Solomon (TSJ’s voice of wooly, practical wisdom), wants to remind us today that: “The Sky is the Limit!“
Yesterday and today mark the beginning of a new school year for kids, parents, and school personnel here in upstate New York. And it means “good-bye summer!” As such, most of us have been making some changes, such as buying clothes and supplies, getting classrooms ready, and shifting bedtimes.
Solomon and I have been feeling sad about summer ending. Well, much more me than Solomon.
It all began on Sunday. Tom watched weather forecasts and declared Sunday as that end-of-summer day in which to dismantle the gazebo that sits on our deck to protect us from too much sun and/or dampness and insects. We love spending early mornings there and while having our evening meal, watching birds and animal activity in the back yard. But we need to take it down when the canvas is completely dry. Several sunny days had made that possible.
Sigh. One thing we humans can count on is nothing stays the same. Nature seems to get bored easily. Nature is always in process, always creating. So why do we give ourselves such a hard time that our brains are so busy? We love to create too.
Anyhow, our practical, positive, and wise Solomon noticed something awesome. He declared, “Hey, Ms. Margie, look! Now there is no ceiling over our heads! Good-bye, gazebo and hello, sky.”
Then he sat back “smug as a bug in a rug.” He was proud of this observation and wanted me to tell you.
He was right of course. “The sky is the limit.” Literally. The limit on our vision was immediately lifted, expanded. Our perspective was forced to change. Tom and I sat outside that evening and saw stars, the tops of trees silhouetted against the sky, and bats flying around searching for insects. We were content in a whole new way.
The next morning, missing the coziness of the gazebo, I placed a chair in the corner of the deck where I was partly sheltered and the sun’s first rays warmed the dampness in the air. I had the best time reading and journaling there. (Although I did have a lap blanket to help keep me warm.) It was a great transition spot for my spirit to reset itself. Transition moments are important for us all, young and old. We need to make them as pleasant for ourselves and for kids as possible.
So, with the changing of the seasons and with the onset of new demands on our time and energy, let’s practice what Solomon did and adopt a new perspective. The sky is always the limit when it comes to that.
Finally, there is no ceiling for the influence each of us has on the imaginations and dreams of children. And there is no ceiling for our own dreams, passions, and missions either.
This is not what I had in mind to blog about today, but Solomon had his way again. In his wise sheep brain, he was thinking about how you are all shepherds of today’s children and youth. Specifically, he says we are all shepherds-in-training as we have a divine Shepherd to help us along the way. He never wants us to forget that.
Thanks for the reminder, Solomon! When we feel worried, fearful, or overwhelmed we do tend to feel alone and forget to help each other and to listen to the patient, loving voice of the Shepherd within our hearts and souls.
Solomon and I both will do our best to support all TSJ friends in any way we can over the rough spots and celebrate with you moments of success and joys no matter how small they may seem to you.
We are now working on a theme for November’s annual retreat. Stay tuned, we will keep you posted.
Oh, Solomon also wanted me to remind you that we are now past the pesky season of insects. He hates those pests in his wool. 🙂
Remember, “the sky is the limit” and have fun in the pastures, wherever you are.
Solomon and Margie
PS ~ if you are a new reader who has stumbled onto this blog, please know that Solomon is a stuffed sheep and completely a figment of my imagination. Feel free to read “our” story by going to About Solomon.