It is a serious thing . . .
It is a serious thing just to be alive on this fresh morning in this broken world.
-Mary Oliver-
Serious struck me first. I am one who has spent much of my life taking myself, and lots of other people and circumstances, too seriously. Mary Oliver’s use of serious here seems to be more contemplative. Pause and consider the serious gift of today.
. . . just to be alive . . . When I pause and consider this profound fact, I am humbled and filled with gratefulness. My beating heart, blood coursing through my body, cells regenerating, eyes bringing me what is in front of me—it leaves me in awe and asks me to take good care.
. . . on this fresh morning . . . It is fresh in terms of cold winter air. Fresh from feeling rested thanks to a good night’s sleep. Fresh with opportunity. My challenge is to stay present and do one thing at a time. If I get too far ahead of myself, rush, worry, expect too much, then the freshness leaves much faster.
. . . in this broken world . . . This is a tough line for me. The word broken trips me up. There is much pain, suffering, injustice, war, greed, competition, materialism, and lack in our world. It disconnects and drives more wedges between us. Time marches on, and problems go unaddressed and may worsen.
I wonder . . . If we each embrace our own feelings of brokenness more kindly and apply forgiveness and healing, do we bring a more kind and gentle human to our interactions with others? I believe we do. This allows me to feel less hopeless and helpless. Each of us has a part in repairing this broken world. I also believe this.
And that is a serious start on this fresh morning. Thank you for your continued inspiration Mary Oliver. Onward!
