Sheila Williams ~ Singing Cloud

AN ELDER!

Wisdom is not something given just because you have grown older, but a precious gift that must be earned with lessons that grow harder.

Once you put away your childhood toys and find you are not the center of the world then slowly, oh, so slowly you begin to give.

With each battle you put behind you, each pain that seemed so blinding, you truly begin to live.

To be an Elder takes more than a humble heart, it is where to start, the knowing and accepting that Creator makes the plans.

Be there for those who need you, do not tell but ask, listen with both ears and heart, and only offer guidance they must find their own path.

Share whatever knowledge that your life has taught; remember and tell the stories of your ancestors and the troubles that they faced.

The path is long and filled with fear and troubles, make no mistake life is hard; our People have a history well worth the hearing if you will only listen with your heart.

When others come to you for answers send them first before Creator, teach if you must the way to pray with respect and humbleness, teach as well we must work for what we want.

Help when you can but tell them I too am only human, speak only truth do not confuse there is enough of that already in our daily path.

When the way is truly rough find a place to be quiet, far from the worries of this life, alone with Mother Earth, only then will you hear when your Creator answers!