Given my journey over the past 40 years I find myself grinning from ear to ear David. The first time I took vows as a monk of an Eastern order (Tao centered) I vowed to be ever-more mindful of grace. As I absorb the divinity grace bestows upon all - mud clears. Clarity reigns.

The second order of an Eastern-oriented tradition - I made a vow to a second order. I vowed to walk an ever-expanding path of gratitude. As I marvel in the magic of gratitude - far less mud enters; more clarity releases pain or suffering from the illusions of expectations.

The day I received my MSW diploma I honored my vows by weaving my academic experience with an awareness of how patience is the water to my soup of gratitude and grace. Patience provides perspectives as chips fall — just as they should fall. True?