I am unraveling.
Coming unbound.
Stressing about little things.
Complicating.
Uninspired.
Frustrated.
Writing gets hard when I feel like this…
In a tiny seedling, the size of a mustard seed, God’s love is hiding, germinating, taking time. I will come back to myself. I know this. But maybe not today.
I need to give myself grace.
Yesterday I got an email from a friend who knows that my One Little Word is Enough. She shared Seth Godin’s blog.
And maybe it’s enough
To feel sufficient, to be satisfied with what we have: Chisoku in Japanese.Of course, by some measures, there’s never enough. We can always come up with a reason why more is better, or better is better, or new is better or different is better.
Enough becomes a choice, not a measure of science.
The essence of choice is that it belongs to each of us. And if you decide you have enough, then you do.
And with that choice comes a remarkable sort of freedom. The freedom to be still, to become aware and to stop hiding from the living that’s yet to be done.
Seth Godin
This concept of enough challenges me to make a choice. A choice to be OK when things are not.
The words from the hymn “I Bind Unto Myself Today” are words of commitment, traditionally sung at ordinations and on All Saints Day. The chorus can be like a chant, a meditation:
Christ be with me, Christ within me,
Christ behind me, Christ before me,
Christ beside me, Christ to win me,
Christ to comfort and restore me,
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ in quiet, Christ in danger,
Christ in hearts of all that love me,
Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.
I pray this day that I can claim this comforting chant, resolve to accept what things I cannot change, and be ready to move forward in peace.
Reflections on the Teche 
Margaret: Thank you for this honest post. Of course it is enough, and we all have days of feeling unbound. I’m sorry for it, though, as I know how unsettling these feelings are. I hope you will soon “come down right” as in the Shaker hymn.
I love that hymn as well. Now I am spinning them both in my head.
Margaret, I agree with Karen. Your post is filled with honesty. Grace will allow you to come back to accept what things you cannot change and find peace on your journey. I say this for your journey and mine. Acceptance allows us to find a measure of peace, even if it only exists for s moment. You have given hope to so many with your teaching, writing, and poetry. It is time for you to be enough in the place you wish to be. Peace, my friend.
A beautiful reflection. Our OLWs somehow shape us more than we can know when we choose them. I love the idea of letting go and acceptance in your words. As you reflect, I see strength.
You shared so much today, your own struggles (we all have them), the chorus to the hymn (new to me) and your willingness to move forward in peace. The flowers are a gift from your walk to us.
Margaret, things seem especially strained and draining at present – here it’s been a challenging school year and spring break is late. I love Godin’s thoughts on “enough.” There’s peace in his reflection and in yours. I come away with my spirit stilled and full of awe at that spectacular amaryllis. Just gorgeous – all.
Margaret, your “enough” has been a great word for you this year. I love this insight you make: “A choice to be OK when things are not.” Beautiful!
It is so hard to settle into peace, this sense of ‘enough,’ when one’s mind is troubled – and yet, you lead us right there, with the gorgeous meditation/reflection. Thank you! Love this line –
“In a tiny seedling, the size of a mustard seed, God’s love is hiding, germinating, taking time.”
Also love the photo of the amaryllis and bridal wreath.
Margaret, such a beautiful reflection. There is so much power in your OLW “enough.” And as we struggle and strain for the right words, the hymn you quoted is such a great example that sometimes the simplest words can have more power than any complex text. Sometimes the simple words are enough.
This is so perfect, Margaret. Thank you! You’re right, those words are so comforting. I always associate them with St. Patrick, but did I imagine that? Anyway, I wrote my own poem today finally, so I’m reading everyone else’s. 🙂 Ruth, thereisnosuchthingasagodforsakentown.blogspot.com
Margaret, I wouldn’t have thought of the idea of “enough-ness” connecting to binding…but it does. Binding oneself to being enough, trusting enough, having enough–that is powerful stuff. The Lorica of St Patrick is one of my favorite morning prayers, often recited on my way to work. Thanks for sharing it again here, in the lyrics.
Thank you for sharing Seth Godin’s words and your own reflections. The intersection of all that you shared and your OLW “enough” is powerful. Wishing you serenity and hoping that in the writing of this beautiful piece you found comfort and strength.