Celebration 16 March 2021

 

We are wondrous beings, with unique gifts and abilities. We are capable of love and deep compassion, an appreciation of beauty, the creation of great art, music, and poetry. We are aware of our history, of how we came to be here. We have studied the world around us, and been awed by what we have discovered. We can imagine the future and choose how to respond. We find meaning in our lives, a sense of justice, and an inner wisdom.

There is much to celebrate about us. The question is: Can we celebrate all that we have become, while accepting that we are here only for a brief flash of cosmic time? A friend reminds me of the so-called century plant that flowers once in 20 or so years. When it does finally bloom, we marvel at the ten-foot long stalk, holding high a magnificent array of yellow-flowered branches. The spectacle is made all the more awesome by the knowing that it flowers but once; then dies, its purpose complete. Can we celebrate ourselves in a similar light? Another blossoming in the cosmos. An exquisitely beautiful flowering of consciousness. A miracle of creation.

Can we let go of the cherished belief that we are here to stay, rejoice in our existence, and live our final days with grace?

Celebration

The evolution of life on earth was a celebration

Of the creativity and potential of the energies that gave us birth

Can we not continue to celebrate our reverence for life

Its beauty, and awe until our last days on earth?

Nature has taken her vast and varied palette

To paint marvels that stretch our minds with joy,

And humanity has complemented these works of art

With our own art, music and poetry for us to enjoy.

None of this will last forever, as we destroy as well as create,

And rapidly now the end day draws near

Is this not more reason to truly celebrate all the wonders we have

And the flowering of life we have shared with a cheer.

We must let go of our cherished belief that we are here to stay,

Rejoice each day in our existence, and live our final days with grace,

Enjoying the amazing beauty of nature and our creations,

Full of gratitude and joy for having lived at such an amazing time and place.