The Unnoticed Beauty of Life
Amid life’s tumult, a profound beauty often goes unnoticed. The beauty of the fragility and impermanence of life.
A few years ago, I was reflecting on that unnoticed beauty and felt inspired to write the following short poem, which emerged in a very prose-like form:
Light
The sky reveals nothing of its own thoughts. It simply shifts and changes as the elements and the immense expanses of space act upon it. Colors appear with the light, growing brighter, reflecting, refracting—a kaleidoscope of star-shine born eight minutes and twenty seconds ago from the fiery furnace of the star we float so tenuously next to in just the right distance to preserve our lives.
I don't often over-analyze my own poetry because their meanings tend to be more personal in nature and, most often, are an attempt to capture a moment or a feeling. But this one needs some unpacking.
I sought to capture the delicate interplay of elements that create the ever-changing tapestry of our existence. "The sky reveals nothing of its own thoughts" suggests that life, inherently unpredictable and inscrutable, shifts in hues and tones beyond our understanding.
Just as the sky dances with colors in response to light and space, so too does our journey ebb and flow through moments of joy, sorrow, doubt, and hope. This kaleidoscopic vision of existence invites us to ponder our place within the cosmos and the fragility that characterizes it.
The line referring to our “tenuous” existence reminds us that life is a precious gift, delicately balanced. The stars, some of which we witness as mere points of light, reflect a history far older than our own, illuminating the vastness of time and space that cradles our short-lived moments on Earth.
It’s a humbling thought: we float in a universe governed by forces far beyond our control, sustained by the sun's warmth that fires our hearts and nourishes our existence.
Pema Chödrön, in her book When Everything Falls Apart, encapsulates this poetic truth succinctly when she observes, “The most basic and profound way to speak about this is to not think about ourselves.”
Here lies a powerful reminder that amidst our individual struggles and triumphs, our connection to the broader world defines our existence. The beauty of life often emerges in the spaces we create together—moments shared, acts of kindness inspired, and the love exchanged in fleeting instances.
Recognizing the fragility of life invites us to reach out, connect, and embrace the present rather than withdraw in fear or isolation.
The Bible poignantly resonates with this theme in Psalm 103:15-16: “As for man, his days are like grass; he flourishes like a flower of the field; for the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place knows it no more.”
The imagery evokes the transient nature of our lives, much like the shifting sky depicted in the poem. It reminds us to cherish our moments, which are unique and fleeting. Just as the flower blooms briefly before it withers, we must embrace the beauty around us while we can.
Diana Butler Bass, in Freeing Jesus, echoes this sentiment by noting that “Love is the foundation of life and our deepest wisdom.” Life is a complex tapestry woven together by love, connection, and moments of shared beauty.
This interconnection reinforces our shared human experience and reminds us to savor the richness of each day.
In closing, let us strive to live with intention, cherishing every moment bestowed upon us. Life’s fragility and beauty beckon us to embrace the present fully—to laugh deeply, love fiercely, and act with kindness.
Each day is an opportunity to be alive, to marvel at the wonders around us, and to make lasting memories. By recognizing the layer of interconnectedness through which life unfolds, we can create a richness that honors both our existence's delicate and radiant aspects.
Let us make the most of every day, embracing the kaleidoscope of experiences life offers, and find joy in the ephemeral beauty of our shared journey.
May it be so for all of us, and may the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with us all, now and forever. Amen.
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