Yesterday I noticed the first buds beginning to swell on the end of branches. A few more weeks and the trees will dare to flower and unfold their first leaves. I’m counting down the mornings until I can sip coffee on the porch while being serenaded by the black and yellow finches that perch in neighbor Barry’s tree. I wonder whether the chipmunk will return to visit our front window, peeking its round face curiously through the glass.
These are little things. I know it. But after a month that held both snowfalls and tornado warnings, sorrows and celebrations, these little things seem to be the elements keeping me grounded, planted in my “is-ness” as Madeleine L’Engle wrote. Because while small in scope, their promise contains multitudes.
Perhaps this month’s list of good things to pick up will meet you in the same way. Not earth-shaking or radical. Not loud or extreme. Rather, a few little things that I hope will bring comfort and quiet and a settling of the ground beneath your feet.
grace + peace,
Sarah
Good Things to Pick Up
a monthly short list to narrow the space between us
Books
I began many mornings over the last couple months reading Mary Oliver’s collection of poems, Devotions. Beginning my days with her earthy, deeply spiritual language was a beautiful way to start my days from a quiet place. (It was also a great purse book that I could pull out for a few stolen moments in the school car line.)
Quote
In revisiting an episode of the Call It Good podcast, this quote from guest Helena Sorensen met me in a needed place—both in my writing but also for so many facets of life that feel unfinished.
Essays
Two pieces stuck with me this month.
“Why Poems?” by writer and artist Aimee Guest found me at the right moment as I was in the thick of my Mary Oliver phase. I related to this essay not only as a fellow wordsperson, but also as one who has wrestled with my own creative identity and have found my own prayers taking the shape of poems.
Also, Shawn Smucker wrote a beautifully raw essay days after losing his cousin Jup. Grief can be a difficult experience to express, but I found Shawn’s words to be not only an incredible tribute, but also a very true rendering of life after loss.
Beauty
On a whim, I bought myself flowers from Trader Joes, and now I’m wondering why I haven’t been doing this all winter. As my friend Missy Bari wrote recently, “when it comes to living how I actually want to, beauty is far more essential than I often realize.”
What good things did you encounter last month?
Feel free to hit reply or leave a comment for all of us.
So many good things this past month, little things of meaning. But my fav is ,after I did an #artshare, dropping 5 little wrapped pieces of my watercolour art around my little town, and seeing the joy filled posts on our community Facebook page, just knowing I'd put a smile on someone's face on a dreary drizzly day, well that's just the best feeling❤
One week, heaven’s gates poured open an overwhelming flood of exquisite beauty- a rainbow pregnancy for dear friends, favor in the purchase of a home for us against other bids (ours only chosen because we were bold enough to bid quickly), our hearts encouraged to love big in service to my dad- my heart overflows with a pleasing theme as I address my verses to the King. And I receive this platter full of mercies rejoicing in His goodness and beauty.