The Lady at The Well

She walked there every day to fetch water

For her family, her friends, even for others

A place of refuge, she called it sometimes

A way of escape from the misery of time

Life at home was a pitiful crate

Children were starving and a husband out of shape

So the well was her place to flee

But for those passing by she was a center of irony

Through her sad face, she cracked up a smile

But her wrinkles and skeleton figure gave away her mile

Oh if only death could come sooner and eased up her pain

But something kept her going with a sense of gain

She sat a the well waiting for her next teaser

Death constantly remained her faithful keeper

It was almost dawn

And she had to return home

Not enough money to compensate the raging hour

For she would have wanted to bring at least some flour

She hated her life even more

It was the weekend and her children would sleep hungry once more

Her mind exploded with remorseless words

Her children are more deserving than birds

Tears gushed out with frustration and dispossession

Pain and anger in harmony filled with desperation

It was time to go

With nothing to show

Her last customer “another shame” she said

He came with a smile, calming her dread

As she poured water with hidden face

He was imposed and would not gave her space

He drew closer and held her shaking hands

This time she looked through his eyes and saw change

Lost for words she was pleased

As he made her feel finally at eased

She didn’t share a thought with him but he knew everything

Hesitantly she smiled as she grabs hold to a new beginning

He had seen this path before

Many, he knew, had fallen at the same shore

She cried, only this time it was pure joy

Unable to retain herself, she knelt at his feet in implore

“My grace is sufficient” he whispered in her ears

She was perplexed and let go of her fears

Many years she worked at the well

For the first time she believed all was well

A real smile in her face

She said: “the lady at the well had found grace”

Her life, no longer the same

Had met the man who carried everyone’s shame

© November 27, 2012 by N. Michel/Bellflower’s Moment

What Are You Grateful For Today?

As I rushed to get up from the bed noticing that it was almost 7:00 a.m., I realized that my morning has not begun as I anticipated. I had only a few minutes to take a shower, prepare breakfast and lunch, and get my daughter ready for school. For a quick moment, I took a deep breath and gathered my thought process with the slow energy I had to figure out the most effective way to get everything done within 45 minutes. So I stepped in the bathroom, took my quick shower and brushed my teeth at the same time. I put on my work clothes and wore my robe over to carry on with the next chores. I went downstairs in the kitchen, placed the prepared lunch in the microwave while chopping the vegetables for a savory omelet with toasted bread. Meanwhile, I prepared my daughter’s school bag, combed my hair and put on some make-up. After I was finished with lunch bags ready, breakfast cooked, I went upstairs to get my daughter ready. She took about 10 minutes to be fully awake, but after she gained her senses it was easy to get her going. Once we were done, I looked at the time and we had exactly five minutes to leave the house to get her to school without a tardy note hanging over our head. We said goodbye to my husband and wished each other well for the remaining of the day. That’s when it hit me.

What if I had woken up with a migraine? What if leaving the house just barely five minutes before school begins, I had a flat tire? What if the road was blocked for whatever reason and I had to make a detour? Although I know I should not ponder upon “what ifs” and my mentioned setbacks are nothing compare to what could have happened really, but I became aware that a day is a "gift". It is not promised that everything will go smoothly according to my plan – I wish it was. It is not promised that we will sleep and wake up to see daylight, many can testify. I am glad that I had time to accomplish all my chores this morning without any obstacles or bad news. However, it could have turned out unsuccessfully.

So to say all that, even through the “rush hours” of our lives we should stop for a few second to count our blessings and expressed our gratitude. We should remind ourselves constantly that our days are numbered and our time is simply too precious to waste it on menial things. So be grateful that it did not turn out the wrong way for you today. What are you grateful for today?

© November 26, 2012 by N. Michel/Bellflower’s Moment

How Are You Doing?

Here you are in the midst of an important presentation at work, going to pick up your kids from school, or reading a mystery novel and suddenly a name or a face of a relative/friend just pop up in your mind. Where did it come from? You may ask. Not that you haven’t thought about this person, but not right at this moment. However, subconsciously, a sudden urges to hear this person’s voice cease you from your activity and wonder what this person is up to.

My mother used to tell me whenever someone comes to mind, it is God’s whispering in our spirit that someone is in urgent need. Either this person is in trouble, or he or she needs to talk. In my experience, most of the time, when I have this “urge”, I would pray and call that person. The response is almost constant – I always called at the right time.

I learned that my submission to the ‘small voice’ pushing me to check on someone is not as important to me as it is for the receiver. From experience, I learn to understand that it is not significant for me to know what to say or what to do when I call a person that was on my mind. It is important for me to listen and wait for what that person’s need of a second “spirit” to agree upon. The effect of “If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you” in Matthew 18:19 really works.

So you may ask what you can do aside from calling. I am glad you ask. When you call a person you were just thinking about, how has he or she reacted? Has he or she felt glad you call or maybe said something like “I was just thinking about you too?” So the next time you have a sudden urge to talk to someone, remember this:

• Prepare yourself to be quiet and not be quick to ask all sorts of questions. 
• Remind yourself, this it is not a typical “checking up on you” kind of business. 
• Inquire God’s wisdom; keep your ears open and your heart ready to allow this person to be humble. 
• Your part may come in various methods; you may be the financial provider/advisor, a caring shoulder, a praying partner, or simply a set of ears. 

In order words, you may be the one to stop someone from doing a very stupid thing, or help him or her to do an amazing thing. Either way, you will be part of an extraordinary moment.

This “urge” does not come often. Therefore, when it is your turn, be grateful that you are chosen for such a time to be a brother, a sister, a mother, a friend, or just a (…..). The next time you are suddenly thinking about someone, don’t ignore it – Give this person a call and see what’s up!

© November 25, 2012 by N. Michel/Bellflower’s Moment

Are you A Loner?

When was the last time you felt lonely? According to Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary loneliness defines as ‘being one without companion or one not frequented by human beings.’ Although the latter may seem a little defiant, one can measure the “state of loneliness” by pondering upon a few things. Can you count how many true friends you have? Can you truly say how many people would pull through for you in time of need? When in trouble, are you surrounded by people who love and seek to help you or are you looking at the corners of your walls wondering which way to go?

To be lonely does not necessarily mean that one is unfriendly or unkind. It does not necessarily mean that one is unpopular nor has anything to offer to people. Au contraire, a lonely person can possess the same quality of living a fruitful and harmonious life as one who is the friendliest; when he or she accepts the state of mind for which he or she is - a born loner. It is when we fight against that concept and adopt a robotic facilitator to represent our “person” that it becomes a tug of war. Consequently, when this “person” does not fulfill the demand of what we desire it to be, we feel rejected, “lonely”, and desperate.  

However, many of us refuse to resign in the “lonely” world. We desire to be “frequented by human beings” as stated in the dictionary. Loneliness is not such a bad thing if we:

<!--[if !supportLists]-->·        <!--[endif]-->Accept who we are – accepting our state of being will bring contentment

<!--[if !supportLists]-->·        <!--[endif]-->Reject who we are not – We should try to remain true to ourselves and decline what others portray us to be.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->·        <!--[endif]-->Embrace who we are – If you are not an initiator, don’t pretend to be. If you are not a front row person, it is okay to sit in the back.

 Loneliness provides many opportunities for one to seek gratitude and find strength in areas, which are lacking. In a time of loneliness, it may be that God is seeking our attention straying others from us only to reconnect him with us. So, when we find ourselves in that state of mind, we should not become distraught but we should try to pay closer attention and prepare for the change that may come. After all, we may find ourselves that we are not one “without companion.”

 © November 20, 2012 by N. Michel/Bellflower’s Moment

Happy Thanksgiving!

What better time to express gratitude than Thanksgiving Day? Although Thanksgiving is celebrated in November in America, one would agree that every day ought to inspire gratitude in our life. Gratitude is the expression of showing appreciation for something received and the quality to reciprocate the same kindness.

We should all have something to be grateful for, unless we fall in the selfish throne of forgetfulness. Simply by opening our eyes on a new day shows that we are allowed to see a glimpse of what we could have missed had the dark knight claimed our soul.

Every day, my five year old comes rushing to wake me up at what I would call a disturbing hour because she is so excited to go to school. Although my first reaction is to place a pillow over my head and wish it was a dream,  her bright smile shinning through the dark and her little fingers tickling my side ready to embrace the adventures of a day that has yet begun prompts me to rise up and forces me to share the same enthusiasm. However, I am forever grateful that I can see her face again for one more day. 

On the other hand, sometimes it is hard to regard any form of appreciation when our life does not turn out as expected or as planned; becoming jobless, losing one’s home, unable to conceive, curse with a sickness, or enduring some kind of hardship can quite put a burden that enables one to see the brighter side of the day. However, when we hear about or see the detriments of others, the glimpse of hope soothes our spirit and helps us realize that our life is so far better and not even more deserving than others. In other words, one can exercise a grateful heart and become more appreciative to return kindness by simply looking through to the eyes of another.

As Thanksgiving is approaching, let us seek to be thankful for everyday and every moment. I am grateful for right now.

What are you grateful for?

© 2012 by N. Michel/Bellflower's Moment