"Our brightest blazes of gladness are commonly kindled by unexpected sparks." ― Samuel Johnson One of the defining characteristics of youth - whether one is young in body or young at heart - is the capacity for surprise. That capacity can weaken over time, especially if you take the attitude that you've "seen it all" …
Tag: gregory hake
Sun’s Rays
"Sun's Rays", a Haiku by Gregg Hake Clouds painted scarlet By sun's rays reaching eastward— Evening brings rest
Every Sunset
"Know what you want to do, hold the thought firmly, and do every day what should be done, and every sunset will see you that much nearer the goal." ― Elbert Hubbard The spirit of determination is one that I have often admired in others. Determination - a firmness of purpose or resoluteness - is …
Help Yourself
More often than not the best way to help yourself is to help others. Helping others is a simple thing to do, really. It doesn't require much beyond the willingness to jump right in and lend a hand. Selfless service is the gateway to being someone who matters. "No one is useless in this world …
Cloud Break
"Cloud Break", a Haiku by Gregg Hake Drizzle drifting by Like fairy dust in the wind— Dissolved by the sun
Legerdemain
"He who busies himself with the sins of others, or judges his brother on suspicion, has not yet even begun to repent or to examine himself so as to discover his own sins..." - St. Maximos the Confessor Judging others is likely the most popular way to avoid self-examination. The judge, with his wagging finger …
Light
"Light", a Haiku by Gregg Hake Light: a state of heart Known only when love commands— Lightness is at hand.
Greater Love
"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." - John 15:13 While this quote is commonly referred to in the context of the Crucifixion, there are many other levels of "laying down [one's] life for [one's] friends" which are worthy of consideration and actualization. For starters, …
The One Within
An excerpt from "My Kingdom" by Louis May Alcott I do not ask for any crown But that which all may win Nor seek to conquer any world Except the one within. Be thou my guide until I find, Led by a tender hand, Thy happy kingdom in myself And dare to take command. While …
A Buoyant Heart
"A Buoyant Heart", a Haiku by Gregg Hake A buoyant heart floats In both stormy seas and calm— Thankful in all things
Gregory Hake 