my your word.

Thankyou for not letting me go.
When I am ready to give up.
You are are not. So here I come.
To you, most high God.

Forever I am yours.

Simple

Sitting drinking coffee
The taste, smell and relaxation.
Feeling it refresh as it fills the mouth.

Observing the good in humanity.
Customer service done right.
Each person polite, patient and smiling.
Taking the time to communicate.

Exchanging stories with charity workers.
One person pausing to help another.
Strolling along through the park.
Watching as the sun moves, altering nature's colours.

Reading a good book in a hammock.
Taking down crisp, sun-dried washing.
Watching and laughing as dogs play.
Venturing out, exploring new places.

Such simple moments in life.
To cherish them, do one thing.
Look up from your screens!
Stop. Leave the house and observe.

Treasure all these things.

Faith

Faith can be all sorts of things.

Faith is trusting that it’ll be okay.

Faith. Even though it’s hard…

In the end what you have Faith in will remain.

A relationship. A career. A belief.

Ask yourself why you fight for it.

Our faith may undergo seasons and change shape.

I have faith, and I pray it will remain.

Faith to others may not make sense.

Faith is more than vague hope.

Faith looks different from one person to another.

We all have faith in something.

Me, I have faith in God.

That even when I miss my turn.

He’ll always be there.

Waiting to guide me home.

What do you have faith in?

What keeps you going?

Faith, even when small, we still have it.

Me, I hold on tight, I don’t want to let go.

Happiness

Happiness is complicated.

It’s superficial. Laughing to stave off pain.

It’s genuine. Being grateful, content with the simple.

Happiness is both unexpected and the result of search.

But how is happiness possible?

Happiness. Don’t give up the search.

Like a sliver of gold amongst quartz.

Work, people you’re close to, long walks…

Share your happiness. Where do you find it?

What motivates you to get up and sift through sadness?

And what are the things that make it worth it?

Mine is hope. Hope that even though life can suck…

God is always there to guide me and give me joy, peace and rest.

Happiness.