Our ordinary beautiful lives

By Lanette Vawter, Director of Leadership Development

This morning I was staring out the window, watching the rain pouring down, wondering when it was going to stop and longing for sunnier, warmer weather. And yet, three days ago I was hoping it would rain so I wouldn’t have to water some of the seeds I had just planted.

I seem to always be caught up in the past or the future, thinking longingly of past warm spring days or planning, planning, planning so some future me will be better than who I am right now. However, when I am able to simply be present to the simple moments that are happening right now, I suddenly open to the sacred everywhere. I stop being so busy that I actually notice the person who held open the door for me, I smell the beautiful rain-cleansed air, and I notice my very being in the world. Life suddenly seems so ordinary and breathtaking all at the same time.

As I reflect on how important these small moments are, I also notice how often we allow our emotions and actions to be hijacked by the external commentary of media and political groups who have some axe to grind. Instead of this, what if all our actions came from deep within us and consisted of treating all beings and our earth as if they mattered and were loved by us? Not wistfully dwelling in the past or furiously working for a future that never comes, but creating moments of peace right now in this moment. The scriptures tell us to forgive, to love, be open, show mercy, do good, and be reconciled. The letter in 2 Corinthians 13:11 ends with a benediction: “Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice. Be restored; encourage one another; agree with one another; live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.”

I wish to walk on the earth with gentle, kind attention; to not be afraid to love those I disagree with and to see the relentless beauty of life in the midst of sorrow and despair. To love the world right now, as it is, could be a revolutionary act of peacemaking.