I once met a sage…
He had a twinkle in his eye,
and his heart was in his smile.
Looking for a rhyme and reason to the many pains, trials,
and frights
that were entangling me…
I asked, “Why is life not easier? Why can’t it be better?”
He could tell I was pained and troubled.
A tear welled up in his eye, yet he smiled in the softest of ways…
“I’m sorry you hurt,
I’m sorry you feel pain,
but this is a part of existence on this planet.”
I reached out my hand,,,he reached out his own. Our palms touched.
I began to weep.
He began to weep.
And then he pulled me into his arms.
“Child, child…you are strong.
More so than you know,” he whispered.
“I’m not so sure,” I replied.
He put has hands on my shoulders and pushed me softly an arm-length’s away.
He stared into both of my eyes.
“Yes, you are strong. You must believe.”
Sliding his right hand from my shoulder,
down my arm,
to my wrist,
he turned my palm up and directed all of his energies there…
right into the palm of my hand.
“The secret of happiness is to use this hand
in conjunction with your mind…
and to build something that will better the life of your brother
and your sister.
You know, everyone is your brother and your sister.
Don’t forget this.
Miseries will come
miseries will go…
but if you keep steadily working
and with this hand
creating
loving
it will begin to make sense.”
He turned my palm and placed it on my heart…
“Your most precious gift is your heart pumping in your chest.
It continues to give you life,
and if you dare to pay attention,
dare to let it lead you where you are meant to be,
you will find yourself living the most amazing of existences.”
He continued…
“The heart knows what is right,
good,
and noble.
It is those who with ignited heart
pour themselves into their work,
touch the lives of their neighbors,
and understand the power of creation
that find true freedom.
All too many know what it feels like to miss their calling
because of fear.
Everyone has the same chance…including you.”
I was so very silent
stared at the ground
knowing that so many times I have failed.
The sage put his fingers under my chin
and he raised my eyes to look into his.
Fire blazed within his soft brown gaze.
“No need to be ashamed.
Just go and do what you’re supposed to do.
Your dreams were planted for a reason.
Your heart beats to serve your purpose.
Let your heart guide your hands,
let it guide your mind,
and then your feet will naturally follow.
Don’t be a slave to fear.
Open your arms and embrace what is to come,
and with kindness and humility
do your work.”
He reach down once more,
took my hand,
gave it a warm squeeze,
and went on his way with purpose…
I’ve never seen him again,
yet a part of him blazes within me.
I see his eyes,
his heart filled smile.
I am now certain beyond belief that
Sometimes we all need a sage,
and sometimes we are the sage.
-By Jen Engevik