Joy

So, it's really easy to get apocalyptic when considering the current state of our society and our world. There is so much wrong that it's totally overwhelming to even begin to think about, let alone to attempt action in redress. My midwife said, in one conversation just after Hazel's birth, that she worries that our children's generations will be burdened with unbearable guilt about the state of the environment. And I can see how that could happen easily; there are significant numbers of us now who are in such a case.

My thought for the day, then, is this: even if the aforementioned vision is true, even if the world is about to go down in flames, that does not mean that we do not deserve or should not cultivate health, well-being, and joy in our lives. No matter the consequences of our (humanity's) cumulative actions, I believe that life is value-positive, and should be celebrated. Perhaps this is more important than ever, now, in these days.

I chose to have a child so I could bring her up with love. It's really that simple. To allow guilt and fear to swallow up my life seemed like an unloving and spiritually pathetic thing to do. Having a child was a manifestation of my commitment to faith, hope, and joy.

And I am not fiddling while Rome burns. I am not closing my eyes to the vast darknesses that abide in our world, the tragedies and outrages that occur daily. They are there, enough to bring a person to her knees any moment of any day. However, if we do not give voice to the positive, no matter its sometimes minuscule percentage of the data, we are not being truthful in either spirit or presentation.

So, apart from whatever circumstance pertains in any given moment, life is good, love is oxygen, and joy effervesces through the universe, to be found in places large and small. Gratitude can be a balm for a troubled heart, and I plan to make it part of my daily spiritual practice as long as I am alive to do so.

Today, I am grateful, among other things, for long friendships, good movies, and a partner with whom I am honored to parent our wonderful, beautiful daughter.