Simple Pleasure

On the way to school, Jenna was reading to me from a story she is writing for an assignment. The students have to write a story from the perspective of a number. Jenna's number is eight.

"Eight woke up to the sound of rain pattering on her window." Then she paused and said, "I love that sentence."

She was genuinely happy with what she had written. You could hear it in her tone and she was smiling. What a joy it is to take simple pleasure in something that you have done. How often, as an adult, do I do something and just feel good about it - without an analytical assessment or "feedback" from someone else.

Her pleasure gave me pleasure. I hope that she keeps the gift of appreciating her efforts.

On Writing A Blessing

I have become fascinated with Blessings, their possible beauty and power. I highly recommend John O Donohue's book To Bless The Space Between Us. The quality of the poetry and the richness of the ideas make the book very special. It is a wonderful starting place for exploring this space.

As a consultant, whenever I ask people to participate in some process, I have to be willing to use the same methods for myself. I applied that principle recently when I was working with a team to reduce stress and interpersonal conflict. As I mentioned in a previous blog, this was a faith-based organization. I asked each person to write three Blessings as part of the preparation for a workshop. I decided that I would, on the day of the workshop, before it began, write a Blessing for the work.

The morning of the workshop I spent time in worship. As a Quaker, that means sitting in silence for a period of time. It is a useful practice for me before working with people in a delicate situation. The practice clears my mind and helps me be clear to serve my clients effectively. After a period of reflection I wrote my Blessing for the workshop. Here is the result:

May we avail ourselves of God’s grace through humble openness to his presence

May our condition and burdens be nourishment for work guided by the spirit

May we grow in the light through our labor and the labor of others

May we each be blessed with the gift of practical personal growth

May our community benefit from healing for the sake of those we serve