Thank you for this transformative story…I too really needed it as the fear of what is happening appears to be worse than I imagined. Yet when I look back on my 81 years of life I recall many times when disaster brought with it an important teaching or even a blessing…this piece helps me to remember that.
Also, I want to thank you for offering your thoughts for free to those of us who can’t afford to pay.
That's a beautiful story which, like so much of your writing, brings me back to my days working on our neighbors' dairy farm. Sometimes there was the need to assist one of our cows during the birth of a calf, but the job did not require the skill and delicate touch of your sheep rancher. It was just a chain around the calf's feet and a few guys pulling as hard as we could. Usually the outcome was good, sometimes not.
Some of the cows had their maternal instinct and some didn't. When a calf was born out in the field the question on our minds was, "Did she own it?"
I've been there for calves being pulled just that way, once with a come-along. It never ceases to amaze; life and the will to be born. A thousand ways to the top of that mountain.
Thank you for wading in, John, for bringing something so insightful to the potluck.
Inspirational, beautiful, pensive. I am one who has followed this story, and appreciate the continued unfolding of such an awe inspiring story of Gabriel and his heart of understanding and giving…
I think you'd have felt you were in church there, too, Danyce. It was holy ground. So much new life, so many newborns and mothers, and the smells of hay and warm, wooly beings, and cold, winter air.
In our rush to draw conclusions, even the smallest ones that turn to habit and define our days, we miss so much truth. This goodness you describe is everywhere, and you are one of the angels on this planet always pointing a finger saying, Look! Look how beauty is here and there and everywhere! 🙏
The late David Lynch said it well too, “Just slow things down and it becomes more beautiful.” — David Lynch.”
Some, like you, I do not deserve. Your kind, generous, intuitive soul, always looking for the best possible way of seeing a person. Thank you, Kimberly.
Love your David Lynch quote: “Just slow things down and it becomes more beautiful.”
Your eloquent words and thoughts upon reflection of the story are the essence of all wisdom traditions and spirituality. Even if you are not intending it to be so. Your heart is speaking and that is all that is needed to make our world a more connected and compassionate place. ❤️
Thank you. Just this week, I discovered, again, that a little grace and patience, and an open heart, can change my first impressions, correct my faulty vision, and I will be deeply grateful. I will be reading this again and again. Thank you.
I will read this over and over to fully grasp “the levels of truth” within your story. What a gift to be present at such a moment. As are your words a gift.
Oh David I needed this. I’ve been working diligently on finding hidden beauty - in humans and the natural world - and this story written in your beautiful prose, takes me to another whole level - the one where I can begin to see (maybe) the way my fears keep me from even considering the possibility of goodness.
Discernment is so important. Fear can make it impossible.
Thank you once again for guiding/opening my eyes and heart.
"Only in hindsight have I come to understand that real goodness and new possibilities are often embedded within the fearful appearances all around me and that having trained myself to be always braced for the inevitable worst, I have habituated to seeing evil lurking just ahead, even where it does not exist." I see other readers have responded to this comment as well, and so post it again in hopes more eyes will find in it a way forward. There is always goodness, always, and in many instances where we might not expect it.
“[R]eal goodness and new possibilities are often embedded within the fearful appearances all around me and that having trained myself to be always braced for the inevitable worst, I have habituated to seeing evil lurking just ahead, even where it does not exist. “ Yes. I believe many (especially the political pundits on this platform) are doing exactly this. Please stop it! I want to shout: Inspiration and dedication… not name-calling, generalizing and villainizing the “other” is called for now. No human is one or several things, and out of calamity and change can come amazing (though surprising) results.
This photograph took me back to Wales, where deep in the night, I watched an old farmer pull lambs from bawling ewes. I was shocked to see the farmer carry them by the leg. But that’s how they do it and the lambs don’t mind. I was surprised that sheep needed the farmers’ help. But they do, and the farmers are like sheep doulas, kind and gentle. This photograph reminds us, in its many layers, that nature needs our help. Thank you for this!
Thank you for this transformative story…I too really needed it as the fear of what is happening appears to be worse than I imagined. Yet when I look back on my 81 years of life I recall many times when disaster brought with it an important teaching or even a blessing…this piece helps me to remember that.
Also, I want to thank you for offering your thoughts for free to those of us who can’t afford to pay.
Thank you.
That's a beautiful story which, like so much of your writing, brings me back to my days working on our neighbors' dairy farm. Sometimes there was the need to assist one of our cows during the birth of a calf, but the job did not require the skill and delicate touch of your sheep rancher. It was just a chain around the calf's feet and a few guys pulling as hard as we could. Usually the outcome was good, sometimes not.
Some of the cows had their maternal instinct and some didn't. When a calf was born out in the field the question on our minds was, "Did she own it?"
I've been there for calves being pulled just that way, once with a come-along. It never ceases to amaze; life and the will to be born. A thousand ways to the top of that mountain.
Thank you for wading in, John, for bringing something so insightful to the potluck.
Thank you for the explanation. The photo left me fearful for the lambs.
It does look terrifying, doesn't it. So many things do.
Thanks Lola.
Such complexity living within every glimpse.
Thank you
Such careful, generous reading. You're most welcome.
Inspirational, beautiful, pensive. I am one who has followed this story, and appreciate the continued unfolding of such an awe inspiring story of Gabriel and his heart of understanding and giving…
I think you'd have felt you were in church there, too, Danyce. It was holy ground. So much new life, so many newborns and mothers, and the smells of hay and warm, wooly beings, and cold, winter air.
In our rush to draw conclusions, even the smallest ones that turn to habit and define our days, we miss so much truth. This goodness you describe is everywhere, and you are one of the angels on this planet always pointing a finger saying, Look! Look how beauty is here and there and everywhere! 🙏
The late David Lynch said it well too, “Just slow things down and it becomes more beautiful.” — David Lynch.”
Some, like you, I do not deserve. Your kind, generous, intuitive soul, always looking for the best possible way of seeing a person. Thank you, Kimberly.
Love your David Lynch quote: “Just slow things down and it becomes more beautiful.”
This story made me cry. So beautiful David.
Your eloquent words and thoughts upon reflection of the story are the essence of all wisdom traditions and spirituality. Even if you are not intending it to be so. Your heart is speaking and that is all that is needed to make our world a more connected and compassionate place. ❤️
I'm so touched by this, Jo. Thank you for making time and making yourself vulnerable enough to share these thoughts... May your day be kind.
Thank you. Just this week, I discovered, again, that a little grace and patience, and an open heart, can change my first impressions, correct my faulty vision, and I will be deeply grateful. I will be reading this again and again. Thank you.
"a little grace and patience, and an open heart, can..."
You've captured the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, my friend.
I will read this over and over to fully grasp “the levels of truth” within your story. What a gift to be present at such a moment. As are your words a gift.
Straight to my heart. Thank you, Nancy.
Man, I needed this today. Thank you.
You're most welcome, Rosemary.
May your day be kind, and you, brave.
Oh David I needed this. I’ve been working diligently on finding hidden beauty - in humans and the natural world - and this story written in your beautiful prose, takes me to another whole level - the one where I can begin to see (maybe) the way my fears keep me from even considering the possibility of goodness.
Discernment is so important. Fear can make it impossible.
Thank you once again for guiding/opening my eyes and heart.
I'm so grateful that you're here, Steffany.
"Only in hindsight have I come to understand that real goodness and new possibilities are often embedded within the fearful appearances all around me and that having trained myself to be always braced for the inevitable worst, I have habituated to seeing evil lurking just ahead, even where it does not exist." I see other readers have responded to this comment as well, and so post it again in hopes more eyes will find in it a way forward. There is always goodness, always, and in many instances where we might not expect it.
Thank you.
“[R]eal goodness and new possibilities are often embedded within the fearful appearances all around me and that having trained myself to be always braced for the inevitable worst, I have habituated to seeing evil lurking just ahead, even where it does not exist. “ Yes. I believe many (especially the political pundits on this platform) are doing exactly this. Please stop it! I want to shout: Inspiration and dedication… not name-calling, generalizing and villainizing the “other” is called for now. No human is one or several things, and out of calamity and change can come amazing (though surprising) results.
To add to the contradictions, the figure in his left land without zooming in may appear to some to be a (not even proverbial) wolf’s head.
I am ever grateful for fresh, new eyes, seeing things I've never noticed. Thank you.
This photograph took me back to Wales, where deep in the night, I watched an old farmer pull lambs from bawling ewes. I was shocked to see the farmer carry them by the leg. But that’s how they do it and the lambs don’t mind. I was surprised that sheep needed the farmers’ help. But they do, and the farmers are like sheep doulas, kind and gentle. This photograph reminds us, in its many layers, that nature needs our help. Thank you for this!
Ahhh, so you've been to this church as well...
Thank you for adding to the potluck, Bonnie.