On my bathroom mirror I have this list. It is a punch list of things I try to do every day. It reminds me that I have spiritual, emotional, relational, and physical needs. Since I started training a few months ago with a fitness coach, I have been working on consistency in many areas, not just increasing the weights I lift. For certain, I am stronger. I’m eating healthier. I’m more active. I’m intentional in planning how I spend my time. I’ve learned to schedule in “night in, email off, phone off.” (Amazing how wonderful that is!) I’m trying to bring Light and Hope into the present instead worrying or complaining about the state of our world. None of this is easy, or automatic!

Resetting my habits is taking time, and it sure isn’t consistent yet. I still miss a freshly made scone from the bakery, or a carb-loaded tray of nachos. But this woman who despised Phys Ed in school, who was not motivated to work out consistently, and who has had multiple health challenges? She has changed!

I’m more willing to test myself. Curious about what else I can do that I never did before. I’m finding a sense of accomplishment as I gain strength and mobility, and I’m enjoying my workouts. Truthfully, I’m still a klutz, and I still have achy knees and feet after a lot of standing or physical activity. I haven’t let any of that be an excuse, though at times my coach has had to change my workout to accommodate my physical challenges.

“Touch earth” is one of my daily goals. I find the time to step outside and notice the weather, appreciate the season I am living in, and reground myself in nature. Whether it’s noticing the path of the sun or the birds on the feeder, I recalibrate. I listen. I reconnect. Sometimes it’s not so restful if I’m honest. The tomatoes need tying, or the roses have blight, or maybe I realize that I haven’t taken care of the water feature this week. I try to shelve that stuff and get back to marveling at the earth and the wild beauty of Creation.

Just this week, the parade of birds in my yard has changed rapidly. The titmice, nuthatches and juncos are back. The bluebirds are regular visitors. Woodpeckers of various sizes are on the suet feeders. With some amusement, I noted a return of young hawks to the yard, as well as the crows who constantly chase them away.

Today was a grey and cloudy day, and there’s not much sun! There’s still brightness in the sky, and shadows across my patio. It’s not a balmy spring day, and yet… it’s beautiful. I stop, touch earth and feel the sun… and keep my joy and sense of wonder. And perhaps that’s why I try so hard to keep this practice in my life.

Blessed be –

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Here’s a song to help you find and keep your wonder, too. “Sure on This Shining Night” by Morten Lauridsen. Lyrics based on the poem of the same name by James Agee from his book “Permit Me Voyage” published 1934 by Yale University Press. © by owner. provided at no charge for educational purposes.

Sure on this shining night
Of star made shadows round,
Kindness must watch for me
This side the ground.
The late year lies down the north.
All is healed, all is health.
High summer holds the earth.
Hearts all whole.
Sure on this shining night I weep for wonder wand’ring far alone
Of shadows on the stars.

P.S. They don’t pay me for this, but I have to say thanks and give a huge H/T to my coach and the team at Opex Shady Grove!