I realize this posting will be a little different than some of the postings generally seen on this board.  I wanted to post this, as this is something that I like to reflect on from time to time, and I wanted to share the following with all of you.

 

 

 

The Invitation

By Oriah Mountain Dreamer (a Native American Elder)

 

It doesn't interest me what you do for a living.

I want to know what you ache for,

And if you dare to dream of meeting your heart's longing.

 

It doesn't  matter to me how old you are.

I want to know if you will risk looking like a fool for love,

For your dreams, for the adventure of being alive.

 

It doesn't interest me what planets  are squaring at your moon.

I want to know if you have touched the center of your own sorrow,

If you have been opened by life's betrayals

Or have become shriveled and closed from fear of further pain.

 

I want to know if you can sit with pain, mine or your own,

Without moving to hide it or date it or fix it.

 

I want to know if you can be with joy, mine or your own,

If you can dance with wildness and let the ecstasy fill you

To the tips of your fingers and toes without cautioning us to be

Careful, be realistic, or to remember the limitations of being human.

 

It doesn't interest me if the story you are telling me is true.

I want to know if you can disappoint another  to be true to yourself.

If you can bear the accusation  of betrayal

And not betray your own soul.

 

I want to know if you can be faithful.

And therefore be trustworthy.

 

I want to know if you can see beauty,

Even when it is not pretty everyday,

And if you can source your life from God's presence.

 

I want to know if you can live with failure, yours and mine,

And still stand on the edge of a lake

And shout to the silver of the full moon, "Yes!"

 

It doesn't interest me to know where you live

Or how much money you have.

I want to know if you can get up after a night of greif and despair,

Weary and bruised to the bone,

And do what needs to be done for the children.

 

It doesn't interest me who you are, how you came to be here.

I want to know if you  will stand in the center of the fire with me

And not shrink back.

 

It doesn't interest me where or what or with whom you have studied.

I want to know what sustains you from the inside

When all else fails away.

 

I want to know if you can be alone with yourself,

And if you truly like the company you keep in the empty moments.