Holding On.

I seem to hold on to things that no longer mean anything to anyone.

Years ago, I was given a beautiful angel of wishes by a friend. At that time, this was a newly developing friendship. Where in I spread my wings and sheltered him, showing him the ways without letting him get hurt. Much like a Guardian angel, I observed and let him decide for himself, never interfering but protecting him still. During that time in my life, I was developing a stronger sense of self and people felt intimidated by it. People were coming in and out of my life with secret intended messages, and so their purposes were limited. But I held on...

This same person I speak off, he is no longer in my life. Biting the hand that feeds you will often result in being striken by that same hand. He bit and in my hurt, I struck him. Now when we see each other we often look the other way. Maybe because we are embarrassed or hurt or a combination of both... But I still hold on.... I see his gift and I wonder why I still hold on...

Maybe i keep the gift because after all it was given... but it no longer means anything to me... it's still beautiful to look at... but it means nothing to me sentimentally. Is there any sense in holding on still?

-Rob

Love

The year was 1994, when the world first heard Madonna's Bedtime Stories. By this time, I had already read George Hebert's famous poem, Love. It's a beautiful poem, while you're reading, listen to the song, you'll find it eerily similar.

Love.

Love bade me welcome; yet my soul drew back
guilty of dust and sin.
But quick eyed love, observing me grow slack
from my first entrance in,
Drew nearer to me, sweetly questioning
If I lack anything.

"A guest" I answered, "worthy to be here."
Love said, "You shall be he."
"I, the unkind, ungrateful? Ah, my dear,
I cannot look on thee."
Love took my hand, and smiling, did reply,
"Who made the eyes but I?"

"Truth, Lord, but I have marred them: let my shame
Go where it doth deserve"
"And know you not," says Love, "Who bore the blame?"
"My dear, then I will serve."
"You must sit down," says Love, "and taste my meat."
So I did sit and eat.

-George Hebert

Madonna's song Love tried to welcome me from her Bedtime Stories Album (1994.)

The Desiderata, Max Ehrman, 1927

Most recently, I came across The Desiderata, a poem written in 1927 and credited to Max Ehrman. The wisdom detailed below is timeless. 

The Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, 

and remember what peace there may be in silence. 

As far as possible, without surrender, 

be on good terms with all persons. 

Speak your truth quietly and clearly; 

and listen to others, 

even to the dull and the ignorant; 

they too have their story. 

Avoid loud and aggressive persons; 

they are vexatious to the spirit. 

If you compare yourself with others, 

you may become vain or bitter, 

for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. 

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. 

Keep interested in your own career, however humble; 

it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. 

Exercise caution in your business affairs, 

for the world is full of trickery. 

But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; 

many persons strive for high ideals, 

and everywhere life is full of heroism. 

Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. 

Neither be cynical about love, 

for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, 

it is as perennial as the grass. 

Take kindly the counsel of the years, 

gracefully surrendering the things of youth. 

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. 

But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. 

Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. 

Beyond a wholesome discipline, 

be gentle with yourself. 

You are a child of the universe 

no less than the trees and the stars; 

you have a right to be here. 

And whether or not it is clear to you, 

no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. 

Therefore be at peace with God, 

whatever you conceive Him to be. 

And whatever your labors and aspirations, 

in the noisy confusion of life, 

keep peace in your soul. 

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, 

it is still a beautiful world. 

Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.