Here’s a spread from the Mom and Dad book. That’s their first house, in New Jersey, and a snippet of how they liked to live. (Click for larger view.)
For more about the book, click here.
Today commemorates, 71 years ago, my mother’s last day of pre-motherhood. She’s gone now, but I’m still here to celebrate the result of her labor.
We’ll do that tomorrow, heading for a favorite get-away in Ojai. It’s part for the birthday, and part commemorating the finish of Anne’s long summer showing her work at the Laguna Beach Festival of Art.
This morning, being a last day before my New Years, I spent the first hours reading a book. That’s a book of my own writing, my own Pilgrim’s Progress, kept as daily entries in a sketchbook. I’ve done that for years—though not as regularly until this last period.
I will say it’s been instructive, both the keeping of them, and the reviewing. If what Socrates said is true, “an unexamined life is not worth living,” then mine is very worth living.
Not to belabor all the reflections and insights, here are just a few notes from the process:
That what happens is not up to me . . . and it is up to me. Both.
That there’s always leading.
That there’s a discontentment and a contentment at the same time.
That in the end it’s all about faith . . . and courage.
That fears too often predominate. That the story of the rich young ruler may be, fearfully, my own. (Again.)
That one can only receive what he’s been given of God.
But at the same time, God gives the Spirit without measure.
That knowing what to do is a gift.
That attitude makes all the difference in things.
Though seeing much wrong in the world, it’s hard to know how to address it from my tiny corner.
To not think too highly of self . . . but be ready to serve those of low estate. (That’s work one can always get, even when the other eludes.)
That it matters what we do, but as much, how we do it.
That Anne is a faithful companion and help. And me, to her, too.
That I can always continue with the talents and pursuits already revealed, walk into opportunities as they open, make quality the higher goal for the art, and service its purpose.
There’s more, but that’s enough for today . . . and perhaps for the year to come.
________________
PS Please, no birthday wishes. But “Happy New Year” will be fine.
Our Lives Together
Its About Life
1:15 pm
Happy New Year Hyatt!!! God bless you on your special day, and in your continued ministry through your words, and beautiful artwork.
1:30 pm
I love your thoughts and examinations.
Very inspirational to me.
4:27 pm
I like that thought as it is a “Happy New Year”!
4:44 pm
You Experienced and Planted Seeds for another whole year!!! I wonder what they are Germinating … Happy New Year My Friend! I have no doubt it’s the beginning of more great work!
5:05 pm
Marry New Birthday Hyatt and many more to come. Tienes que llenar muchos libros mas. Yo cumplí 75 en Abril y sigo feliz paseando en mi motocicleta(a chopper)
5:40 pm
A very happy new year, Hyatt! Thanks for continuing to inspire me — and many others.
6:50 pm
“OH Happy Day”, my littlest girl used to proclaim when Happy Birthday was just too many words to say. She said it with such Joy! She and her two sisters shared their Birthdays within days of each other. January 16th through the 19th was always an exciting time for us!
I love your Posts, Hyatt, and wish you much Joy as you and your family and friends celebrate you. I Celebrate you, also, you and your gifts and talents that you inspire and bless us with.
7:01 pm
OHHH Hyatt! I loved all that you have shared and what you have learned in your life by examining your life.. Reflecting. So effective a practice. I don’t do it enough I dare say. I get so busy with the living that I don’t do the reflecting.. I am going to keep this up so I can look at it some more and reflect on what you have written. To share it also.. Thank you! Blessings to you and Anne and family! love Lisa
10:03 pm
Happy New Year, dear brother. so many great comments from the results of mom and dad’s book- thanks again for your great labor of love.
I agree – there is both contentment and discontentment at the same time. it’s the way it is down here and meant to be. May you find more of the former in Ojai these next few days, a sweet time with your sweetie, and maybe another new door to buy or enter.
love you madly.
3:12 am
Hyatt,
Well, Happy New Year to you. You and your family are special to a lot of us. Family begins with Betty and Hy and comes all the way down to you and Anne and your children and grandchildren. Have a great day.
Have been keeping in touch with Allison and she is going thru a lot of ‘blessing’ but I am sure she does not feel like it now.
Happy new year from TN.
Becky and Bill Jones
9:56 am
A very Happy New Year to you, Hyatt! I’ll picture you, in Ojai, resting with Anne, sketching, and reflecting. All of which you do well. “The best is yet to come” is everything Scriptural. And may this promise be your’s as you two look ahead to another year of pilgrimage together, Jesus alongside.
2:16 pm
Happy new year my friend and many more!
That picture of you and your mom is so sweet.
I enjoy your musings ….. So much truth in them….. Good things to reflect on and take to heart.
You have been blessed with some amazing gifts…. I’m glad you share them through your paintings and writings and faithfulness…. You are appreciative of a long and happy marriage and a wonderful bunch of kids and grandkids…. It’s all very inspirational and I’m blessed to know you. Have a wonderful birthday in ojai…..
God bless, Ginney
10:12 am
[…] You’ll also remember (or did I mention it?) in all my reflections I didn’t come up with anything particularly new, just a desire for deepening in all things. (See “Another Year Ended,” here.) […]