Rest in Mary Oliver's "Messenger"

MessengerBy Mary OliverMy work is loving the world.Here the sunflowers, there the hummingbird—equal seekers of sweetness.Here the quickening yeast; there the blue plums.Here the clam deep in the speckled sand.Are my boots old? Is my coat torn?Am I no longer young, and still half-perfect? Let mekeep my mind on what matters,which is my work,which is mostly standing still and learning to beastonished.The phoebe, the delphinium.The sheep in the pasture, and the pasture.Which is mostly rejoicing, since all the ingredients are here,which is gratitude, to be given a mind and a heartand these body-clothes,a mouth with which to give shouts of joyto the moth and the wren, to the sleepy dug-up clam,telling them all, over and over, how it isthat we live forever.

• If the weather permits, spend your time in silent meditation outside today.
• Perhaps you notice the clouds, the landscape, the birds, the bugs.  Let yourself become one with nature.
• Where to you notice gratitude in nature?
• Rest in this gratitude.
• What reflections to you see?
• Give thanks to God for this time of rest and reflection.
• Share as you feel led in the reply box below.