To writing.
It's been a long journey,
and I'm still on it.
The path isn't always dappled in sunlight like this view from my hike a few days ago, but the Light is always present, and this is where my hope lies.
And not just hope for me in my very messy world,
but for all of us in our personal messy worlds
and for our country in the most divisive, mean spirited time I've ever lived through,
and for our global community, rocked by a pandemic with long fingers, reaching...everywhere.
I think the year 2020 will be remembered as the year the whole world shifted. And we don't know how this story is going to end.
I don’t want to disappear into the acidic national climate, eaten away by bitter thoughts and frustration and anger fueled by news commentators and social media comment-ers. I often turn off the news, and I’ve been steadfastly avoiding social media. (Until now, since I generally post a blog link on Facebook.) But even those steps fall into “negative” territory: turn off, avoid.
I’m figuring out that if I want to keep moving forward with steady steps when the ground beneath me seems to be shifting, I have to look for the Light.
I have to be attentive, to become more aware of beauty and truth in the moments.
Where do I see good?
What brings joy?
When do I smile, or even laugh?
How am I reminded that I am never alone?
Who adds brightness to the world? to my world?
.
But if I want to make the world a better place, I can’t do it by focusing only on the ugly, the pain, the darkness. I have to learn to hold onto both at the same time, and say, yes, this. And also this.
-sunlight filtering through thousands of weed seeds in a mountain meadow
-gift of soup
-blissful expression on a toddler’s face as he licks the butter on his plate
-bluebird splashing in my makeshift birdbath
- story shared across a checkout counter.
-glory of goldenrod
-drab day with a glorious sunset
This season, I want to be attentive to the moments. I’ll try to share some of them here.
Won’t you join me?
I know I’ve said it before, but if you haven’t started a gratitude list,
there’s
never.
Never.
NEVER
been a better time.