love overwhelms

(image source unknown)

I have felt overwhelmed by love lately. But not overwhelmed in a bad way, a good way, the best way.

I felt overwhelmed by the feeling of love when I was able to spend time with some of my best friends this weekend.

I felt overwhelmed with love when I sang on Saturday night and the sweetness that came from stranger's mouths.

I felt overwhelmed with love when I sat under the almost full moon last night, staring straight into it's bright face.

I felt overwhelmed with love this morning as I sat sipping coffee with Andrew, both snuggled under my Mamaw's blue butterfly quilt, watching the sun slowly fill our woods.

He asked me to read to him this morning and so I picked out one my favorite poems (see sidebar) and I felt overwhelmed by it's simple message,

love.

Desiderata

GO PLACIDLY AMID THE NOISE AND THE HASTE, AND REMEMBER WHAT PEACE THERE MAY BE IN SILENCE.

As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and ignorant; they, too, have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexations to the spirit If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater or lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in you own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you for what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals and everywhere live is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it is as perennial as the grass. Take kindly the council of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful.

Strive to be happy.

Max Ehrmann, 1927