Breath in your nostrils,
Light in your eyes,
flowers at your feet,
duties at your hand,
the path of Right just before you.
Do not grasp at the stars,
But do life’s plain common work
As it comes,
Certain that daily duties
And daily bread are the sweetest things in life.
(This quote is repeatedly attributed to Robert Louis Stevenson but not verified in any precise or reliable source…So perhaps…author unknown)
It seems that the ability to find contentment in the common bits of daily life is the secret to living joyfully in every ordinary day. If I am always looking forward, longing for the next “big thing,” I fail to notice today’s fine little moments.
I have known people, talking all winter of the summer vacation in July…wishing for their toes in the sand...all the while completely overlooking the wonder of soft warm socks, the freshness of a leafy autumn hike, the crackle of breaking through thin ice on a winter puddle.
It is no accident, this verse that says “THIS is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24) and really, again, it’s all we have. Moments.
So, in this season, my “plain, common work” may involve a few more tomatoes. Another pan full of broccoli.
Can I just say that the novelty of the first fruit is long gone...
I’ve been known to do a happy dance the morning of the first hard frost.
So I need this reminder, this Soul Stretch, as much as the next person. Probably more.
My mind returns to the Ghandi quote that started me on this September Soul Stretching adventure. Remember?
my soul expands in worship of the Creator.
I try to see Him and His mercies in all these creations.”
in all these creations,
thus expanding my soul
in worship of the Creator of all things great…
and small!