To be
Is more than to exist.
It is to stand tall
When the burden grows heavy
And the patterns of life
Become mingled with hard choices
And changes that shatter the inner peace.
To be
Is to have courage
To face whatever Life brings
And somehow find meaning;
Meaning, that is not always related
To production. But rather
To Knowing, Understanding, Living and Growing.
To be
Is somehow deeper than merely living
In the accustomed dimensions.
It incorporates even what we call
Death.
Is not this why
The Incarnation can only be
Understood when we try to
Comprehend the resurrection?
To be
Is to let the Life-Giving
Spirit open up the senses
To the beauty, the compassion and
Ever-present mystery of the Other.
For the Other
Often takes the shape of Nature…
But evenmore the Presence
Of those who Care and share
Our Life.
Thus to be
Is to live more fully
Than we thought possible:
And in the living
Give ourselves to others…
Because we received more
Than we can ever use
And are profoundly grateful.
Written by Gerald W. Payne 1912-2005
My wise father-in-law
