Good Morning, TSJ Seekers of Wisdom !
I overheard Solomon and SJ chatting together this morning . They have been missing Tom’s Wednesday morning pat on the head and I have been careless about it. Truthfully, I have missed that ritual too since he has been in his heavenly home.
But today I remembered and sat them in front of the window so they could look out and see “The bench” and beyond.
Before long I heard a discussion going on between senior and wizened Solomon and curious Solomon Junior (SJ).
SJ asked Solomon, “What is a horizon? I have been hearing Ms. Margie talk about that lately and she seems rather thoughtful when 
she talks about it. I notice she looks out the window and mutters about the big houses on the other side of the ravine and trees that can be seen, yet are private and not accessible from this side. She seems to think Tom is over there ‘ever so close and yet so far’ from her reach.”
Solomon listened kindly. And he shared his earthy wisdom and conversations he has had with Ms. Margie.
Now I cannot completely capture his words, but I can share with you my thoughts of late which Solomon has heard several times. I tried to take a picture to help make my point but it is a bit unclear. Still, if you look carefully you can see white spots beyond the trees. That is a house. “The bench” where Tom and I sat a year and a half ago is not easily seen (to the right) in the picture now that spring is arriving.
On this journey of grief and renewed joy, I am learning that one’s perspective changes about life, death, and life beyond this dimension. As I look out the window at the houses beyond the small ravine it reminds me of what Jesus said about the “other side” of the thin line between life here and life there (notice the word “here” is in both)….
Jesus told his disciples he was going to prepare a place for them (and us) in his Father’s house. Some translations read, “In my father’s house are many mansions.”
Obviously he was using words we mortals understand. A mansion does not sound like a hut. And it sounds quite inclusive since the mansions are inside God’s greater house-which obviously is another whole dimension or kingdom. A spiritual kingdom.
That has led me to think about many things I am learning since Tom left his earth body. The concept of time and distance are both in flux for me right now. Tom does not feel far away nor does it feel like time exists in my heart. It feels like what I see when I look out my bedroom window. I can see the house beyond the immediate horizon of the path to the bench and the path to the trails that are fun to explore. I cannot reach the house and it is not mine to reach. This vision through the trees reminds me Tom’s legacy is visible even when it cannot be touched.
I am also learning about building new relationships, creating new goals, new dreams and remembering we are left to carry on the lessons we learn. Life is more precious the more we give to it. People are more precious the more we love them. Happiness is more effective for inspiring others than sadness, anger, bitterness, etc. Yes, we must go through some of those emotions because we are human. But as we go through darker valleys looking ahead, love and hope bring clarity to the beauty of life both here and there.
So Solomon had his hands full with SJ, reviewing that Mr. Tom really is close by and that we will have times we miss his pat on the head but that horizons seem to shift when you stand in different spots.Things look different.
Here are a couple of definitions from my computer dictionary:
Horizon:
“The line in which the earth’s surface and the sky appear to meet” (think ‘visible horizons’ ) ….or...
“The limit of a person’s mental perceptions, experience or interest.”
Clearly my perceptions of life and death are changing. The distance is closing. The joy of life here is blending with the belief of joy there all wrapped up in this great mystery we call love.
I am learning about walking closer and confidently toward the horizons or limits of my own perceptions and assumptions. I have pondered a lot a phrase attributed to Rollo May: “It is difficult to see around our assumptive horizons.”
Assumptions create boundaries and limit our vision. Assumptions really come from our own short-sightedness. As perceptions change, we learn that the horizon reveals things we never dreamt of. Including the earth being round rather than flat.
So today I invite you to think about things that limit your joy. What perceptions and tightly held assumptions might you have about life, yourself, others, work, and relationships?
If you feel stuck, angry, lonely, judgmental and frightened about your present or your future…Solomon says that our visible horizons are not that accurate. Shift your thinking and you will see great possibilities. T
Solomon did a great job of helping SJ feel the love that lasts forever.
Enjoy your day in the pastures of life. Solomon and Sj are feeling quite content. As am I.
Margie
PS… The book I wrote about last week , The Sleep Revolution by Arianna Huffington looks fantastic. You may want to check it out.