Reflections

Reflections--


And life goes on.

Days follow days.  Seasons melt into one another.  We think it will always be this way.  Then one day the world stops.  And life does not go on.

I have been wanting to write on the terrible events of last week but have been at a loss for words.  Yet, while I have been searching for words, life goes on.  Days follow days.   The sun comes up and night follows.  Birds sing, flowers bloom.  But life as we knew it has changed forever.

When I was a child growing up on a farm, life was so much simpler.  The biggest scandal was either a young girl becoming pregnant or someone cheating on a spouse.  The biggest challenge was putting food on the table for the family.  It was not an easy life.  Crops needed enough rain and sunshine to grow.  Everyone participated in the harvest.  We knew what life was.  There were few surprises.  Sure, it could be boring especially for young people who wanted to try those wings.  But there was a sense of security.

When did it begin to change?  When did human life become like a piece of garbage that could be tossed in a large trash ben and left to rot?  Why do we continue to hurt one another?  Does hurting others make us better people?  I don't understand.  I really don't.

The earth seems encased in a bubble of fear.   Fear that someone will get ahead quicker.  Fear that our beliefs are not respected.  Fear that we won't be recognized by those in power above us.  Fear that someone will forcefully take what is ours.  Fear that our children will inherit a world filled with hate and distrust.  It is a sad way to live on this beautiful planet.

Recently I saw a photograph of our planet from space.  It was the most beautiful sight.  It looked so peaceful.  Should other beings out there in the universe see it, I can imagine their excitement.  This looks like the perfect place to live.  Water, land, resources.  Mountains, valleys, rivers.  Deserts, swamps, air.  Such diversity on one sphere.  How wonderful it is to see our planet from space.  To celebrate this place we call home.

It is almost more than I can take in--this place that rotates and gives us seasons, air to breathe, water to drink.  It is a miracle.   At night when the stars shine brightly, I am in awe.  The big dipper tilts toward earth as if it is pouring something out upon all of creation.  What if it poured love on all of us?  What if it poured kindness and caring?  What if it sent waves of peace to all people who call earth home?  What if it was always full of good things to pour over all of us?  What if it never ran out?  I think on those things when I observe the night sky.

Last week peace lost itself in violence.  Yet, love showed itself in abundant ways.  Strangers risking self to care for injured people.  Doctors, nurses, first responders poured all the love and skill they possessed into the lives of those in such desperate need.  A nation--a world watched as folks loved on one another.  Yes, violence had its minute, but fear was met with grace.  Grace lived out as people opened their homes to those who had no place to stay.  So many acts of kindness and caring.

Life goes on.   Days follow days.

New challenges present themselves on a daily basis to those at that place on that day.   Sorrow is the second skin that will never be taken off.  Life has changed for many innocent people.  Why?  And if that question could be answered, would it really make sense to me?  I doubt it.

Yet, even in the darkest moments of life, beauty remains.  Memories keep loved ones alive.  Remembering acts of kindness brings a sense of rightness again.  And slowly we return to life--different but the same.   Flowers bloom, ceremonies honor those we loved,  grace abounds on this beautiful space we call home.

May the days of our lives be filled with all the good we can muster.  May we celebrate each and every day as what it truly is--a gift.  And may we seek peace and understanding.

Take good care of yourself.