DEAR FRIENDS,
As children we live like no one has ever lived before, stumbling into things as if we are the first person who ever tripped over them. The problem is, as we get older, all the bumps and rough edges get worn down, and the world gradually settles into a comfortable sameness. Most of us have no idea what we’ve lost, until a child or artist comes along who makes the familiar seem unfamiliar and reawakens, however briefly, the sense of wonder that is our birthright.
- Brian H. Peterson, A Smile at the Heart of Things
A friend of mine has come up with what I humbly consider a beautiful phrase for some of the things that have been - actually welcome surprises - as a result of this pandemic; her phrase is “ambiguous gifts”. I love this phrase because it reminds me, while there are gifts during this time, there has also been much suffering and loss - more than I am able to process - during this past year and beyond. And many are still struggling. I rarely turn on the TV during the day, though I did briefly at lunch time today. At least one of the major channels was carrying the live streaming of the impeachment trial. Once again, I am reminded of the deep sadness that I feel for our country that remains divided. For those- on both sides who died and suffer directly as a result of what transpired on January 6, 2021. It is terrible and sad.
There are some wonderful surprises, though, that have happened as a result of the pandemic and necessity to be quarantined. I know my husband and I are grateful to experience time and connection, with our children and grandchildren, some nearby and others through zoom; our family, friends, colleagues and acquaintances.
There are also opportunities to “awaken our sense of wonder” as Brian Peterson, renowned photographer and author, shares in his book, A Smile at The Heart of Things, which I highly recommend. Those of us blessed to be with children and grandchildren know their gifts...
Glenn Mitchell, Co-Director of Oasis Ministries for Spiritual Development, reminds us of another way we can awaken and connect, through nature on any given day, in any given moment. The following excerpt and the picture above are from Glenn's newsletter:
…So much beauty built on twigs and grass and even some trash hanging off of tree limbs…
They are all our teachers. They hold finitude on a scale that we can see and experience. In our lives we mostly talk ourselves out of our finitude. We suffer the illusion that things last. The pandemic has certainly chipped away at that. Winter’s landscape and the play of creation in all its forms, offer us a gentler invitation to be with the beauty revealed in what won’t last. Eternity doesn’t stand unchanged outside of time. It is knit to the depth of every fleeting moment, every single creation that is here today and gone tomorrow. This day invites our attention. This day is reaching for our presence.
May you enjoy many wonderful moments.
Be well,