03/30/2024
Parker J. Palmer says it perfectly!
On Thursday, a friend of mine died. Len’s health had been precarious for most of his life, but he never ceased looking for ways to support and encourage others.
On Friday, when a young interviewer asked me the ancient question, “What is the purpose of life?,” I found myself channeling my friend’s spirit: “Life is a gift, pure and simple. Its purpose is more life, which means living in a way that passes the gift along to others.”
Here’s Mary Oliver’s poem about death, which asks not only how we want to die but how we want to live. When our last day arrives, what do we want to be able to say about our lives?
Memo to Self: Live a life of curiosity and exploration, the kind that keeps opening your mind and heart. Do your best to look upon everyone as a brother or sister, and never underestimate the courage it takes some people just to wake up and walk into the day.
Don’t ask to be saved, ask to be spent, spent on the common good: life itself is the best investment you can make. Don’t be a mere tourist, be a lover of life. Your reach will always be limited, but there are a thousand ways to take the world’s wounds and wonders into your arms.
[My 10 books are at http://tiny.cc/ll87wz AND http://tiny.cc/jk87wz.]
