So? – A Poem to Ponder
So you aren’t Tolstoy or St. Francis
Or even a well-known singer
Of popular songs and will never read Greek
or speak French fluently,
Will never see something no one else
Has seen before through a lens
Or with the naked eye.
You’ve been given just the one life
in this world that matters
And upon which every other life
Somehow depends as long as you live,
and also given the costly gifts of hunger,
Choice, and pain with which to raise
A modest shrine to meaning.
Leonard Nathan
And as another poet, Mary Oliver wrote:
“Tell me, what is it you plan to do
with your one wild and precious life?”
My one WILD life?! M-m-m-m. That’s not an adjective I would choose to describe my existence. Perhaps the synonym, adventurous, would fit better. God has certainly given me adventure, as the mother of three, wife of a pastor, and teacher for many years. Granted, it didn’t involve jungles, high seas, or sunken treasure. But I’ve enjoyed numerous locales, moments of high joy, and the treasure of glorious relationships. God has been SO generous in my life!
Nancy, isn’t that a great quote? I do like your word adventurous too. love your attitude about life. You inspired me.
Hi Jeanie! What a challenging second statement! Not that the first poem doesn’t give me pause too.
It is true that our small lives are the steadying foundations to others…my children, my husband. Kind of overwhelming to think of it that way. And you do so much writing and speaking, I’m sure that really speaks loudly to you.
I know that lives are unique and have a plan set by the Creator. The real adventure is watching it unfold, and having the courage to follow my heart.
Have a wonderful weekend ( and don’t forget to follow your heart!),
Ceil
Mary Oliver’s quote always stops me and makes me think and really value my life. love that quote. I had a wonderful weekend with my daughter seeing the plays at Stratford and just now catching up on blog comments. so late and behind….
now it is my turn to wish you a wonderful weekend coming up too.