Traveling Mercies as I Heal

Oh, this one will be random, folks. I hope to be on the mend soon, but these things take time.

On a hike near our son’s apartment, late August 2018. Hello Lovely Studio.

Thank you for sending me messages of encouragement and hope. It has been quite some time since I have struggled physically. I became very ill before I could finish this post below which I wrote on our wedding anniversary. Since I am in the throes of illness, it does seem my priorities have risen to the surface as I draw nearer to the God who loves me and shows me the beauty of my life.

Inspirational quote and scripture from Psalm 139 on Hello Lovely Studio.
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Since I am forced to be still, I am also deeply moved into a state of compassion for my fellow man and all of the pain, physical and otherwise around the planet. It seems as if too many brothers and sisters just do NOT know how to transform their pain (depression, fear, anger, betrayal, loss) and are unsuccessful as they reach for the wrong things and keep transmitting the pain. I find myself so very irritable these days and unable to smile or feel resilient – yet this is a gift to walk in the shoes of those suffering and without hope.

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I pray that somehow the glory of my creator will be revealed even as I remain unhealed and broken into beautiful. I pray that I may regain strength and good health to be more of service. I pray that right where you are, a ray of hope will glimmer in your innermost form. If you were here with me right now, I would listen to your story and remind you of your worth.

Inspirational and Christian quote about Jesus on Hello Lovely Studio.
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I don’t know if any of this makes much sense as my brain is so foggy, my body so weak.

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I’m grateful for the chance I had to get away for a few days with my beloved. He’s an incredible man, friends.

We took a road trip to Denver to visit our son. Since our boy is a super fit hippie outdoorsman, we hiked together everyday. While this fairy loves hot weather and will gladly distance walk in the desert when it’s 106, the August heat mixed with the altitude mixed with the brisk pace of those athletic men was a challenge. Not gonna lie. It was ratched. Is ‘ratched’ too 5 minutes ago or so so old, it’s cool again? (I think my brain is still in recovery mode.)

Scripture from Romans - I loved you at your darkest - inspirational quote on Hello Lovely Studio.
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Hello Lovely Studio.
Red Rocks. Hello Lovely Studio

While we were in the mountains, I found myself easily moved to tears. The rugged landscape, evergreen trees, and our hippie from Mars all tenderize me. When he was little, he was heartbroken about all the efforts we made to eradicate dandelions from the lawn. “What’s so bad about those flowers?” he asked. He was the kid giving his lunch away when someone else was hungrier. The one standing up for the underdog (and sometimes being pummeled for it).

Scripture from Romans 12 about renewing your mind - inspirational quote on Hello Lovely Studio.
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Our son moves through the universe differently than most. An empath, he easily soaks up residual pain and suffering swirling around him. Wonder where he inherited such a trait? 🙂 It’s not the easiest of gifts to bear but when managed prayerfully can bloom into mercy.

Thomas Merton quote. Hello Lovely Studio.
Hello Lovely Studio.

In Colorado, we witnessed how our boy gets by with so little, how he interacts with a pet cat who seems plain awful. She parades around with irresistible beauty…just begs you to caress her…before swatting you in demon mode. He has endless patience and love for this creature. Doesn’t rush like the rest of us. I’m not entirely sure he is capable of rushing. It makes one aware of one’s own haste and desire to jolt into the next moment.

Scripture from Psalm 46 and inspirational quote.
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It’s not just cats. He is a friend to the friendless and a helper for needy neighbors. The lady next door is blind and cares for pets with special needs. One has a broken spine and no back legs. He goes out of his way to help and lighten her load. He notices needs where he has been planted and filters them through his heart rather than his mind, so he is able to become an instrument of peace. It’s a very kind and alternative way to live.

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It seems to me that moving through the world in such a neighborly way is becoming more uncommon, whether that’s because of fear, selfishness, or plain cynicism.

Are there ways I can spread more peace and slow down a bit more? I’m going to try.

Spending time in nature and in the car with my husband, nourished my soul. We listened to podcasts together. Remembered things we had not remembered for a long time. Kept reminding each other of our true selves. Laughed til we cried. Helped each other see the face of God.

Whenever we put miles behind us, when we move further away from the familiar and all we have acquired over the years, his eyes become my home.

For 31 years today, they have been my home. What a blessing to have a happy one that keeps evolving and becomes richer.

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I smiled for 13 straight minutes as I watched this next video and clicked on it because I knew there would be wisdom spoken. What a surprise to discover a lightheartedness–a gossamer sort of airy wonder wrapped in ageless grace–as you listen to these centenarians.

If you have time to treat yourself to beauty, I invite you to enter into it here. And I’d love to hear about which responses or life lessons especially resonate deeply with you.

I don’t think it’s just because it’s our anniversary today, but for me, when Amelia says “Oh, my marriage was absolutely wonderful. Heavenly. Heavenly. Heavenly,” my heart kind of cracks open from the fullness of beauty.

Is there anything more important than traveling through this life with mercy and kindness?

How grateful I am that we were able to escape for a few days and connect with our son before I became ill.

Traveling mercies accompanied us then; remain with me now. May they find you too.

A Must Read!

Anne Lamott Traveling Mercies book cover.

Traveling Mercies: Some Thoughts on Faith by Anne Lamott.

If you’re struggling, I wish you lavish kindness from fellow journeyers, fresh eyes to see the mysteries within the mysteries, and…

If you missed my last post with amazing French country finds…mosey on over HERE.

I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.

Peace to you right where you are.

-michele

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26 Comments

  1. September 4, 2018 / 2:06 am

    Wishing you a speedy recovery. Surely writing these beautiful words about your husband and son must have made you feel better–you sure made me smile.

    • michele
      Author
      September 4, 2018 / 12:53 pm

      Your lovely writing blesses me too. Writing helps – it is a way to recycle pain for sure and to discover the “real” underneath the waiting, restlessness and fear. Thank you for reading, lovely one.

  2. Kristin
    September 4, 2018 / 5:51 am

    Goodmorning!

    Praying for you this morning.

    Love,
    Kristin

    • michele
      Author
      September 4, 2018 / 12:49 pm

      Thanks for lifting me up, Kristin. How can my condition not improve with so much wind beneath my wings? xox

  3. Susan
    September 4, 2018 / 8:34 am

    You are beautiful Michele. I will keep you in prayer.
    Love, Susan in MT

    • michele
      Author
      September 4, 2018 / 12:48 pm

      So grateful for your prayers – they are precious as gold. Peace to you, friend.

  4. Tracy
    September 4, 2018 / 9:25 am

    What a blessed recording of the centurions. Thank you for that. Your son sounds like a true humanitarian, so gentle and kind hearted. I’m sorry you are ill Michelle. I hope nothing serious. Put one down for your blog from me, I’ve been following you for years and love your writing ✍️ skills. Rest easy my friend and peace to your heart and soul.

    • michele
      Author
      September 4, 2018 / 12:48 pm

      Thank you for this prescription for rest and peace – and for your loyalty and kindness. I am hoping this crisis will get resolved soon and not be too serious. xox

  5. September 4, 2018 / 9:39 am

    Thank you for reaching through the fog of illness to bring us, your friends and readers, beauty and joy. I hope and pray that whatever ails you will dissipate soon. September is a lovely time of year, almost like an extended summer but with less intense heat. Blessings to you, Michelle!

    • michele
      Author
      September 4, 2018 / 12:46 pm

      Thank you for reading and taking time to lift me up. Yes, September is wonderful, and it’s beautiful out just now. Hoping for relief and am so grateful for the blessings.

  6. Maria Barnes
    September 4, 2018 / 9:54 am

    My favorite post of yours….ever.

    • michele
      Author
      September 4, 2018 / 12:39 pm

      Thanks, friend. If you have a moment, tell me more about what thoughts or feelings were stirred in you. 🙂

  7. September 4, 2018 / 10:32 am

    Dear Michele,
    So inspired by your post today..
    first and foremost I hope you are on the mend..
    My prayers are with you for a speedy recovery..
    I am in hopes that you keep you spirits high and know that there is a divine plan for us all..
    Your video on the 100 year olds was perfect for today..it was certainly cathartic…
    My Daddy is 94 and a treasure to behold..
    I love him so….and in excellent health..
    Walks 2 miles everyday….
    I want you to know you are not alone in your journey of spiritual healing, as I to, am a follower of Bill🤗
    I read the 24hr.a Day book as well.. I saw on your post, and I thought, That’s why I love that woman!!!
    So many times I have felt alone in my journey,
    But, now I know someone else who shares in the
    Love we receive from our Higher Power…
    So Happy you are here for so many!
    😘 Lynette

    • michele
      Author
      September 4, 2018 / 12:39 pm

      What light your words have brought to my spirit. Your Daddy sounds like my Daddy! Mine also is active and has the spirit of a teen. I love Twenty Four Hours A Day and the rich, rich layer of help it brings. I hope you never feel alone – you are not. I am here muddling through and getting it wrong all the time, two steps forward, one step back, but the desire to SEE and GROW matters, right? That sense of wonder alive for these kids over 100 years young in the video is what I hope to nurture. I’ll keep you posted on this health crisis – looking forward to relief. xox

  8. September 4, 2018 / 12:33 pm

    Hi Michele,
    You are absolutely remarkable and it’s no wonder that your son is remarkable as well! I’m praying for your complete healing and comfort and the Lords mercy to give you relief from your pain. You have inspired me so much with this post. Thank you❤️

    • michele
      Author
      September 4, 2018 / 1:16 pm

      I am ready to receive the comfort, friend, thank you. I know how much you have personally triumphed through – it is you who is remarkable, and I would be blessed to gain even a portion of the grace you radiate. So thankful for mercy!

  9. Karen H.
    September 4, 2018 / 1:30 pm

    Michele, you made my day extra special with this post on Traveling Mercies (great book!), and I love Mary Oliver quote. Your “hippie” superfit son is just like my superfit hippie grandson. They march to their own drummer and spread love and peace. My takeaways from the video: this was a balm to my soul listening to these “youngsters”. They made me smile, as well as a few tears. Their words of wisdom, joy for life, positivity, and have no regrets attitude bring health to the body and soul. Thank you, and remember that His mercies are new each morning! xo

    • michele
      Author
      September 4, 2018 / 1:51 pm

      Yes! We need our loving hippies. Love your reaction to the video – have watched it several times. It almost doesn’t matter if the audio is on since there is something so authentic and true about the joy which comes through. Thank you for this promise shared. NEW EACH MORNING. What comfort! It is what I know to be true. My faith has never been about ‘one and done’ but always DAILY TRANSFORMATION, yes? Since He is in the business of making things new and recycling the old. Thanks for inspiring my heart.

  10. September 4, 2018 / 1:35 pm

    I recently went through a thorough cleanup of my computer “opportunities”. It included resigning from some games shared with friends; elimination of a Favorites bookmark list that most certainly were no longer favorites, and yes, unsubscribing from what seemed like a zillion blogs. Your post is one of very few who survived. To spend time reading a blog, it had to meet strict guidelines including “does reading this make me a better person”.

    I hope you know how much the time and thought you put into your blog means to so many people. We’ve become friends in a cyber world because we share so many values.

    Be well, be your best no matter what best is for today.

    I’ve always loved Audrey Hepburn’s saying:
    “Nothing is impossible, the word itself says ‘I’m possible’!”

    • michele
      Author
      September 4, 2018 / 1:44 pm

      You’re so wise. Thank you for this reminder of what healthy “housekeeping” looks like in a media world with too much coming at us, stealing our peace or distracting. I love the friendship you describe. Isn’t it mysterious and lovely and impossible? Your words of honey have reached me. ‘Be your best no matter what best if for today’ is important for me…thank you. How can I not feel blessed right where I am with so much wisdom and peace arriving in my depravity? xox

  11. Monica Janovitz
    September 4, 2018 / 5:26 pm

    Hi Michelle! I hope you are feeling better!
    You made me cry with the video, oh I LOVED the 3 of them, thank you for sharing it, I will keep it, loved it dearly!
    And your gratitude towards the love you share with your husband I also adored!
    And of course your dear son got your dear heart!
    Big hugs and kisses from Buenos Aires , Argentina. I love to receive your mails always, and of course already voted for you last week. My prayers are with you for your full recovery.

    • michele
      Author
      September 4, 2018 / 10:40 pm

      Thank you for all of this lovely kindness and positivity flowing from Argentina – what a treat to hear from you across the miles. I accept those hugs, kisses, and prayers and am wishing you peace, friend. 🙂

  12. Karol
    September 4, 2018 / 6:44 pm

    You are a precious gift to us all. Praying you feel much better soon.

    • michele
      Author
      September 4, 2018 / 10:38 pm

      Thanks for the prayers – I welcome and cherish them. xox

  13. Cindy
    September 5, 2018 / 8:40 pm

    Hey my sweetie,

    Hope you feel better soon…

    xoxox’s

    • michele
      Author
      September 6, 2018 / 1:34 am

      Oh, thanks, friend! Me too. Trying to be patient. xox

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