ocean of life
“The world is too much with us; late and soon, Getting and spending, we lay waste our powers. LIttle we see in nature that is ours. We have given our hearts away…” William Wordsworth
Just because the page of the calendar turned from one year into the next, we think that by that action, it’s wiping out the troubles from last year. In fact, we need to realize that all our world problems, the pandemic, economic and political crises are still here with us in the New Year. How do we look to optimism when we are still surrounded by “the world” and its hardships, cynicism and despair?
I recently watched the Pixar movie, “Soul”, a delightful depiction of a man’s soul searching journey. In the film, there is a story told that spoke volumes because it exemplifies many of our lives. It goes like this: Two fish - a younger one and an older one - are swimming in the ocean side by side. The smaller fish says: “I’m trying to get to the ocean, but I keep swimming in this water and just can’t seem to get there,” to which the older fish replies, “This IS the ocean.” Oh such reflection in those words!
We are in this ocean of life. Some are swimming against the rip-tides and fighting against the currents; others are being carried away on the waves and floating with no horizon in sight and yet others are searching for the wonders below the surface. Life is right before us and we don’t even notice it. Why can’t we enjoy where we are right now - in the moments - instead of looking beyond where we are right now? The wonders are here before us.
So, drive with your windows down and smell the air or feel the wind in your face. Hold the hand of a child, a lover, a parent or a friend. Step on the lush grass, a crunchy leaf or crusted snow and listen to the sounds of nature’s chorus serenade you. Stop and gaze at the sun as it rises to meet the day or tucks away for the night but not before it displays the changing colors in the dusk. Close your eyes as you taste the sweetness on your tongue or let your taste buds tingle with that morsel in your mouth. Smile or say an encouraging word to the impatient or downcast soul slouched or agitated in the line at the grocery store. Think of all the simple joys in a day that don’t cost a cent. Practice one a day - there are over 300 of them left in 2021 and trade your grumpy for grateful; your dismay for delight in the great ocean of life.
“The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders; where morning dawns; where evening fades, you call forth songs of joy…. You crown the year with your bounty and your carts overflow with abundance.” Psalm 65: 8, 11