The rhythm of life is always changing, always new. Spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Childhood, adulthood, and old age. The labor and anticipation of sowing, the effort and joys of reaping the harvest. The years of struggle toward a goal, then the pleasure and accomplishment of reaching it. And then a new sustained effort begins—this is the rhythm of life. The child grows up and leaves the nest: a short pang of grief, but then a new vista opens—a new season, with new joys to anticipate, new harvests to gather in. Always another struggle, and always another delight.

“Beauty does not linger, it only visits.” ~John O’Donohue

If we are not deliberate to stop and savor the beauties of life, we will miss them altogether and all that will be left us is the struggle. Savoring the beauties and joys of life enables us to survive and sustain its exertions.

But we must have an eye to discover and discern the subtle beauties woven in and through our days. We must notice them and take the time to savor them with pleasure, for they will pass on. The gentling of the autumn sun on your skin. The old couple who finally have the leisure to sit together and allow the beauties of the sunset to wash over them. The child’s laughter bubbling over as she jumps into the pile of crisp and crackling leaves. These are important moments. We must pay attention, notice, and grasp them. It is essential to take delight in every small bounty we are given, for this strengthens our souls for the continuing efforts ahead.

“The soul is weighed in the balance by what delights her.” ~Augustine

“A life without delight is only half a life.” ~John O’Donohue

Yours for the return of Grace, Civility, Beauty, Gentility, and Excellence,

Mary Alice