Good morning…
As I parked my car at PAWkids, my favorite non-profit downtown, I hesitated a moment. Looking down, I saw the word love living in the gravel. At a time in our world where turmoil abounds, I hesitated and noticed love.
My mind now returns to a Mary Oliver poem.
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Don’t Hesitate
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.
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Whenever I step foot on the ground of PAWkids, instantly fresh love begins and joy is no longer a crumb.
What holy ground do you step foot on regularly, ground that makes you feel: Something is happening better than all the riches or power in the world?
Don’t hesitate. Love. Don’t be afraid of God’s plenty.
With every sun’s rising, surprise us with Your love, satisfy us with Your kindness. Then we will sing with joy and celebrate every day we are alive (Psalm 90:14, VOICE).
…Sue…
P.S. On September 15th, we return to PAWkids as a group of volunteers connected to Northside Church. Most every Monday, we facilitate arts and crafts projects in the after-school program, and we provide a family style dinner for the kids. If you are interested in joining us or want to cover the cost of a meal, please let me know.
