SUNNYSIDE UP MOMENT April 4, 2020
“Love your Life"
SUNNYSIDE UP MOMENT - APRIL 4, 2020
DAY NINETEEN OF THE CORONAVIRUS SHUTDOWN FOR US AT STACK 'EM HIGH PANCAKES AND SO FORTH
Good morning! I spent a lot of time yesterday reading and researching great philosopers, poets, scientists, mystics, spiritual seekers, war-time heroes, presidents and everyday people who overcame great obstacles. In my archives I found the Prayer of Tecumseh. I may have shared it with you before as it was a source of great comfort for us around the time Nick's father, our beloved Mr. Perry, passed away in 2014. Although we were deeply saddened by his loss, we found peace in the notion that he had lived his life with great gusto, integrity and wonder. He never forgot the abject poverty he came from. He never squandered an opportunity, and he absolutely never took for granted the food on his plate.
It seems reasonable take some time during this pandemic to assess how we will be remembered. Looking back, how will others recall our actions? As I observe the shockingly different ways people are reacting to and handling the current crisis, I have to admit I am amazed. Hubris can be such a devastating thing, swinging far and wide, like a wrecking ball without regard for what is in its path. And humility, though quiet by nature can be so powerful, turning ripples of strength into tidal waves of resolve. The words are not mine today, they are of the great Shawnee chief. These words speak through the ages. I hope they speak to you this morning.
So live your life that the fear of death can never enter your heart.
Trouble no one about their religion;
respect others in their view, and demand that they respect yours.
Love your life,
perfect your life,
beautify all things in your life.
Seek to make your life long and its purpose in the service of your people.
Prepare a noble death song for the day when you go over the great divide.
Always give a word or a sign of salute when meeting or passing a friend,
even a stranger, when in a lonely place.
Show respect to all people and grovel to none.
When you arise in the morning give thanks for the food and for the joy of living.
If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies only in yourself.
Abuse no one and no thing, for abuse turns the wise ones to fools and robs the spirit of its vision.
When it comes your time to die,
be not like those whose hearts are filled with the fear of death,
so that when their time comes they weep and pray for a little more time to live their lives over again in a different way.
Sing your death song and die like a hero going home.
We hope you enjoy the day. May it be sunnyside up!