you've always had them
your wings. you know.
they were there the day you were born. untouched. perfect.
~
are you waiting for the perfect dream to use them. wings don't need dreams
did you know that other people see our wings long before we ever do
~
i saw wings on a foster mom at the grocery store yesterday. she doesn't know how their brightness almost blinded me.
i have wings. they're kind of green and sparkly according to my friend diana. they really got a workout when i lived in indiana and worked with children who lived in group homes. lately they feel a bit dried up and crusty. my fault.
~
do you help out in a food pantry. a homeless shelter. watch your neighbor's children for her when she can't find a sitter. shovel the driveway next to yours just because. maybe you deliver meals on wheels. or talk and gently pat the hand of your elderly neighbor whose family doesn't visit often enough.
~
tell me
who is it lately that's been talking about the wings they saw you wearing
when you thought the only thing they were pointing at was your new haircut.
come on. don't be shy.
i just know you've been doing something good
*
i have crusty wings too...just because all i seem to do is work and collapse exhausted. but from time to time they peek out - smiling at the exhausted clerk at the grocery, slipping a few dollars in the change jar for donations, hugging someone that needs a hug, trying to stay positive.
ReplyDeletei recently held open Wendy's door for an elderly man who walked with a cane and he complimented me. he even apologized for being rude to me earlier though I hadn't thought him rude at all. i think back on that day many times and smile because we made a small connection that's firmly placed in my heart. heartwarming post, lovely photo. have a great day.
ReplyDeleteOh yeah, doing some little things that don't need attention. Just feels good to do them.
ReplyDeleteahhhhh, this is delighting me on oh so many levels... I have kind of gotten so that I purposefully don't keep track... its almost a natural, automatic response I now have... without it really being about me.
ReplyDeleteMy wings... are just beginners wings... but I am totally growing into them!
XOXO
my wings sprouted just a little taking care of my sick and dying father a few years back...and they fluttered a bit more with a rescue dog i helped rehab and some cute little duckies we saved... but your wing shot is down right taking the cake.
ReplyDeleteFirst, this macro shot is fantastic! I love the powdery detail of the surface. Your words are beautiful too. As for my wings, I suppose donating half of what I charge my floral clients to the local food bank counts. I do feel some tiny wings sprouting when I set my alarm to 4:30 a.m. to take my son to rowing practice twice a week. But in reality, I love to see his commitment to the sport. Wonderful post, Beth!
ReplyDeleteYou made my soul take notice today:) Lovely!!!
ReplyDeleteurghhh I have a moth phobia!
ReplyDeletebut i do have wings...they peek out every morning when my kids cuddle me as they wake up. or when i make time for fundraisers with the Junior Service League.... and occationally when I tell someone I'll make up the difference when they don't have the change to make the full amount on their bill.
Thanks for the reminder. :)
Delightful and inspirational. YES! This is a YES moment.
ReplyDeleteI never thought of it that way, but I think I'd say I have well-oiled wings as I do a lot of volunteer work since I've retired. But really, it's the small, day-to-day acts of kindness that mean the most to me.
ReplyDeleteLovely post Beth,
jj
Wow - this is great! I think the crust may be breaking off of my wings since I've been a bit more with the world lately. They are so brilliant, how can you help but use them.
ReplyDeleteAmazing post
xo Erin
Love this hairy guy!
ReplyDeleteI worked in geriatrics all my life and always found it extremely rewarding...
clever and fun to think about..mine are unraveling but I am good with that..i am perched most of the time...
ReplyDeleteLovely post Beth, I try to be very conscious of others around me,treat people as I would want to be treated.'I have a rewarding life, I just try to give a little love back.
ReplyDeleteYour wings aren't as crusty as you think.
ReplyDeleteSure, making a point to feed the homeless, or meals on wheels, whatever. Pick a cause, and the wings open for everyone to see.
Pick a post of yours, any post. Read the comments, I mean really read them.
People tell you everyday, in one way or another, that YOUR wings are wide and bright.
You make a difference every day, in small incremental ways.
Let me be clear,(I think Obama says that a lot) your wings are in great shape.
I can see the two nubs of wings on my back, but the actual wing is almost invisible. Only the glimmer is seen out of the corner of my eye from time to time, but I am not sure if that is my wings or my guardian angels wings.
ReplyDeleteMy wings unfurl periodically and it is fun to soar. Smiling mostly at the lost ones. Taking time for a lonely one. There are so many things that each of us do...simple things...important things. Things that make a difference. I like my wings
ReplyDeleteHugs
SueAnn
I think my wings are stuck together...;-)
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful way to express caring....
ReplyDeleteYou are a sweet person; I feel that through your posts.
Warmest smiles,
Jackie
What a truly wonderful, inspiring post...we could all do a little more, couldn't we? Thanks for the reminder. And I don't believe that your wings are crusty, I think you help people every day here, with your wit and your love and your sunshine and the way you always reach out and touch us with your heartfelt sincerity.
ReplyDeleteOhw I love this Beth. Better not let Joyce see it...she'll be freaked out about moths.
ReplyDeleteD.
Ok, I'll toot my own horn. Yesterday was a triumph for me. It was the last day of school, and as I always do, I circled the kids up for our final goodbye. Out of 18 students, only three didn't cry. It was wonderful! Not that my kids were crying, but because they had loved the year enough, learned to love each other enough that they couldn't stand to see it end. Beautiful, beautiful end to a hard year. All of us crying and hugging. Who could ask for more?
ReplyDeleteThere is no way those green sparkly wings of yours could ever dry up...you are always connecting to the people around you, making them feel special.
ReplyDeleteIf only everyone could see how gorgeous their wings really are. This world would be a different place, don't you think?
Your posts always make me feel like wanting to be a better person -- as well as a better photographer. This one especially so. Just beautiful.
ReplyDelete