Tiny Flecks of Color

Today's guest post is by my dear friend, inspiring mentor, and in general one of the most amazing persons I have been blessed to know.

"Tiny Flecks" is directly tied to the wisdom Kathleen shared with me in my short time as an undergraduate student and the influence she continues to have on my heart. Kathleen has written a number of books, devotionals, and collections of poetry. She served as the Chaplain for my alma mater. She works now as a fabulous freelance retreat minister. Kathleen also preaches at community churches. She was a witness and shared her message at Mr. Bean and I's wedding. And has officially become a part of our family and always will be.

Really, it is hard for me to put into words how much she means to me. She continues to feed my soul with her insight and friendship and I am honored to have her guest posting today. When thinking about this week's topic and the overarching theme of "Tiny Flecks" I knew that I had to share Kathleen with all of you.

In the spirit of sharing...one of you lucky readers will win one of my favorite devotionals of all time! It happens to be Kathleen's book Reverence And Revelry.


"A day in the life..." of Kathleen

I live with Sophia and Jack.  Sophia is 11; Jack is 6.  Every day they teach me about life and living well.  Here are a few examples of their wisdom:  Get up early and purr your praises to the Creator of Life; you can nap later.  Eat a good breakfast.  Daily hair brushing is as important as bathing.  Play!!!  Life is a big game filled with wonder and delight.  Explore everything!  Always take time, every single day, to watch the sparrows.  Meditate, preferably in sunlight.  Be who you are!

Friends have said that visiting our household is like dropping in on St. Francis of Assisi.  Daily I put out apples, suet, bird seed, and fresh water for the outdoor critters.  One friend has dubbed these creatures my “lucky wild pets.”

As you may have surmised, Sophia and Jack are cats.  We truly do have a lot to learn from the creatures with whom we share our planet.  One of their most important lessons is “take time to dream!”  A number of years ago, two other feline friends (Dylan and Roy) inspired this poem:

 

Sunbeams pour through cats
of blue and yellow glass
that hang against the window,
spilling lightdrops
on my kitchen floor
for solid cats of flesh and fur
to chase, but never catch—
pretty dreams made of air.
But pouncing cats don’t care.
They know the game
and are content to play,
letting play be their reward.
They understand spilled sunbeams;
they know what dreams are for.

May we all have the courage to follow our dreams, to listen to our hearts, and be who we were created to be!

 
What Animals Have Been Tiny Flecks in Your Life?
Maybe its the cherished family dog from your childhood, the cat that kept you company in your first apartment away from home. The squirrels that make you laugh. The robin that gives you hope that spring is near. Maybe its that goldfish that still, amazingly, hasn't died! Leave a comment about an animal that has shown you the blessings of life around you. Leave your answer with an email address in the comments below. Entries must submitted by Friday at midnight and winners will be chosen at random and posted on Saturday. The winner will receive Kathleen's inspirational book!

Best of luck!