I’m still away on vacation (this is too much fun!). Today we have another very special guest with us. Please help me welcome someone who always puts a smile on my face, Julie from Random Meanderings. Julie shares words that are spoken from the heart, always, and it’s a place I visit to be renewed and refreshed in life. For a better understanding of what Random Meanderings is, let’s listen to Julie:
“It’s the world inside my head, what I call “Julie World,” a place of color, curiosity, and exploration, of observances and emotions that are moving around in a swirl of continual wonder about anything and everything.”
Julie really embodies this and more in her writing. Check out a couple of her recent posts, including:
Julie’s words will inspire and move you. Stop by and visit, you’ll find a place to call “home” here on the Internet.
With that, I present to you, my good friend Julie, as she shares…
Promises
I heard buzzing, low-pitched and multi-toned. It sounded purposeful.
The small mesquite tree I stood under couldn’t have been more than 8’ tall, just a youngster. It had a pretty shape, full and round, because it stood alone, apart from other vegetation, growing from ground that had been cleared for future construction. By standing alone, all its branches were able to reach toward the sun without infringement from other trees or even shrubs. This allowed it to grow full and seemingly proud and looking to all directions equally.
But, for months the tree had been bare, the branches dark and leafless. It stood quietly. Even in breezes it was silent, without leaves to rustle against each other. It appeared to be like the trees in colder climates that stood dormant for months on end, looking lifeless.
Then, suddenly, overnight it seemed, new leaves appeared. Butterflies of varying colors and sizes approached. Birds small and large circled and landed. A sturdy breeze helped the branches move, and they seemed to dance with playfulness and delight. All the leaves epitomized happy movement!
Yet, when fuzzy pale yellow blossoms appeared and released their perfume, the world around that little tree sprung to full-blown activity. The lifeblood of the tree was pumping, again! More butterflies appeared, dipping their antennas to the blossoms. Huge black and orange wasps swarmed, jockeying for position, their wings making an industrious humming. Bees added hard-working buzzing sounds. All were eagerly gleaning sweet sustenance from the tree’s offering. Small black bugs half the size of my smallest fingernail crawled about the tree, over the leaves, and sat upon the yellow buds. They were so small and still that I couldn’t tell what they were about, but I knew even they were acquiring sustenance from the little tree.
~ ~ ~
That small mesquite gave me, in the span of a minute, a glimpse into the promises of our own lives.
We all feel the ebb and flow in life. While we love the thrill of the highs, we sometimes lament the lulls, although these are our rest periods, life’s little time-outs. Everything within us slows and we become quieter. We use the time to ponder and wonder, think and process. As we do, parts of us are still quietly growing and evolving even without our active awareness. It’s good to remember that though we might at times feel overly quiet, too alone, or even empty of purpose, somewhere deep within us is the promise of our own continued growth—and of what we can give.
There are innumerable things we can offer! Each of us has something of immense value to offer the world. It might be comfort, a helping hand, or even a lesson to share. It might be the joy of companionship or perhaps simply the precious, uplifting gift of a bright, sincere smile. Kindness and laughter and hugs and stories and even the simple act of holding someone’s hand… These are the greatest of gifts—little tiny bits of ourselves. More precious than gold, they don’t cost us anything more than a smidgen of our time.
We are like the little mesquite tree: strongly rooted, patiently growing, and feeling assured of our place in the world. Ebb and flow continues throughout life. In all those ins and outs and ups and downs, we are immensely and intensely loved and nurtured and protected—by those who care for us, by our own souls, and by the infinite source of life itself. We, in turn, can offer a small token of this care to others.
Just in being ourselves, we are offering sustenance to so very many. We may never realize in just how many ways and in what magnitude our smallest of gestures or thoughts will help another. What does matter is that we express ourselves bravely and honestly, offering our little but oh-so-precious gifts to the world.
And we can be sure there is someone waiting to receive our gifts. There is always someone.
This, too, is a promise.
Hi Julie,
You write this so poetically. I’d find it difficult to write as eloquently about a tree as you did! Love the message though, that life itself is full of promise, and that someone is waiting to receive all that our existence and growth can offer. I’ll try to remember to be “strongly rooted, patiently growing, resting assured of my place in the world!”
Lance, I’m envious! I both miss you and am happy that you’re taking a well deserved break. Stay away, I mean come back, I mean stay away…
Daphne´s last blog post..Attaining Spiritual Peace
Julie, what beautiful writing!! I was just writing about the ebb and flow of life myself. It’s great that we share the same thoughts.
Lull periods are nothing bad. It’s just a natural period for us to renew ourselves. Rather than waste the time away, we can choose to use it wisely. There can be insights gained during a period of reflection. They are like gems waiting for you to publish and share with the world.
Evelyn Lim´s last blog post..Lose Yourself To Find Yourself
Gorgeous, Julie. I had a day of reflection myself yesterday, where a few recent lows were able to punctuate my highs. Thank you for a beautiful piece.
Have fun on vacation, Lance!
Writer Dad´s last blog post..The Collective Inkwell Creative Fiction Contest — Win a pimped out Thesis Theme!
Observing nature we can learn all we really need to know about living a life in harmony. Thank you for another beautiful example of that. If we all take the time to observe what is really going on all around us, the growth, the steady persistence of being true to our own natural gifts, we would eradicate doubts, fears, and certainly depression.
Lance, you sure know how to pick em! Have fun kiddo!
suzen´s last blog post..The Choice of Forgiveness
Lance, every human being promises the soul self a series of expeirences before birth. The enrgy being knows this, even when the physical, incarnated being chooses to temporarily forget. Every person lives up to his promises on some level. It simply requires experience to figure out the implications of action.
Liara Covert´s last blog post..5 Steps to honour the truth
“There is always someone.” I love that line. This is a great post and I’ll definitely stop by Julie’s site to check out her work.
Positively Present´s last blog post..the resolution
I barely take the time to notice the beauty of nature that Julie speaks of, but I certainly will when I take my stroll on this warm day.
Yum Yucky´s last blog post..Taste Test: Essential Alo Juice
Beautiful post! Nature is such a powerful teacher for me too, and you communicated so well one of its best examples — the innerconnectedness of us all. Thanks for sharing…
Lisa (mommymystic)´s last blog post..Nature Mysticism
This was extremely beautiful Julie. You write effortlessly! this made me smile inside and out!
Tabitha´s last blog post..Expressions of Self
Hi Julie
WOW, your writing is beautiful. You are a gifted writer. My favorite is: “Just in being ourselves, we are offering sustenance to so very many…”
Thank You,
Giovanna Garcia
Imperfect Action is better than No Action
P.S. Lance
Have great time
Giovanna Garcia´s last blog post..The gift of Acceptance.
Hi Julie .. you certainly do write extremely eloquently .. it’s lovely and comfortable to read ..
I liked the “ins and outs, the ups and downs” “the ebb and flow of life” — at times we need to take stock to get ourselves together again .. like the little mesquite tree — before our world comes back to life — we need a bit of dormancy ..
Thank you -
Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters
Hilary´s last blog post..To skylark, eat pies …
So much truth in the simplicity of life. This is the Meaning of Life!
deanna´s last blog post..A Real Forest
I can’t help but turn this into a financial conversation. I really like this: “what does matter is that we express ourselves bravely and honestly, offering our little but oh-so-precious gifts to the world.”
When discussing expressing ourselves bravely and honestly, I can’t help but think of this in financial terms. I liken this to a person that likes to have the bling with nothing behind it, or as often termed in Texas, “a person with a big hat and no cattle.”
Nice post!
–Dustin
Happiness Is Better´s last blog post..Case Study: My Adventures in Forex Trading (Update: 4/16)
Beautifully written Julie. The picture of the mesquite tree was vivid in my mind! We so often forget the importance of the simple things we give. Thanks for the reminder.
Thanks for this post. I think one of the most important things to remember when we’re feeling like we’re doing something mundane or minor is that we’re contributing to someone else — even if we’re organizing our file folders at work, for instance, that helps us serve people more efficiently. Best, Chris
Hi, everyone: Lance truly honored me with his invitation. You all are so welcoming, so gracious. …so gushing in your praises! Really, light-heartedness aside, your words warmed my heart. You’re just the best.
Thank you. ~ Julie
Daphne: You’ll remember I have an affinity for trees.
Really, I just described the scene. All the correlations, though, jumped out at me one day. As for the “rooted/growing” line, it’s reminiscent of a yoga pose; with practice, the pose reminds us we can, indeed, become like the trees this way. I think you’re far more adept at this than you think, Daphne!
Evelyn: Don’t you think we tap into waves of energy? It seems like we all receive similar ideas simultaneously. Lull periods and gems; I love that! …something bright and colorful that comes out of the calm and quiet time.
Writer Dad: Sean, the contrasts between highs and lows just allow us to appreciate both more thoroughly.
The highs help us realize the beauty of the restful times and the lows help the highs feel brighter. And we always know the highs return, just so we can sprinkle ourselves far and wide, which you do so incredibly eloquently!
Suzen: You sound like a true nature lover. Yes, there’s SO much we can learn just by observing anything that occurs in “the wild kingdom.” There are teachers galore at every turn, showing us who WE are and what we’re capable of. I can’t imagine life without a close friendship with the outdoor world. So I won’t.
Liara: Yes, we can accumulate some clutter, can’t we? When we remember we are safe even in the less-than-joyous times, we leave ourselves open to the gift of discernment. We can see ourselves, see our gifts, our actions, the good we can offer… Remaining grounded is our starting point.
Positively Present: I’m so glad you like that line, because there IS always someone. You’ll not always know who it will be or where or even how it will look. Sometimes, it’s even ourselves! For an example of this, you might want to read my post about a homeless man who was really an angel. It’s called “Another Kind of Poverty,” from Oct. 2008. I hope you enjoy it.
Yum Yucky: There’s an infinite amount of pleasure and even joy that we can experience from nature. I hope your stroll, today, showed you some of it. Each of my days starts with the outdoors and ends with it, too, with as many outside moments as I can scratch out of the middle of the day, as well. It must be my farm country roots, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Unthinkable!
Lisa (mommymystic): Another nature baby! You’ve selected the single best word: interconnectedness. Absolutely. You know of what I feel and speak… Thank you so much for recognizing that.
Tabitha: Oh, I’m so glad you’re smiling! Effortlessly, though… [grinning] you wouldn’t think so if you read my previous post. One of those lull times in which was self-generated by trying to force things. Naughty naughty me, because I know better. Keep smiling!
Giovanna: I love that line, too. We so often, like every single day, forget to just be ourselves. Why is that? We’re perfectly wonderful when we allow ourselves to just be who we are. Thank you, Giovanna, for putting some emphasis on this!
Hilary: You’re right. Dormancy is underrated. We need it. We can’t have the growth and lively activity of life and giving without taking the time to allow everything inside settle into its new place. Flowers don’t burst out of the ground in full bloom.
Deanna: Yes, life really is very simple. It’s we who complicate things! Relaxing into the flow is key, crucial, to peace and happiness and all the rest of the wonderful qualities we seek. You’re a yoga gal, and do the tree pose beautifully!
Happiness is Better: Dustin, you scared me with “financial.” LOL, friends know I run straight away from anything “numbers.” Seriously, you’ve given two terrific visual examples of needing the proper foundation. I love them!
Sami: The little tree was so alive with activity! The feeling I had just listening to it and seeing all the quick, darting movements was that the tree was joyously standing there, wide open, just exposing itself to everything anyone wanted to take from it. It was all so very happy!
Chris: What a beautiful reminder! Giving. It’s all about giving, isn’t it? No matter who we are or what we do—or even how we are being, for that matter—we are giving something of ourselves. When we remember this, we see the value we have in the world isn’t predicated on huge contributions. Our simplest selfless sharing of ourselves is absolutely glorious!
Julie´s last blog post..Gone Sailing
Hi Julie — This line really stuck out to me:
“It’s good to remember that though we might at times feel overly quiet, too alone, or even empty of purpose, somewhere deep within us is the promise of our own continued growth—and of what we can give.“
I often feel restless during “quiet” times in my life and wish that more was happening. But, I’ve found that these periods are usually followed by periods of activity, of growth. And I know that they wouldn’t have been possible without the quiet.
Amanda Linehan´s last blog post..Should You Share All Of Yourself?
We often minimize how we can contribute to others in a positive way. We are more powerful than we realize. Some of the most valuable gifts are those that don’t diminish in value to you if you give it away.
This is a wonderful representation of life. I’m hanging more in the lull moments these days, so thanks for the reminder that this place is an essential part of the journey.
Stacey / Create a Balance´s last blog post..Authentic Happiness Series — Part Three (Community)
Amanda: Those restless feelings aren’t very comfortable, yet they surely are growing pains just as were those physical ones we felt as children. Yet quiet periods, just like our daily quiet times, are SO incredibly beneficial! Truly, we can’t really grow to live as we wish without them.
Laurie: Indeed! Those are the gifts that give as much to us as to the recipients. Anything that comes from our “Self” is always far more meaningful than that which we could purchase. These are the gifts that help us ALL feel richer! “More powerful than we realize.” Your words are so very true.
Julie´s last blog post..Gone Sailing
Stacey: You popped in while I was answering Amanda and Laurie. Sorry.
Yes, it’s essential. What it took me a long while to realize is that there’s always a reason for the lull. While it seems we’re taking a huge time-out in life, we’re really not. It’s preparation for whatever is next. Sometimes it’s our inner growth we’re experiencing and sometimes it’s a step aside so we have clear space to think and sometimes it’s for entirely practical reasons, like searching for a new home! Sometimes, too, it’s simply because we are more tired than we realize and we need a break. It’s all good.
Julie´s last blog post..Gone Sailing
Beautiful story and I like the reminder of the ebb and flow in life.
Cycles of change are humps for opportunity.
J.D. Meier´s last blog post..Living Your Process
Beautifully written. I appreciate the reminder that even when we feel “empty of purpose,” we can still evolve and grow and give.
Vered — MomGrind´s last blog post..Cabo San Lucas
Hi Julie. Reading your words is like watching a couple waltzing. There is such a gentle, soothing spirit that shines through. You really do have a special talent. And I so appreciate the many ways you connect with nature in your writings. Beautiful!
Davina´s last blog post..The Morning Muse — Photo Story
J.D.: Your “humps for opportunity” brought to mind someone at the top of a mound getting ready to leap off, much like we did when playing as children. We couldn’t leap out and away without first having the climb up! That’s a fun visual.
Vered: You’re so welcome. I used to need reminders (often!) myself. But in truth, we never stop evolving, growing, giving. It’s only our awareness that shifts. Movement continues.
Davina: You always have beautiful phrases: a couple waltzing. I’m going to remember that one, so I don’t work myself into hibernation mode, again, by trying to force things. Thank you, Davina, very much!
Julie´s last blog post..Gone Sailing
Lance — Thank you for inviting Julie to post on your site. I hope you have a wonderful vacation and get lots of rest:~)
Julie — Your writing is like traveling a river in an inner tube. As I float through the words, I see the small mesquite tree, first dormant and then full of life. Then your river takes me around a bend and I see myself…at times dormant and at times full of life. I can rest and rejoice in the river of your words. Thank you, thank you, thank you:~)
Sara´s last blog post..The Persistence of One Squirrel
I love your use of the tree to illustrate your lesson. Yes, we all have gifts that are ours to share, to lift up and bring joy to all those whom we touch.
Mark´s last blog post..Contradictions Along Our Journey
A clear image was presented here. The phrase “bravely and honestly” hit the concept on point. The idea that our presence is valuable to multiple individuals right now is one that frustrated people should track back to. I appreciate all the sensory detail provided in the introduction. That image that goes with it has purity like the neat and simple description.
Armen Shirvanian´s last blog post..Quote Analysis — Boldness
Sara: How gracious! “…takes me around a bend and I see myself.” Yes, that’s the sort of thing that happens to me, too. In the midst of going about my business, suddenly I see a correlation between what I notice and our lives. PS: Tubing is fun!
Mark: We often see others’ gifts more readily than we do our own. Especially when we’re low! Immersing ourselves in Nature helps us keep all this knowledge closer to the surface. I highly recommend it.
Armen: Lance deserves the credit on finding this photo. All the shots I tried to take of my trees just weren’t right. I’m glad you liked the sensory details. I think it helps paint the picture, but in truth, I don’t know that I could write it any other way.
Julie´s last blog post..Gone Sailing
To everyone:
I want to thank you, again, for your kind welcomes! Lance is a peach—and so are you! You offered so many compliments and your observations are just wonderful. I’m humbly grateful.
Lance, this one’s for you: Thank you for this invitation! Your fans deserve you.
Julie´s last blog post..Gone Sailing
Hi Julie,
This is so eloquently written, and such a joy to read.
I’m with you. We all have something to offer the world. Often we don’t think we do, but if we take time to turn inside, our natural gifts will emerge.
I love your sentence, ” What does matter is that we express ourselves bravely and honestly, offering our little but oh-so-precious gifts to the world.” Although that can be the hardest part, it’s when we’re brave and honest, others get to appreciate what we’re sharing and the world becomes a better place.
Barbara Swafford´s last blog post..What Susan Boyle Can Teach Us About Blogging
Barbara: “The world becomes a better place.” My heart sings with that thought. Being brave and honest isn’t easy when we’re hurting, but if we just remember even our simplest—yet greatest gifts—the bravery and honesty become so much easier. Even just sharing our time is so valuable a gift we can give someone. A better place, outside AND within. Yes.
Julie´s last blog post..Renewal
This is lovely– good to know that there’s someone out there.
Sagan´s last blog post..Review and Giveaway: “The Healthiest Kid in the Neighborhood” and Sinupret for Kids
Hi Lance and Julie! Thanks for this inspiring post. I’ve had such times lately, times when nothing seems to be happening, when no goal seems to be at hand. Yet these times are indeed times of renewing and of building up a an invisible reserve of energy within, waiting to unleased in due time
Lance am I am hoping your are having a wonderful vacation and you have left us wonderful gifted writers to inspire — Thank you
Julie,
This was a lovely piece and falls into the rhythm of my reading as of late. I reviewed a book called the Highest Tide recently about a 13 year old boy growing up and discovering amazing things…people kept asking him why he thought he was making all these discoveries or what he thought God wanted us to do. He was dumbfounded as how to answer until he finally said — God wants us to see and be aware!
You have assisted us in seeing in an inspirational and gracious sharing — thank you for your gift.
Patricia´s last blog post..Under Wear
You have written this poem with so much passion. What is your secret?
Sagan: For as many of us as there are, that’s how many someones are waiting for us. And then there are even more, because there are all the animals and even Earth, too. There is never a dearth of someones to welcome whatever we can give. And we have plenty to give, even smiles and some time shared together. Just companionship alone means so very much!
Jocelyn: It’s often difficult to be in those times. We’re taught we should always be busy doing. What we’re not taught is that doing can be very quiet internal activity, too.
Patricia: It’s been years since I’ve been able to sit and digest a book; I’ve had to rely on the five-minutes-at-a-time method, which is wholly unsatisfying! Yours sounds like a lovely book, full of wisdom. Observation is a wonderful, tremendous gift! We learn so much about life, causes and effects, rhythms, ourselves… And in Nature, we can easily find lessons for ourselves wherever we turn. We are so fortunate to be here on Earth!
Palabuzz: Hm, and here I thought was being so calm.
I’m very much a creature of emotion, and there’s just so MUCH I feel. Holding it back is impossible…see? I even tried with this piece. I thought I had remarkable restraint. 
Julie´s last blog post..Renewal
Hi Julie
promises — such a gentle, yet uplifting topic. Thank you
Juliet
Juliet: I’m so very glad you enjoyed this.
Julie´s last blog post..Renewal
Julie-amazing post.
Lance-thank you for allowing her this space.
brandi´s last blog post..yes, I am really that big of a dork
Brandi, thank you, very much.
Julie´s last blog post..Renewal
Oh my goodness Julie, you never cease to amaze me with the depth of your writing and the amazing imagery of your words. Aside from the beautiful picture that was added with this post, I really always feel like I am there in whatever you are explaining. I was under that Mesquite tree.
And you are so right we all have so much to offer, and many times most of us do not realize just how much.
So Julie thank you for what you offered here today and do so in so many other ways!
And thank you Lance for hosting Julie — what an amazing choice!
Evita´s last blog post..I CAN DO IT! Toronto 2009 Conference — Day 2
Evita, thank you! I’m glad I brought the image to life for you. Really, we’re all so uniquely special, so FULL of gifts—but we sometime forget this. We can find reminders everywhere, though, especially in Nature. I’m so pleased you liked my analogy.
Julie´s last blog post..Renewal
I particularly LOVE this post because I am a plant lover and I always relate the beauty of the plant world to the potential of humanity. This is so very well written. Bravo!
Raphael Araujo´s last blog post..The Ethical Slut and Open Relationship Definition
Raphael: Thank you! We share that trait, that of seeing in Nature how things for us humans can be. Somehow, I just can’t seem to stop, and I’d imagine you don’t, either. I am very happy you enjoyed this!
Julie´s last blog post..Renewal
@Julie — I love this story of the little mesquite tree! And the reminder of promises it gives us. And the gifts we all have to offer the world — no matter how big or small they are — we all have something to offer! That is so refreshingly wonderful to think about, and you remind me of just how important we are in all we do. Thank you, very much, for sharing this story, and then being so gracious in your comments!
@Everyone — Great thoughts all around. Reading through all of these is very inspiring to me. You are all awesome, and have so many gifts to share — and that shines brightly through!
Julie,
If you can stand one more person gushing with praise. I find your writing inspiring. The words dance on my screen with joy!
Tess The Bold Life´s last blog post..