"When I was young and free and my imagination had no limits I dreamed of changing the world.As I grew older and wiser I discovered the world would not change, so I shortened my sights somewhat and decided to change only my country. But it, too, seemed immovable.
As I entered my twilight years, in one last desperate attempt, I sought to change only my family, those closest to me, but alas! they would have none of it.
And now as I lie on my deathbed and realize (perhaps for the first time) that if only I’d changed myself first, then by example I may have influenced my family and with their encouragement and support may have bettered my country, and who knows, I may have changed the world."

—Inscribed on the tomb of an Anglican Bishop (1100 A.D) in the crypt at Westminster Abbey in London

Dear Lord, as Winter is upon us here, I tend to dwell within, both at home and within myself.  It IS all in how you look at it.  Thank you, God for all of your many blessings.  Somehow I've gotten lost and tried so hard and so often to control the world around me.  How silly!  Instead I'd like to be quietly open to the flow of what is good and kind and true- to take joy in the small and ordinary in each and every day.   May the Lord guide me.  Amen. 

Thoughts for a Sunday in Early Winter...