“It’s your outlook on life that counts. If you take yourself lightly and don’t take yourself too seriously, pretty soon you can find the humor in our everyday lives. And sometimes it can be a lifesaver.” ~ Betty White
This day, ya’ll. This day. It was my favorite dreary outside, but inside was a bit like a roller coaster. Mostly highs but plenty of neck-snapping curves. The day started with meetings – plural – but at lunchtime, I was thrilled to sit with my Appalachian Center peeps to hear words of wisdom by the fabulous Robin Wall Kimmerer (below). If you’re not familiar with her, check out Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants. It is one of the best books ever written about the environment, and don’t let the word Scientific throw you. This book is written in the most accessible way. It’s a book for everyone, not just academics. It’s a book I wish I could write. Kimmerer as a speaker, did not disappoint. She is as gracious in person as her written word would have one believe. So, so, so much wisdom and truth packed into that hour.
I thought hearing Kimmerer would be the highlight of my day, but mom and I went to the Maundy Thursday service at First Presbyterian this evening, and I have to say it was one of the most emotional experiences I’ve had in my twenty-year attendance. They held service in the chapel instead of the sanctuary, and they’d transformed the space into something much more intimate than I’d expected. I felt the presence of Spirit the minute I walked in. The service was filled with ritual and song. It was moving, to say the least, and I was glad to share the experience with mom. So, it’s hard to say what the real highlight of the day was, but this is what I know for sure. All the negative things that crossed my path today fell away as the good in my life gave me the grace I needed when I needed it. I am grateful for it.
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