(Photo - Laura Wolf (on left), and Sue Pollard, AWB Volunteers running the Veterans Project in Albuquerque)

Greetings AWB comrades. I came across the excerpt below this afternoon and I was reminded why I made the decision to remain involved with AWB. As I experience time challenges, priority difficulties, personal and business responsibilities, obligations and delights, I shall try to keep in the forefront of my mind why AWB is important to me. The rush of elation, joy, fulfillment that I experienced in New Orleans; the overwhelming gratitude, appreciation, and unconditional love that was bestowed upon me as I did my "job" there; the feeling of true, spiritual connection with all those I came in contact with - all of this, and more, are reasons why I do what I do. As I remind myself of these experiences, as I allow myself to once again remember, and more importantly, feel what that was like, I am encouraged and motivated once again to do all I can, in the time and manner that I can, to help make the vision of AWB a greater manifestation on this planet. I hope you enjoy this excerpt too.

The Moments of High Resolve
from For The Inward Journey by Howard Thurman

Keep fresh before me
the moments of my high resolve.

Despite the dullness and barrenness of the days that pass, if I search with due diligence, I can always find a deposit left by some former radiance. But I had forgotten. At the time it was full-orbed, glorious, and resplendent. I was sure that I would never forget. In the moment of its fullness, I was sure that it would illumine my path for all the rest of my journey. I had forgotten how easy it is to forget.

There was no intent to betray what seemed so sure at the time. My response was whole, clean, authentic. But little by little, there crept into my life the dust and grit of the journey. Details, lower-level demands, all kinds of cross currents -- nothing momentous, nothing overwhelming, nothing flagrant -- just wear and tear. If there had been some direct challenge -- a clear-cut issue -- I would have fought it to the end, and beyond.

In the quietness of this place, surrounded by the all-pervading Presence of God, my heart whispers: Keep fresh before me the moments of my High Resolve, that in fair weather or in foul, in good times or in tempests, in the days when the darkness and the foe are nameless or familiar, I may not forget that to which my life is committed.

Keep fresh before me
the moments of my high resolve.

Blessings,

Sue Pollard, New Mexico
Doctor of Oriental Medicine