A great many people (not you) do now seem to think that the mere state of being worried is in itself meritorious. I don’t think it is. We must, if it so happens, give our lives for others: but even while we’re doing it, I think we’re meant to enjoy…our friends, our food, our sleep, our jokes, and the birds song and the frosty sunrise.
As about the distant, so about the future. It is very dark: but there’s usually light enough for the next step or so.
— C.S. Lewis, from a letter to Bede Griffiths, December 20, 1944, in “Yours, Jack. Spiritual Direction from C.S. Lewis” (HarperCollins, 2008)
Notes:
- Thank you Kurt @ Cultural Offering via tail-feathers
- Post Title & Inspiration: Aldous Huxley: “It’s dark because you are trying too hard. Lightly child, lightly. Learn to do everything lightly. Yes, feel lightly even though you’re feeling deeply. Just lightly let things happen and lightly cope with them.
lucky for the light
Yes. Even a sliver brings so much hope….
I like the phrase “frosty sunrise”. It makes cold-weather sound pleasant (which for me, it is not).
Speaking of cold weather, we had our first snow of the season up here in the Great White North (northern Vermont) yesterday. Fortunately it should be melted by tomorrow and we will have a few more precious days in the 50s.
It’s interesting to observe the uptick in motorcycles on the road right now as the bikers grab every moment “on two wheels” that they can get before the roads get icy.
I think I have strayed far enough off topic now, so I will wish everyone a “Happy Thursday!”
Re: “but there’s usually light enough for the next step or so.”
Perhaps it is good that we cannot see too far ahead. It’s possible that we might not like what we see. We may be more likely to keep our sanity if we can only see “the next step or so”.
and that was my punchline too Paul. Thanks.
Snow! Too soon Paul!
9:30 AM here… currently 30°, and 34° in Montreal (actually 1.1° C). I’m sure Sawsan is familiar with this lovely climate 🙂 Windy days in Montreal in January should be illegal! Makes me want to dive under the covers just thinking about it! :-). I swear the wind accelerates between those skyscrapers in Montréal. (Maybe it does, that would be interesting to research!)
And Dave… You’re from Canada!
Surely you are familiar (?)
Sadly, the snow is pretty much right on time. I spent several Halloweens in my youth trick-or-treating in the snow (light snow of course) 😎. Winter here is six+ months long. It’s a shame, because summer and fall are outstanding (unless it’s cloudy and raining). Random fact for the day: Vermont is one of the cloudiest states in the country.
Oops, those were 5 AM temperatures. Forgot to refresh my browser!
Yes, a Proud Canadian but there’s nothing like winter in Chicago or Northern Michigan!
Ah… so Montreal was too hot for Sawsan! 😉
I actually love Montreal. I took three years of Parisian French in high school (don’t remember much… Tried to brush up using an app once but that’s no substitute for sitting in a classroom.) I get mixed feedback about whether Parisian French has any value in Montreal. Some say the Quebec dialect is so different that Parisian French is worthless. Others say that you can get by with it (I’m guessing you can get by and learn the dialect on the fly).
I have semi-seriously considered moving up there. I’m sure that’s not a simple process!
I also love Toronto! My favorite aunt and uncle (no longer living sadly) lived there and I have many happy memories of visiting Toronto!
Not sure I’m cut out for big cities though, my current town is only 10,000 people (and I like that as well). Probably best that I just visit Montreal more frequently.
Rambling… Apologies for that.
Have a great one!
I took 3 years of French in middle school, it was required. Don’t remember a lick unfortunately…..
Thank you ❤️
🙂
Oh yes! “worry” means we’re interpreting life negatively… when, actually, we do not know… just getting in the way. Thank you for this inspiration (in spirit moving).
Such an inspiration! Thank you! Worry means we’re getting in the way with negative interpretations…
Exactly….
I really, really love this. Thank you.
Me too! And this was written in 1944 and how it so applies today!
I was thinking that, too! I was surprised, honestly, because I think our modern culture of productivity has really exacerbated this, in the sense that we seem to think we’re ‘doing something’ by worrying. Anyway, a beautiful reminder to be present where we are.
So True Laila.
I think a lot of people are very worried these days. This is a good reminder that we still need to make the best of each day.
Exactly Anneli. That’s the lunch line.
Well, Mr. Lewis, I’d say screw “the frosty sunrise” but otherwise, yes, yes, yes!
Laughing.
I really, really love this, too. Hope you are well, David. p.s., I also loved Paul’s ramblings.
“Light enough” for one more step…these days that’s about the best we can search for..
Exactly.
“We must, if it so happens, give our lives for others” Yes, we must and with one focus to save the other & others., with no regard to our own life and expect nothing in return. I speak from experience. I was just so glad to be in the right place(s) when needed. I will follow up with an email.
Ah yes. Give ourselves to others and enjoy the ride. 💐
Right!
Timely!
Yup, keep stepping, forward…
Yes. One foot at a time.