Yesterday I listened to a talk with some surprising futuristic predictions of grave conditions in the United States. And this morning I saw a significant photo on the Facebook page of a friend. The photo is of a Robin sitting on the ground in some snow. That friend (and perhaps the Robin) have just returned to Michigan after some time in the south this winter. The caption reads: WTH!!!! I thought this was the first day of spring! This robin is not happy and neither am I.
According to Parker Palmer, “There is a hard truth to be told: before spring becomes beautiful, it is plug ugly, nothing but mud and muck… But in that muddy mess, the conditions for rebirth are being created.”
Most people can think of sayings that point to this reality of life. It is always darkest just before dawn. The only way out is through. When the going gets tough, the tough get going.
Many beautiful ways of thinking about every ending as a new beginning have also been articulated:
“If you don’t like the road you’re walking, start paving another one.” — Dolly Parton
“Forgiveness says you are given another chance to make a new beginning.” — Desmond Tutu
“Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing at all.” — Helen Keller
Having served as a doula helping women through childbirth, perhaps experience is best realized in Parker Palmer’s last line: “…the conditions for rebirth are always being created.”
You must be logged in to post a comment.