I was reminded this morning what happens to the heart when someone feels "wronged." There was a very dear person important in my life who went through an experience that hurt his/her heart very much. At the time it was clear the dynamics were intense, and that actions and words had been said that would have a great impact on the family dynamics. As is all too often the case, the effects seeped onto the friends of all concerned and the division lines were drawn. 
  It is a quandary to deal with such events when as a friend to the family, you wish only to see all parties happy, and peacefulness restored to all concerned.  Unfortunately, however, we do not have the power to control such events. All any of us can do is look within our own hearts to see if the peaceful we seek for others is present within ourselves.
  For this moment, I am grateful for the love within my heart, family, and community that holds a reflection for those with a broken heart to see, feel, and access to help heal his/her injured heart. While my humanness would like to "help," my soul knows only the Creator can perform such "heart surgery!" There is, within my heart, a vacant space waiting for the "broken-hearted" one to return.

   Have you ever watched cows graze in the field? They have a slow, steady pace about life. Rarely, if ever, do you see cows running anywhere. Even if it is storming they find their way to shelter well before the "effects" are felt and therefore have no reason to hurry. With the current hot weather we have had, it has been interesting to notice how they flock together under the trees in the field to seek shelter from the direct rays of the sun. When the rain has been plentiful, you will often see cows standing in ponds of water to cool their body. They seem to know instinctively what to do to take care of themselves.
   I recently visited my brother in Kentucky and one morning took his routine walking path along the hills and hollers. The cows (and bulls) stared at me as though to check out the "new face" on the block! As I walked past them, I made no audible sound; rather, kept my eyes locked with theirs and silently said, "Hello!" Slowly and very methodically they chewed their cud and moved their heads as I passed. It was as though they did not  have a care in the world. Perhaps that is why the expression, "the contented cow!" Cows seem to take life one moment at a time and trust their instincts to deal with what is in front of them. It was at that time the thought occurred to me; perhaps, the cow knows something that would be good for me to remember - to trust my instincts and simply be content where I am!

Consider if you will, what an opportunity we all have in front of us! This record breaking heat wave has given all of us the opportunity to look at our life and ask what needs removed. Much like winter offers us time to go within to consider what we want to see more of in our life, so this sweltering heat is doing! Most of us are fortunate enough to have some means to cool ourselves so much of the weekend was probably spent within our homes, at a movie, shopping mall or some place with air conditioning. I noticed the local news reported attendance at museums was up last week; that is certainly a healthy sign that families are spending time together.


As we move through this hot summer, pause for a few moments and ask yourself, "What do I want to allow this heat to 'burn away,' and how can I use this to assist me." I will just bet you know precisely what you'd like to offer up to the "sun god" that will make your life more joyful, more fun, and filled with adventure. Here's a challenge to take state what you want to "burn away," and welcome the newness that comes with the new growth.