My symphony
A deliberate journey
"To live content with small means; to seek elegance rather than luxury,
and refinement rather than fashion; to be worthy, not respectable, and
wealthy, not rich; to study hard, think quietly, talk gently, act frankly; to
listen to stars and birds, to babes and sages, with open heart; to bear all cheerfully, do all bravely, await occasion, hurry never. In a word, to
let the spiritual, unbidden and unconscious, grow up through the common.
This is to be my symphony." -- William Henry Channing
This life that I live, I have one chance to do it right. I want to leave a legacy, that my family and I lived well, loved much, enjoyed each other, tried our very best at all that was laid at our feet. That we strove to honor God in all that we set out to do. But I get waylaid at times... first by the need to "provide for my children", which is closely followed by the glitz of acquisition - more THINGS, more MONEY, bigger HOUSE, more expensive CAR. Ad nauseum. And of course, it's a vicious cycle, because one can never quench this bottomless thirst. How quickly I sink into the quicksand. Immobilized and out of control.
The aforementioned quote has been a touchstone. It reminds me that life should be a deliberate journey.
Let my life be a symphony to You, Lord.
A gift of words
I had a chance to make a hybrid album with this quote, and I sent it to my sister-in-law. I hope it uplifts you when your spirit needs a boost.
Photos of the album (I think she's received it by now): 
