Roy’s Sunday Letter for November 9, 2025
WISDOM SAYINGS ON A SUNDAY
A young Paul Simon wrote wisdom was found written on a bathroom wall. I have stumbled over wisdom in fiction pages, a Mary Oliver verse, and a comment by a friend over coffee. This Sunday I offer informal sayings and comments whenever and wherever you may stumble over my gathered notes from this Sunday.
Joy Over Comes Fear. Coffee with trusted friends can reduce fear. A search of encouraging and spiritual readings, or audio, can reduce fear. Saying your fears out loud allows you to hear and listen to your fears, adding balance to your thoughts.
Some People Look for a Beautiful Place. Others have the ability and desire to make wherever their place may be to make it beautiful. Flowers will not solve all presenting problems. Flowers will, however, make all problems softer, perhaps easier to resolve. Like flowers, what is something that works for you, someone or something you can depend upon for your beautiful place?
Many people will enter and leave your life over decades. True and trusted friends leave their footprints on our hearts. Friends and family may stay close or move. We are thankful in our digital world today because we can remain connected, not separate from each other. Who are footprint friends you count on, those you know are there for you both now and future days?
Be A Part of a Group or Community That Both Challenges and Inspires. We are at our best when we find our fit, where we are accepted, where we are welcomed and can welcome others. Groups can change by refreshing their purpose, and the relationships that defines the group or community. Hopefully, we each have a blend of our individual and our group selves.
Tomorrow is the first blank page of a new 365-page book or journal. I believe in the possibilities of our tomorrow. Two values for me have been, do not give up and do not go away. The challenges of Starting Over defined my younger days. Continuing is a fuller description of my current days. We are fortunate in having younger friends and treasure their “looking forward to” stories, along with those who have aged along with Beth, Jazz, and me. Each day we add our pages, sometimes messy, sometimes in a bold, colorful font.
Heroes. In our small and larger worlds, we are surrounded by Heroes. Heroes never really know how their word and engagements make a difference in lives beyond their own. Heroes are always among us; we just have to be mindful of their contributions. Crossing Guards greet children and parents, adding to their feeling of safety. Bus drivers know their regulars, both counting on each other to be at their stop tomorrow. Church and museum greeters, strangers who add their unique hello to our hallways. However brief, each add to our experience of humanity so important for our physical, emotional, and spiritual health and wellness.
Roy, paying attention to the sparks of magic lighting my way!
My group is the volunteers at the Children’s Closet. They show up every week to serve. The children and their families are blessed by our ministry and I am uplifted by their dedication and service. I have a few long term friends that show me love even when I am not lovable, they enrich my life and make me feel accepted. They light my path when darkness overcomes me. Thank you for being one of those friends.
Maurine, you have been and are one of the true path lighters for Beth and I.
There are many young ones this morning wearing jeans and warm shirts as an outcome of the Children’s Closet.
We are blessed by your determined sense of Service with others, for others.
& Thank you! Roy
Very nice letter Roy. Thank you.
We had a visit from a couple this week, long time friends from San Diego, now living in Wyoming.. my old surfing and climbing buddy.
We are on complete opposite ends of the political spectrum. However, despite our differing views on many issues, we are devoted and dedicated to honoring our friendship and the goodness we admire in each other.. Simple respect.. was such a refreshing visit and reinforces the importance of relationships and remaining connected despite the distance. Today is a new blank page and we must journey forth to be kind and do good.
Thanks again for your uplifting thoughts.
Mike, I also had conversation with someone with a different view.
Rather than talking from fixed positions, I asked my friend to describe, tell me about the America he sees now and the society he wants/hopes to see.
This share far different than “positions.”
Once the big picture image or vision was shared we could break down voting, education, and roles of those wgo were not white.
Much easier sharing.
Healthier, respectful.
Good comments. we learn by our stories………Roy
This is a very complicated world. It is easy to stumble. There are many trying to find their way. When we connect with one another on our journeys we can all benefit, heal, find direction, find peace, and find community. We have so much to learn from each other through our compassion, listening, connecting, and seeking to understand one another. I find just saying “HI” to a stranger on a walk can help open up new world of better understanding. The world can be my community, it can be part of my family.
Friend Peter….
In 1957 Thomas Merton walked out of a medical exam in downtown Louisville, stopped on the sidewalk, said “I love everybody.”
A life changing experience he never forgot.
Peter, your writing is from compassion for everybody…..well worded, flowing and meaningful.
We will hopefully be with in Meditation before you and Roxi travel north…..warm and supportive thoughts to you both.
Roy