welcoming summer

hello summer

If you suddenly and unexpectedly feel joy,
don’t hesitate. Give in to it. There are plenty
of lives and whole towns destroyed or about
to be. We are not wise, and not very often
kind. And much can never be redeemed.
Still, life has some possibility left. Perhaps this
is its way of fighting back, that sometimes
something happens better than all the riches
or power in the world. It could be anything,
but very likely you notice it in the instant
when love begins. Anyway, that’s often the case.
Anyway, whatever it is, don’t be afraid
of its plenty. Joy is not made to be a crumb.

― Mary Oliver, Don’t Hesitate

In true Nashville fashion, it has felt like summer for a few weeks now. Through the heat and humidity, I’ve already complained and wished for the cooler weather of fall. But today is the summer solstice - the longest day of the year - and there’s something magical about that. It reminds us that we are part of the flow of the seasons - more than just our lives, but one with a rhythm, an ebb and flow of creation. Today (and all summer) can be about witnessing that, witnessing being part of nature. So the next time I’m sweating and really wishing for Gilmore Girl season, I’m going to try to remember that this time is a gift and the answer is to be present, be present, be present.