Do you have any particular quotes that you love? That inspire? Perhaps convict? How about poetry? Prayers? Phrases? Even bumperstickers?

I love a good turn of phrase and a good quote. Perhaps like I, you collect quotes: jot them down, commit to memory, or keep them written nearby?

Here are few that have spoken to me recently:

We can’t change the direction of the wind but we can adjust the sails. Indian proverb

“Life is short, and we do not have much time to gladden the hearts of those who make the journey with us. So be swift to love, and make haste to be kind. And may the blessing of God, who made us, who loves us, and who travels with us be with us now and forever. Amen.” ~Henri Frederic Amiel

“When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.” ~Viktor Frankl

By learning you will teach; by teaching you will learn. Latin proverb

“The only thing that you absolutely have to know is the location of the library.” ~Albert Einstein

Changing your angle by 1 millimeter can turn a failure into a hole in one.

“Man is the only animal that blushes. Or needs to.” ~Mark Twain.

“Love truly, laugh uncontrollably, and never regret anything that makes you smile.” ~Mark Twain

A Franciscan Blessing:

May God bless you with discomfort

At easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships,

So that you may live deep within your heart.

May God bless you with anger

At injustice, oppression and exploitation of people,

So that you may work for justice, freedom and peace.

May God bless you with tears

To shed for those who suffer pain, rejection, hunger, and war,

So that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and

To turn their pain into joy.

And may God bless you with enough foolishness

To believe that you can make a difference in this world,

So that you can do what others claim cannot be done,

To bring justice and kindness to al our children and the poor.

Having to “stay in place”, it is easy to only see one’s four walls- to feel closed in and cramped. Even if the sky is grey and rainy, I still feel better- more hopeful, positive- when I see the vastness of earth and sky and sea. When I look up and see the clouds floating by or watch the ocean waves crash and roll on the shore I gain a perspective that there is more to life than just this very moment. Life was, before me and will come, after me. I am just a drop in the bucket. Instead of depressing me, it gives me a sense of peace- that I am a part, albeit small part, of this world and the continuum of time.

When I feel down, I look up.

Here are some pictures that bring a smile to my face and a warmth to my heart. What about you? What pictures provide inspirational views for you?