Top Ten: For the most important top 10

A Northwest wind spills over the Lake at just over Six Knots‘.
Cooling the air that sails within to just above Forty- Five degrees Fahrenheit.
The waves roll formlessly upon one another, each assuming the identity of the one before.
A reflection peers back questionably, as if it’s identity is folded in with and washed away with the waves.
A gust suddenly arises, twisting the unseen forces in divergent directions.

Waves begin to rise and swell, individual identity is gone, as the undulation of the surf
Becomes one with the wind. No longer apart, each wave surges into the other, and cascades 
Onto the shore with a thundering roar. Foam and spray fill the morning air, chilling everything it touches.
The reflection once viewed lay now along the shore, shattered into a thousands places among the
Stones and driftwood. As our vision of ourselves constantly changing, so do the perceptions of others 
When they look on from without.

Who are we today? Right now? Would a friend from long ago, recognize the creation we’ve become?
Are we still that of God’s design, or one created of another’s own vision, one that shifts as a morning shadow across an early spring valley?
Like the waves that surge and sway at my feet, the ripples that continue within each of us as we adapt to whatever or whoever is near, will forever alter our true form.
The waves will return to a place of stillness, and be not harmed winds affect. Yet as we constantly shift and
Change to fit every occasion, bits and pieces of ourselves are left upon the rocky shores, and damaged coastline that is our soul.

Be not afraid, for thou art perfectly, and wonderfully made, So it was in the beginning, now until 
The end. Every step we took along this road, has brought us toward this glittered edged. 
Oceans swell and Eagles soar, life echo’s from our souls constant roar.
Be the one you know you are, whom you always wanted to be.
Be the friend you need from me, and love will come when you seek,
This my word, you have of me.

I do not depart the water yet, with the sun beginning to set.
I’ll take my time and count the waves, till darkness fills the sky.
I sit here in the cold and spray, feeling the chill upon my face.
I came with something my heart to say, and now I must lay this in place.

Mine is not to Preach nor Teach. But to express and experience, a feeling or emotion. 
You do not have to read this work. Nor take from it anything at all. 
This is an expression of my life’s trials. 
A few lessons came my way, thought I’d give freely those that cost the most.

There are ten things I’ve learned about knowing, and treating others. 
( It works for taking care of you, too. ) 

Acceptance. Love. Appreciation. Approval. Connection. 
Comfort. Encouragement 
Respect. Protection. Support.

JD. 22, 03-2010.