Recalled to Life, A Dedication

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair... - Charles Dickens, "A Tale of Two Cities"

Yesterday, ushered in my 62nd year. I rejoice that I have spent 61 years experiencing life. By many accounts, my life is privileged. On that I would agree. Yet, by my souls account, the taint of pain, sorrow, disappointment, and grief litter the privilege. Each day I walk with both. They are hand in hand companions.

On the eve of my birthday, I stood outside in a freezing vigil with people in my community, most of whom I had never met. Mere hours before, someone had arranged for a silent vigil for the lives caught in the crosshairs of these times. The street it was held on is as old as the American Civil War. Ulysses S. Grant, Oliver Otis Howard and other leaders of a nation torn in agony over 160 years ago, once lived on that street. Their former residences still bare their names.

A "Bridge Over Troubled Waters" Vigil

As I stood, listening to "Bridge Over Troubled Waters" played on a loop in the freezing stillness, a clarity rose in me. It isn't a new idea for me. Nor was it a shift in perspective. If anything, it is another log on the soul fire of my life.

Recalled To Life

Charles Dickens epic "Tale of Two Cities" opens with chapter one being entitled "Recalled to Life." The book arcs across the various forms of life that chain and unchain each soul. Crescendo-ing with the awareness, that eventually, we all come to our life fulfillment.

Life and Light are synonymous to me. They have been since birth. Perhaps it was the gift of being born in the town that Joan of Arc liberated from tyranny. Perhaps it was born from the resilience of progenitors who refused to live defeated lives. No matter the travail forced upon them. What ever the seedling is, Life and Light, are roots of my soul.

My unplanned computer screen saver 1-27-26

January 27, 2026 - A Dedication

For the next 365 days, I am dedicated to enriching Life and Light. Many of you take journal keeping classes with me. Some of you are fans and followers of my books. Others are dear friends and family. Whoever you are, whatever category you may fall in, You Are Light.

At times that light may feel smaller than a match's flame. Or as large as a raging forest fire. My posts, lessons, and coaching will be focused on You shining Your Light. Embracing your best in Life. In the end, may we all feel that we have been "Recalled to Life."

I am gratified to have You in My Life.

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