Welcome

Ninepatch is the monthly publication of a non-profit organization by the same name. In the pages of this Ninepatch magazine, women – and the men who support them – share their spiritual journeys and life experiences through letters, essays, poetry, book reviews and more. Ninepatch offers a forum where contributors can be heard and enjoy an atmosphere of sharing and acceptance. Such sharing is vital in helping everyone find their place in an eternal spiritual circle where all know and are known.

GLIMPSE: 

 

 

WEATHER  AND LIFE: UNPREDICTABLE

 Here in north Florida, it’s more than a month early for all this.  It reminds me of life in general. Sometimes things happen before I expect them. I am not prepared.  I like to think of myself a “proactive” and “organized.”  However, hidden under such efficiency is a general confusion I feel when faced with an event or person I am not prepared for.

Do others experience this?  What do they do? I have no idea. I learned to manage my life from looking at adults –mainly my mom and dad.  Even when my mother frowned and muttered about my grandfather or an uncle, I watched her use manners and be pleasant  with them. My dad might occasionally storm from room to room at home.  But everyday at work, he smiled and met large numbers of people –making conversation and putting them at ease.

This month I write about an accidental encounter with a bothersome person. Surely, neither of my parents would have had my trouble. But where can I learn?  Self-help books and programs encourage one to take care of oneself, trust God and give lots of pointers. I have read hundreds of books and listened to thousands of spiritual success stories. 

Maybe something is missing in my emotional make up. I don’t know. I can’t change any of it. Sometimes, even previous experience is no help at all.   I just have to muddle along.

So it is with an early spring. I can only guess what may lie ahead. Early 90-degree temps? More mosquitoes?  Worse-than-usual bugs?  I can’t do anything about any of it.  

Today, I’m enjoying the birds’ songs and energetic squirrels.