Piety is probably the most difficult virtue for me to adhere to. Not because I don’t want to, and not because it isn’t important to me, because it is. I have this issue of short-term memory loss that really gets to me sometimes, and I have so many things bogging my mind down right now that it’s hard for me concentrate or stay on track. There’s a lot of mornings I forget to eat, let alone worship. It’s not healthy, and it is a part of my lifestyle that I am determined to change.
“I asked God and Goddess to take away my pain.
They said, No. It is not for us to take away your pain, but for you to give it up.I asked God and Goddess to make my handicapped child whole.
They said, No. Her spirit is whole, her body was only temporary.I asked God and Goddess to grant me patience.
They said, No. Patience is a by product of tribulations; It isn’t granted, it is learned.I asked God and Goddess to give me happiness
They said, No. We give you blessings. Happiness is up to you.I asked God and Goddess to spare me pain.
They said, No. Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares and brings you closer to Us.I asked God and Goddess to make my spirit grow.
They said, No. You must grow on your own, but We will prune you to make you fruitful.I asked for all things that I might enjoy life.
God and Goddess said, No. We will give you life so that you may enjoy all things.I ask God and Goddess to help me LOVE others, as much as They love me.
They said…Ahhhh, Finally you have the idea.”–Author Unknown
To me, piety is not just a time frame integrated into your regular routine, like morning prayers, Sunday church, Lughnasadh Ritual. It’s your actions and thoughts even outside of your regular routine, to live your life in worship. When my father and I go hunting in the fall and winter, thanking the spirit of the deer we’ve killed for meat to last us through the cold and winter months. When we’ve cut down a Yule tree, offering to plant another in its place to thank the spirit for coming into our home and sharing time with us to celebrate the holiday. When I’ve struggled through a rough period in my life, thanking the shining ones for the experience and knowledge learned.
So to me, piety is more of a way of life than something to orchestrated into your schedule.
(Word Count: 233 without the poem)
