“To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible.” – St. Thomas Aqunias
This is part of the prayer that came up on my phone this morning and it brought to mind other deep ponderings: why are we human beings here on Earth and why we, my husband and I, love living in this tiny Colorado mountain village – the most remote county in the lower 48 states, why do I write…
Early this morning, where I am comfortable talking about God, I asked this question in my writing community: https://awritingroom.com/ why do you think we are we here on earth? Not a new question…
Most everyone replied with some version of helping each other. I agree. That’s how we can show love to each other. I also think to enjoy life.
Our community liaison and writer, Meredith Morckel, said that she knows her purpose in life and it is the 4 E’s:
to educate, entertain, encourage and empower
I live in nature. I enjoy living in nature. I cannot believe that all of earth, the universe, worked out perfectly by accidently smashing into space – at least not without a master created at the helm. Therefore, we human beings are intentionally here. Why? For what purpose? While I think we are all here to spread kindness and help each other, it is the children I have first and foremost been connected with over my life. As a teenager I had my own business teaching children to swim. I picked working at The Easter’s Seal School as my 12th grade community project at Nolan Catholic High School. I have a BFA in theater and worked with children and teenagers on stage and in a television commercial. My M.Ed. gave me classroom experiences. I am a former teacher, nanny, mentor and tutor. My life’s work has been centered on helping children and on teaching children to read and to treasure books.
Kate asked to come to spend some time with us while her mom was having a medical procedure
Border Collie Bliss stayed close by
Sheltie Joy recognized that Elsa needed extra protection
and was always close by during the years that I was Elsa’s nanny and tutor
I appreciate the opportunity to create picture books for children. To have an excited child ask when am I going to write more books like this, ask if they can take the book home, say this is their favorite book, express how they like real-true stories like this (real true because the pictures are photographs), to see adults crying over Mountain Mutts – Joy’s Tale is what makes writing worthwhile.
Generally, animals and children have always been drawn to me and they in turn make my life fuller. It seems to me that animals (most often in my experience dogs) and children most often fit sweetly together.
Our youngest grandchild will be here visiting next week. I will again have the sacred opportunity to touch a young life with examples of kindness, appreciating nature and books. I am looking forward to having fun with the 6-year-old! Baking is more fun with a child as are children’s books and we don’t fly kites without a youngster!
Writer friends and I have talked about making a positive difference with our words.
My writer freind Claudia Gold’s Substack piece “You Deserve Flowers:”
https://penofgold.substack.com/p/you-deserve-flowers
As my pictures are just as important to me as is my writing, I put my photographs with my writing to also make a positive difference. A positive difference seems to be needed in today’s world more than ever before.
A little moment of joy with a child…
with a chickadee…
with line dried laundry…smells soooooooooooooooooooo good!
Here is the link to one of my writer friend’s WordPress site. She’s always interested in feedback.
https://my-cabinet-of-curiosities.com/
This morning a frustrated writer friend said, “Why do we do this (write). It’s so hard and I’ve already had such a hard life…”
One reason to write: Psalm 103 16 when the wind passes over, it vanishes…
life is short
we write to remember
we write to be remembered
Why do you think we are here on earth? What do you do to make a positive difference?
“Walks in nature are hugs for my soul.” Julie A R Stephens
julie@handsbestrong.com
Thanks for mentioning me, Jules!
My pleasure Mere!
I have finally come to realize, and accept, my calling: to be an Encourager. A former pastor told me years ago that he really felt that was my calling, my gift. I pushed back and put the thought behind me. But then A Writing Room happened and I recognized and accepted my calling. As a result, I have never been happier or more fulfilled. I just smile when I think about how our Creator has worked in my life and brought me to this point.
Awwwww Jacque – hugs and happiness and thank you.
First of all, thanks for including my piece “You Deserve Flowers.” So enjoyed your photos including the chicadee and hearing your sweet appreciations of children loving your books and mentoring/sharing nature with them.
You are welcome Claudia. Thanks for letting me share and for your comments. Gratitude is everything isn’t it –