Joy Carols Spiritual Blog

And now let us believe in a long year that is given to us, new, untouched, full of things that have never been, full of work that has never been done, full of tasks, claims, and new hope.
― Rainer Maria Rilke

Often at the end of an old year and the beginning of a New Year, we feel compelled to make resolutions about what we will or won’t do in the coming year. Ironically, we almost always set ourselves up for failure and guilt.

But this New Year, we have an opportunity for a fresh start – a time when we can review the past year including our dreams and hopes, the times that were disappointing, the experiences that were satisfying or meaningful. It’s definitely a chance to ponder our lives and to look at our personal growth, the person we think we are, the person we really are, and the person we would like to become.

As we begin this New Year, I share the words of Joyce Rupp in her poem/prayer “Standing at the Gates of the New Year.” I find her words very helpful and hopeful. I hope they are for you too.
Guardian of this New Year, I set aside my fears, worries, concerns,
I open my life to the endless opportunity of discovering you in my relationships,
and to all the silent wisps of wonder that will draw me to your heart.
I welcome your unfailing Presence and walk with hope into this new year.

Yes, a New Year is a great time for us to be optimistic. Perhaps we can start by unlocking some closed doors in our lives and crack open our hearts in order to experience new joy and hope in our lives. We may be surprised to find a newness in our living, a vitality and energy in our being that we thought was lost to us. Maybe we will learn that God is truly present in our lives – every moment.

· Are we open to starting afresh and experiencing a newness of life?
· Can we unlock our hearts and minds so that we can see fresh ways to live and to serve?
· Can we be there for people who need us – even when we are not at our best?

Giver of New Life, we thank You for the opportunity to start afresh in this New Year and to take stock. May we be open to your life-giving words. Crack open our hearts and encourage us to grow so that we become the people we are meant to be. May we follow You wherever You lead us in this New Year. Amen.

Joy Carol
www.joycarol.com

Every moment and every event of every person’s life on earth plants something in their soul.
–Thomas Merton

Available on Amazon!!

Every now and then we are blessed to come across an event in life that needs to be shared. I have had several of them. But here’s one that has special meaning to me.

Years ago when I was living in Manhattan New York City, I became friends with Roger Jones, the supervisor of the company who was replacing all the windows in my cooperative apartment complex. He was fun, engaging, and he loved cats. Over the years we became very good friends, and I started “babysitting” for his lovely black cat Magic. She was delightful and a real charmer. And when she grew very old and passed away, it was a sad day for all of us. Roger was heartbroken, and he swore to his daughters and to me that he would never adopt another kitten or cat because no other animal could ever replace Magic in his heart.

As time passed, strange things were happening in another part of New York City. Firefighters came across a shoebox in a dumpster with two abandoned black kittens who were practically starving to death, one of which had very badly infected eyes. The firefighter had a big heart for cats, and took the kittens to his local vet, who decided she would do her best to save the kittens’ lives. And she did.

When they were healthy enough to be adopted, the vet put them in a cage in her office so people could see them and possibly adopt them – together. Sadly, people thought the kittens were adorable until they learned that one of them was blind because its eyes had been so badly infected. Because that cat was not perfect, therefore it was not wanted. Unfortunately that seems to be the way we treat imperfection as human beings.

Fortunately there are people like Roger in the world who don’t discriminate against flaws and handicaps. He courageously adopted both of the kittens. I can’t tell you any more of the story because I want you to read the book which has just been published and is NOW AVAILABLE ON AMAZON. Just in time for Christmas. The reason I write this blog about my first children’s book (Stevie the Wonder Cat) is that it has deeply moved me to see how people and animals with losses and problems can gain so much from one another. It also has taught me how accepting someone or something that has flaws may have its challenges – but also incredible rewards.

I really hope you will consider getting this book and sharing it with others. It’s a very moving story and it’s true. As Bruce Conely, a children’s book author says, “It’s written in a sensitive way with a warmth that keeps the reader interested and in anticipation of the outcome. It’s a ‘keeper.’ ” Yes, I’m proud to introduce you to both Roger and Stevie the Wonder Cat.

* Have you been moved by a relationship with an animal that touched your life?

* Have you ever looked at something that is flawed with judgment and disdain?

Beloved Creator of all peoples and all living things, we thank you for their many gifts to us. Help us to be more understanding and open to those who have flaws or imperfections. May we also view our own shortcomings with a deeper compassion. Amen.

Joy Carol

www.joycarol.com

No one comes from the earth like grass, we all come like trees. We all have roots.
– Maya Angelou

I am fortunate to live in a house protected by two magnificent live oak trees covered with Spanish moss. These trees are big!! It would probably take at least four people with their arms outstretched to hug the trunk of one of my trees.

Throughout history, trees have represented both the physical and spiritual aspects of human existence. In other words, our lives feel rooted in the physical earth. But our spirits are drawn like leaves of a tree toward the light of the “spiritual sun.” The oak tree is considered to be significant in many cultures. And a live oak is different because it can grow more than 75 feet tall and 150 feet wide, and it is hearty and lives a long life. Interestingly, its leaves always appear to be green because old leaves don’t just fall off – the growth of new leaves pushes off the old ones – an important lesson for all of us to learn.

Yes, trees have much wisdom to impart to us. They are inclusive. They are the home and the playground for animals and birds of all kinds. The trees never exclude anyone or anything. They are welcoming – even to people – to their shade and branches. They don’t put up a fence around themselves nor do they put out signs that say “stay away” or “you are not allowed here because of who you are.”

In Ilan Shamir’s poem “Advice from a Tree”, a tree sagely reminds us:
Dear friend, stand tall and proud. Sink your roots deeply into the earth. Reflect the light of a greater source. Think long term. Go out on a limb. Remember your place among all living beings. Let your limbs sway and dance in the breezes. Be flexible. Remember your roots. Enjoy the view!

I admit my two enormous live oak trees were a big attraction for me when I chose my home here in Florida. Today they give me much pleasure and comfort as well as shelter from the hot sun. I have come to love them and to be grateful for their lessons. And they keep teaching me lessons.

As 13th century Sufi theologian and poet Rumi pointed out, “Everything has the potential to teach us. We need only to be awake to our experiences and be willing to learn.” And perhaps Joyce Kilmer was right when he wrote in his famous poem “Trees” with its appreciation of nature and life:

I think that I shall never see 
A poem lovely as a tree….
Poems are made by fools like me,
But only God can make a tree.

• Have you noticed how powerful and beautiful trees can be?
• Have you ever developed a caring relationship for a tree – especially when times were tough?

Thank You, Beloved Creator, for Your many gifts in nature – especially for trees. You have asked us to be good stewards of the earth and we have failed to do that in many ways. Help us to learn to be better caregivers of Your world. May we appreciate Your gifts of beauty in nature. Amen.

Joy Carol

www.joycarol.com

Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything beautiful, for beauty is God’s handwriting.
– Ralph Waldo Emerson

This has been an amazing summer for me. I have traveled quite independently and extensively to a number of places. It has been such a joy for me to realize that I can get in a rental car and ask Siri to give me directions somewhere and just take off – by myself. It was such a gift to me to feel strong and independent enough to do that again. I almost felt like I had wings. For the first couple of years of my dealing with paraneoplastic syndrome, I had to give up driving a car. I could barely move. I was either in hospitals, nursing facilities, or had 24/7 caregiving.

But times have changed for me, and I now live independently in a beautiful cottage at Penney Farms, FL (with a spare bedroom for houseguests – yes, please come on down and visit my beautiful home) and I drive everywhere independently. What a miraculous and enchanting joy for me.

One of the special spots I visited this summer was Quoque, Long Island, NY, where my dear friends Jane and Lou Gropp live. They have a wonderful outdoor shower at their beach house. And I had the pleasure of using it several times. It felt so refreshing and rejuvenating to get into that shower where the only roof was the blue sky and branches of trees.

It reminded me that when I had a weekend home in Hampton Bays LI (not far from the Gropp’s) that I had a fabulous outdoor shower. I had planted a honeysuckle vine beside the wooden structure surrounding the shower. Over the years the vines climbed all over it – both outside and inside. I remember being in the shower one day and moving some of the leaves and flowers of the honeysuckle and seeing the little ceramic plaque that I had forgotten I had hung there. On it were written the words “Find Beauty in All Things.” How special to discover that sign – a reminder that in the midst of problems, issues, life itself, we can find and experience beauty.

I started thinking about that – how valuable it is to look for beauty in all things which God has created. It’s so easy to see the ugly side of life and to find fault with people, things, even life itself. One of my friends reminded me that we often think of rare things as being beautiful. For example, we see a red cardinal as a stunning bird. But because a sparrow is an ordinary or common bird, we tend not to appreciate it or to think of it as beautiful.

Now as I think about my outdoor shower, I recall the “Find Beauty in All Things” plaque. But I also remember there was a small mirror right next to that sign. Whenever we look into a mirror, we should remind ourselves to look for our own deep, internal beauty. Yes, it’s there. After all, we have been created by God, the master artist.

• Have you looked into the mirror recently and seen your own deep internal beauty?
• Where do you see beauty in life – especially when times are tough?

Thank you, God, for being the great artist and for creating a world full of beauty – including ourselves. Teach us to be attentive observers and protectors of your amazingly beautiful world. And help us to look for beauty in all peoples and in ourselves. Amen.

Joy Carol

www.joycarol.com

We are each of us angels with only one wing, and we can fly by embracing one another.
 – Luciana DeCrescenzo

It was a stormy, rainy night with plenty of roaring thunder and terrifying lightning. My friends and I were at a concert in St. Mary’s Episcopal Church – one of the charming river churches near the St. Johns River In Green Cove Springs, Florida.  Because of the weather, many people didn’t even make it into the church. They remained in their cars waiting for the rain to pass.  Ironically, the storm paused just as the concert ended.

My friends and I dashed to the car because there was the threat of another storm arriving soon. I wasn’t driving that night so I got in the passenger side. Since it was dark and raining, I didn’t see that I was stepping onto a bed of fire ants near the car door. They obviously had come out of their bed because it was too wet for them and they were looking for a new dry spot. I must have looked like that potential dry option.

As I climbed into the car, suddenly my feet were in excruciating pain, and I was sure something had stung me. I had no idea how many times I had been stung or how many “things” were attacking me. But we knew I needed some Benadryl because the itching and pain were unbearable. So we drove a few blocks to the local pharmacy where my friend Nancy ran to get some Benadryl and a bottle of water. By the time she returned to the car, my tongue felt too big for my mouth and I was having trouble swallowing. Suddenly I felt nauseated and I might pass out. And I could no longer talk correctly.

Fortunately, my friend Nancy realized that I was in deep trouble and that she couldn’t possibly drive me to the nearest emergency room on time – it was at least a 20-minute ride there. So she dialed 911 on her cell phone. The call went directly to the fire department in Green Cove Springs. Within minutes, five big firefighters were lifting me out of the car and putting me in an ambulance where they began testing and treating me. What I didn’t know was that I was suffering from an anaphylactic shock and that my blood pressure had dropped far below a normal level and my heartbeat was erratic. They did all the right things in the gentlest and most compassionate way possible. I couldn’t talk but I felt safe and cared for and that I would be OK. They didn’t even start the motor on the ambulance until they felt I was stable enough to be moved to an emergency room some 30 minutes away. Those special angels talked to me all the way to the emergency room and would not leave me alone in the ER until I was in a room being treated by doctors and nurses at the hospital. I remember trying to tell them how nice they were. And they responded: “Sorry, Miss Joy, but we don’t have any ice.” My tongue just wouldn’t quite cooperate.

Now several days later with blisters and scabs from over 90 stings on my feet, legs, and arms proving that things had been quite precarious for me, I think about the wonderful angels who surrounded me and cared for me. My friends Nancy and Edna who tried to get the ants off my legs, got me the Benadryl, had the wisdom to call 911, and who stayed in the emergency room for hours with me; the gentle, amazing firefighters who knew what to do to literally save my life; and the skilled nurses and doctors at the hospital.

As I returned to Penney Farms, I have been overwhelmed with the kindness and empathy of my friends here who have told me how grateful they are that I am still with them. And so am I. Yes, life looks very different when you unexpectedly come up to the edge of the cliff and are kept from falling by all those angels reaching out to help you.

* Have you ever felt the presence of “angels” who have reached out to you and helped you when you were in need?

* Have you reached out to someone else when they needed you and perhaps became their “angel”?

Beloved Healer, we thank you for your endless compassion and love to us. We ask that you will help us to be more loving and helpful to those in need. Teach us how to be genuine angels to one another. Amen.

Joy Carol

www.joycarol.com

Independence Day ought to be commemorated as the Day of Deliverance
by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. – John Adams

For many Americans, the 4^th of July is an exciting holiday celebrated with gatherings of family and friends, cookouts, parades with flags waving, and fireworks. We rarely think about it as a day when we remember and honor the courageous founders of our country who signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Do we consider the actual impact of this day on our lives? And do we think about what the words independence and freedom mean to us?

This year we are especially mindful of how many people don’t have freedom and how much pain and suffering are present in our world. We hear the sad news of people trying to cross the borders into the USA and other countries from their homelands where parents fear for their children’s lives. We are aware that there are thousands and thousands of people in refugee camps who are trying to flee the torture and killings in their countries all over the world. I personally remember how un-free and un-independent I felt over the years when I was forced to stay in hospitals, rehab centers, nursing homes, and in my own home fighting for my life. I know there are thousands of people who find themselves in that kind of situation too.

Yes, when we are fortunate to have freedom and independence, we might be a bit guilty of taking that for granted. Each year after the celebration of the 4^th of July, I try to ponder the significance of Independence Day and its meaning for my life. I find it helpful to consider the words written by John Adams, one of the founders of our country. Adams wrote these very moving and poignant words to his wife Abigail on July 3, 1776. I believe his words can help us put the true meaning of Independence Day into perspective. (This is the exact text from his letter.) “The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty.” (The Book of Abigail and John: Selected Letters of the Adams Family, 1762-84)

Those words speak volumes to us. Perhaps as John Adams stated, we should remember Independence Day as a “Day of Deliverance” and celebrate it with solemn acts of devotion to God. We have so much to be grateful for, so many freedoms, so many choices, so many blessings. Life can be truly abundant, if we choose to be open to it. May we celebrate and honor our liberation, our freedom, our blessings through gratitude and prayer.

* How did you celebrate Independence Day this year? And what about in the future?

* What are some of your blessings and freedoms that you are grateful for? 

Beloved Creator, we thank you for creating us as your children in this amazing world. Thank you so much for the gifts of freedom, of liberty, of life. May we not take them for granted. May we celebrate our “independence” and our “freedom” with solemn acts of devotion to You, our God Almighty. Amen.

Joy Carol
www.joycarol.com

The universe is always sending us little messages causing serendipities,
reminding us to stop, to believe in something more and to be grateful. – Anonymous

Early this morning when it was still dark, I woke up feeling anxious about the problems of the day and the troubles of the world. It’s easy to feel discouraged, even overwhelmed, as we face the dilemmas, disappointments, and hurts of life. It may be difficult, even impossible, to say, “I’m grateful for this new day.”

About three years ago I was diagnosed with cancer and paraneoplastic syndrome – a very rare syndrome that is difficult to diagnose and even more difficult to treat. In my case, the syndrome revealed itself through antibodies attacking my central nervous system causing an almost instant inability to walk or move my legs and feet. Since then I have moved from NYC to Penney Farms, Florida to be near Mayo Clinic – an amazing place where the sign at the entrance states: “Patient Care” rather than “Hospital.” Mayo has not only saved my life but my vision too (that story is in my blog “The Gift of Sight” written in September 2015). And years before that, I had three close encounters with death including a lethal streptococcus infection, a serious accident as a pedestrian hit by a car, and a brain tumor. So it would be very easy to say “Not again!! God, why me? Do I deserve this?”

Next week I will lead a retreat and preach a sermon about Mary, the Mother of Jesus. As a teenager, Mary was given the shocking news that she, a virgin betrothed to a carpenter, would give birth to a baby boy who was to be named Jesus. She must have been scared out of her mind knowing there was the possibility of being stoned to death or being rejected by her betrothed. Like Mary, when an unexpected and alarming announcement or “bad news” faces us, we too may be scared out of our minds. “How can this be happening to me? How can I possibly deal with this?”

What is striking in Mary’s story is that the angel who greeted her with such astounding and scandalous news also comforted her with the message, “Do not be afraid.” Maybe that’s the real point of her story and of all our stories. I strongly believe God wants the same consolation for each one of us in our times of distress or devastation. The message may be saying to each one of us: “God loves you profoundly even in difficult times. Fear not!”

 So like Mary, we need to ponder the questions, consider possible options, and turn to wise people and to God for support and guidance. Maybe we will discover joys in the unexpected and even experience the possibility of serendipitous spiritual growth. Serendipity is described as a “fortunate happenstance” or “pleasant surprise”. It was created by Horace Walpole in 1754, when he made an unexpected discovery in a Persian fairy tale, The Three Princes of Serendip. The princes were “always making discoveries, by accidents and sagacity, of things which they were not in quest of.”

So maybe our response to waking up to another day should be “Thank you, God, for many gifts – our life, our breath, joy, the beauty and wonders in the world, serendipitous events.” But we shouldn’t take anything for granted. We need to be grateful and create a better life for ourselves and for the world.

* Have you had bad times that turned out to be gifts of serendipity?

* What are the unexpected gifts in your life that you may want to give thanks for?

God, Giver of life, thank you for giving us another day. Help us to let go of our fears and to learn to be grateful that you love us and have shared your beautiful creation with us. We are overwhelmed by your love for us. Thank you, thank you.

Joy Carol
www.joycarol.com

Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people
have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.   – Hebrews 13:2

It had been a glorious week in Nebraska filled with cherished memories. I had returned to preach at the little Methodist Church in Clatonia where I had been baptized and confirmed and where my grandparents and parents had also been members. It was wonderful to see cousins and old friends from high school and university days. And it was particularly special to visit the farmland where I had grown up with horses, cows, sheep, chickens, and my faithful three-legged dog Brownie. I even visited our old farmhouse (built by my grandparents in the early 1920s) which had been taken off its foundation, put on wheels, and moved from our farm near Clatonia to Wilber; a distance of nearly 11 miles. I can vividly remember every nook and cranny of that beautiful house. The “new” owners have surrounded the house with a stunning vineyard, which they planted in honor of their son. What a sight for me to see.

All in all, it was a remarkable experience and I was basking in the memories as I boarded a plane in Omaha for my trip back to Jacksonville, Florida. Unfortunately our takeoff was delayed and when we landed in Charlotte, North Carolina, we waited on the runway for 15 minutes before arriving at our gate. It wasn’t looking good for me to make it to my connecting flight. When we finally disembarked, I was surprised to find we were out on the tarmac without a jetway, which meant I must navigate some very steep stairs – a challenge for me. Since it was almost time for my next flight to board I hoped there would be someone in Charlotte to meet me. That was not the case. Not an agent or a wheelchair in sight – just an expanse of tarmac to cross to get to the terminal. I knew my connecting flight was on the far side of the airport, about a 15 minute ride on a cart. Fortunately I had been sitting on the plane next to Tonya, a beautiful, highly successful business woman based in Charlotte. As we deplaned she grabbed my bag and helped me stagger into the terminal. She kept saying to me, “I will not leave you, Joy. I will help you get to that next flight.”

And true to her word, she never left me. Once inside the terminal, there was neither agent nor anyone else to help me get to the next gate for my flight. When Tonya spotted an empty wheelchair she grabbed it, told me to sit and started pushing me – along with her roller bag and my bag toward the next set of terminals. Suddenly out of nowhere a Piedmont Airlines man appeared beside us and said, “Let me help you.” I had not flown on Piedmont so I was surprised. “Where are you going and what time is your flight?” he asked. After I told him, we raced through the airport – my new friend Tonya, the Piedmont man Jerry, and me in a wheelchair flying as fast as we could. By this time the flight to Jacksonville was likely boarding or possibly finished. And of course, the airport was packed with people. I can still hear Jerry and Tonya politely yelling: “Excuse us! Coming through!”

I felt I was in the hands of angels. Tonya and Jerry never left my side until they got me to the gate for my flight to Jacksonville – which was just about to close its door. When I turned to thank them and to try to pay Jerry for pushing my wheelchair, they were gone. Like two angels that had done their job and taken flight– not needing anything so worldly as a tip or even a thank you.

As I boarded the plane with the flight attendant carrying my little bag ahead of me, I tottered a bit with my cane. A man in the first-class section said, “Honey, where are you going?” I replied, “Somewhere back there. I’m just so happy to be on this plane.” He got up and said, “No, darling, you are sitting in my seat. It’s my turn to go to the back. It’s been a long time since I’ve sat in the cattle car and you need to sit right here.” Although I tried to convince him not to give up his seat, he insisted I sit there like a first-class customer.

I was so overwhelmed with the compassion of three strangers that I burst into tears of gratitude. Not only was I on the last plane to Jacksonville, I had been treated with such love and kindness by three complete strangers – astonishing angels. I wasn’t expecting it. I was filled with gratitude. I believe it’s a wonderful lesson for all of us: Be an angel to a stranger!

* Have you ever had an angel reach out to you when you really needed one?

* Have you reached out to someone and become an angel for them?

Beloved Creator, thanks for sending angels to help us when we most need them. May we learn to recognize and be grateful for angels who show up and care for us. Teach us how to be angels to others when we see someone in need. Amen.

Joy Carol

www.joycarol.com

Vision… is not the simple thing it is imagined to be… In particular, vision helps us to know what we are like. Because we cannot see what we do not understand or use or identify with, we see very little of the world.     – J. Elkins

Rick Bendel, M.D.
Mayo Clinic

Vision loss. A frightening, traumatizing thought, and one that we don’t want to linger on for very long.

After recent surgery on both of my eyes to correct my narrow angle glaucoma, I had a somewhat unusual bleed in my right eye. A murky veil of orange-ish yellow settled on my field of vision. Initially, it was a terrifying feeling. I could not even see someone waving their hand in front of my eyes – only that veil. I was afraid I might never regain sight in that eye. Fortunately my vision did return. A relief, a joy beyond words.

That experience could have been very frightening to be sure, but it actually turned into a spiritual one for me because of the exceptional skill, encouragement, and empathy of my doctor, Rick Bendel, M.D. at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. The privilege of working with this amazing doctor and undergoing eye surgery under his care is difficult to put into words. Dr. Bendel graduated from medical school with highest distinction, did an internship in India, and was a Fellow and did his residency at the Kresge Eye Institute. He was invited as professor for the 20^th anniversary of finishing his residency at Kresge and was awarded their Distinguished Alumni Award in June 2015. I believe all of this has made him an extraordinary and sensitive doctor – one that other doctors could learn from.

When Dr. Bendel first discovered that my narrow angle glaucoma was extremely problematic and perhaps even close to a dangerous closure with the possible loss of sight, he gently and patiently explained the danger my eyes were in. I shall never forget how tranquil and confident he made me feel – without making me panicked or unnerved. Days later in the operating room, I was calm and comfortable as I listened to the sounds of soft, soothing music playing in the background, and there was no chattering among the staff. Dr. Bendel explained that he wanted me to be able to relax and focus on the music while he focused on his task – a teamwork approach. I could feel his reassuring hands on my face as he instructed me to “Look at the light, Joy.” It truly became a spiritual occasion for me as “the light” turned into outlandishly beautiful colors as he worked on my eye.

Somehow that entire experience changed my perspective on seeing. Yes, I now think that I have a new way of “seeing”. I learned something about sight and vision from Dr. Bendel’s concern and kindness and from my period of “not seeing” with my right eye. Not being able to catch sight of the details of my surroundings, I discovered that there is another way of learning from blurry vision. It started when I could feel the heat more intensely on my body. I began to “hear” the light shining through the live oak trees around my cottage as their leaves rustled and moved in the wind. I also heard my own breath and I felt more in tune with life. It’s as though I stopped “looking” for things and instead focused on feeling my way through interactions. I’m beginning to understand that I can see beyond the surface, past the “judging” that at times our eyes do. I feel more open to the beauty in others allowing their reality to come forward.

Strange how my encounter with the very compassionate Dr. Bendel and my brief, temporary bout with not being able to see has helped me to experience a deeper kind of seeing. I no longer need to “see” things to know what they are. I can listen to them, breathe them, or feel them. But what is even more amazing is that I have exceptional vision in both eyes now. And I have had the pleasure of being shown what is called the anterior imaging of my eyes showing that they are now deep in a normal fashion from what was previously exceptionally flat. Now that is sheer joy!! A true gift!!

* Have you had the experience of working with someone who gives you complete confidence even in what could be very frightening times? What did you learn from that?

* Have you ever experienced not being able to “see”? How did you feel or learn from that experience

* Are there times in your life when not “seeing” is related to something beyond your eyes?

 Beloved Giver of Sight, thank you for the amazing world that you have created for us and for the gift of sight. Thank you also for highly skilled and compassionate doctors like Dr. Bendel who believe in us and help us when we are in dark times. We are so slow to realize how special these gifts are. Open our hearts and our eyes to the beauty in others and in nature. May we experience a deeper kind of seeing. Amen.

Joy Carol

www.joycarol.com

I’ve learned that things change, people change, and it doesn’t mean you forget the past
or try to cover it up. It simply means you move on and treasure the memories. – Unknown author

My new, and ever-changing view.

For better or worse, change is a part of life. It touches every aspect of our lives; relationships, home, work, financial, physical and spiritual. However, when change comes too rapidly, it may be frightening and feel out of our control. We likely do not realize that even when life speeds by, we can choose how we will respond to it, and that it is possible to experience gifts of peace, calm, and even joy during difficult times.

In the midst of a turbulent transition, we may realize just how extremely brief life can be. We might perceive our lives as rather sloppy; we haven’t been very careful about what we have chosen to do with our priceless days on earth and have lost track of what we hold as sacred. Indeed, it’s sobering to think that there might not be much time left for us to live. It can make us want to use our time in a more meaningful way. Perhaps if we lived our life as if we only had one day left to live, that sense of impermanence could heighten our feeling of preciousness.

Although scary, change can also provide us countless opportunities for growth. If we affirm every day that we are changing, growing, learning and we are filled with potential, we can gather wisdom from our life transitions and embrace a transformed life.

Yes, change happens and we can’t possibly know what the future will hold. As I’ve been experiencing an enormous period of change in my life, I’ve discovered first hand how vulnerable we are and how precious life is. Two years ago, I was hiking in the hills of Greece when my legs felt heavy. Within a couple of weeks, I could not move my feet or legs one step. I started falling down. After months in a hospital, I was finally diagnosed with something very rare and difficult to treat: paraneoplastic syndrome. There are only a few of us in the USA who are diagnosed with this syndrome and even fewer who survive.

The first year and a half after my diagnosis, I spent months in hospitals and rehab centers while the doctors tried to find a treatment that would help me. During that time, I was forced to cancel my upcoming workshops/retreats and speaking engagements, to give up driving my car, to stop gardening, to sell my beach house in Hampton Bays, and eventually to sell my apartment in Manhattan. I needed to live near Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida where there was a doctor who was trained and experienced in working with people who had my diagnosis. So six months ago, I made the radical change of leaving my lovely apartment in my beloved New York City and moved to a continuing care community in Penney Farms, Florida.

My new home

It would be easy to focus on all the losses I’ve experienced over the last two years: my NYC friends, my homes, my gardens, my city, my work, my ability to walk. But I made a conscious decision to concentrate on appreciating the many gifts I am presently receiving in my life – especially in the last six months in Florida. I now live independently (without caregivers) in a lovely cottage (with a guest room waiting for your visit) in the shade of two ancient and regal live oak trees with Spanish moss, I have made dozens of new friends in this very supportive and loving community called Penney Farms with scores of activities to do, I am out every single day in some way using a cane or rollator or even driving my new Subaru car! And I am now leading workshops and retreats, preaching, teaching, speaking, and singing. Perhaps most importantly I have the wonderful services of the doctors of Mayo Clinic, who are experts in dealing with my syndrome – who are helping to extend my life.

So I am grateful and in the process of changing my view on life. I now know that it is possible to make good choices about how we respond to the changes we have to make in order to live our lives. Even when we feel confused or sad or full of loss, it’s important that we stop, listen, and reflect, so that we can become aware of God’s loving presence near us – in people, nature, music, live oak trees, even Spanish moss.

• What are your greatest fears or concerns about change?
• Can you affirm to yourself that you are changing, you are growing, you are a learner, you are filled with potential?
• Can you integrate wisdom from your life experiences and turn it into a transformed life for yourself and others?

Beloved Creator, thank you for creating a world full of surprises and changes. When we are in transition on our journey or we face major challenges, help us to learn from our experiences. May we realize that you are always there for us, even during major changes in our lives. Amen.

Joy Carol

www.joycarol.com