Friday, November 23, 2018

Value

What activities have the most value today?

I had to ask myself that question today as I hosted my son's family for Thanksgiving. What do I do with these four teenagers? Even more than eating, how could we spend quality time together? 



The best I could come up with was to invite them to go walk with me. The air and beauty, the slow conversations, the dog smelling and exploring, and the sound of quiet was of the most value in bonding us together. 


Mary Oliver

INVITATION
Oh do you have time
to linger
for just a little while
out of your busy
and very important day
for the goldfinches
that have gathered
in a field of thistles
for a musical battle,
to see who can sing
the highest note,
or the lowest,
or the most expressive of mirth,
or the most tender?
Their strong, blunt beaks
drink the air
as they strive
melodiously
not for your sake
and not for mine
and not for the sake of winning
but for sheer delight and gratitude –
believe us, they say,
it is a serious thing
just to be alive
on this fresh morning
in the broken world.
I beg of you,
do not walk by
without pausing
to attend to this
rather ridiculous performance.
It could mean something.
It could mean everything.
It could be what Rilke meant, when he wrote:
You must change your life.

– Mary Oliver (Devotions, Penguin Press 2017, 107-108)





3 comments:

  1. Yes, it could. Thank you for sharing. Blessings to you.

    ReplyDelete
  2. A walk is a great choice of activity - some fresh air, exercise and the chance to talk. And you always share such beautiful photos of where you live - you must have some lovely places to go for walks.

    ReplyDelete
  3. What a great idea! Nothing like walking in nature as a fun family activity. Thank you for stopping by Heart Choices and leaving your comment.

    ReplyDelete

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