What Makes the Difference?
Wednesday, July 8, 2009 at 6:20 AM 
Sunrise Sister has been engaging her readers in a conversation about the "small things" in life. Is there really such a thing as something too small or insignificant? This is something I ponder much of the time.
Currently I have the pleasure of posting from a special little version of paradise. Some have commented it is easy to enjoy things when you are surrounded by such beauty and caring friends. True. I also recall visiting here a couple of months ago and experiencing one of the darkest periods in my recent past. So what makes the difference?
This morning before I read SS's post, I ran across a quote that resonated deeply with me and I recalled when I read the words of Sunrise Sister and her thoughtful commenters:
"Remember always that you have not only the right to be an individual; you have an obligation to be one."
If we fulfill our "obligation" as Eleanor suggests, I believe that moves us right out of ordinary and into extraordinary - even if multiple people are doing the same thing.
One of the most sacred things I did yesterday was to lovingly set the table for those with whom I was going to dine. As I rolled the napkins and silverware and placed the paper plates, I considered each person and viewed my gesture as an act of love. While I did not verbally share this with anyone (until now), it was a vision that stayed with me into the next day. It was also amidst many other events that could have been viewed as much more extraordinary. Does setting a table become more sacred in "paradise"?
So, what do you think? Is there anything ordinary? My response: Only if we allow it to be so.
the view from my window in paradise 7/7/09
Reader Comments (6)
We are indeed operating on the same wavelength - it's all that SS's doing!
I agree with your response: Only if we allow it to be so. If I were the embroidering sort, (which I'm SO not) I might be tempted to stitch this into a sampler.
Picking up on Tess' comment, it is a good way to express the extraordinary deep down within things, lucy.
I spent time last night vacating a closet for the use of my Persian brothers. It is holy to discard the collected detritus of the years. Today I will visit a good pet shop in the area to stock up on things to make my wee guests welcome. Mi casa, cat casa.
I think ordinary and extraordinary are lenses through which we view the world.
Some small sacred things in my day ~ birdsong in my front yard, plump raindrops on supple pink roses in my yard, blossoming hydrangeas.
tess--perhaps embroidery would be a somewhat productive way to fritter your time away? :-)
barbara--can't wait to hear more of the adventures of kitteh et kitteh!! i am certain they will teach you (& us) much about their own little sacred habits!
tink (may i call you tink?) -- i agree with the "lenses"! i also adore the sacred things which you have mentioned.
it is a blessing to have each of you visit!!
mindful offerings of the heart is so wonderfully good for both giver and receiver. the intention is the best part of the gift. Very lovely. I'm so glad this trip is better! I imagine there is good intention flying around all over the place from everyone. Enjoy the warm sands and warm hearts!
thanks, hmmbrd...i've been thinking of you lately. this trip is definitely warmer than the last!!!