Then indeed peace had come. Messages of peace breathed from the sea to the shore.
~ To The Lighthouse, Virginia Woolf.
I love many books, but I truly admire To The Lighthouse. I remember thinking how brave Woolf was in the way she took risks with her characters, structure, story and use of stream of consciousness.
This book and passage which I have quoted seemed particularly appropriate. Last week I heard some sad news. This week I witnessed great bravery.
Some losses that we face are much harder than others. There are times when we can't be happy and that is fine. Life has its ups and downs, like the ebb and flow of the waves. It is as if we are being tossed about at sea. The storm will pass and we need to keep our head above water. A blind wolf in the darkness fighting. Then the calm comes.
I have always believed in the power of words. The reality is that words sometimes fail to convey how we feel and we can only offer small gestures - gifts, hugs and lending a hand. May be that is enough.
All things bright and beautiful,
All creatures great and small,
All things wise and wonderful:
The Lord God made them all.
- All Things Bright and Beautiful by Cecil F. Alexander, pub.1848Or sometimes it is a song that will carry much more meaning. Such simplicity in the lyrics and melody. It is a lovely hymn. It reminds us of creation. There is a fragility, hopefulness and yet it can also bring tears, though I'm not sure why.
I feel at peace when I sing and I feel peace when I hear the sound of waves lapping onto the shore.
