A Pause for Beauty

On this last day of the year 2020, a year like no other in our memories I suggest you take

A Pause for Beauty

Today is the last day of 2020. Despite our hopes that 2021 will bring better days, we know that things will get harder before they get better. We can weather whatever comes if we take care of one another. At the end of this year of turmoil, loss, and pain I invite you to pause and think of something beautiful or joyful.

What will you remember about 2020?

I’ll remember amazing street art on plywood window covers. And black lives matter. Waking up to the systemic racism that permeates our society. Realizing that I am privileged and racist. Feeling and hearing the sorrow and fear of Blacks and people of color as they endure acts large and small that seek to keep them “in their place.” Deciding to learn more about racism. Putting a Black Lives Matter sign in our suburban front yard. Wearing a face mask in public. Seeing how expressive we all managed to be with our eyes and body language to show our masked smiles. Watching the heroism of our health care workers. Treasuring wide open expanses of unscheduled time. Countless walks in our neighborhood. In the street conversations with neighbors, more than ever before. Yearning to spend time in person with our children and grandchildren.

I will also remember spectacular sunrises and sunsets. The beauty and healing power of nature. And the way that plants, trees and animals continued their lives amidst the great pandemic, a reminder of the cycles of life and a beacon of hope for the future. Not cooking a huge Thanksgiving dinner. Snow in October that fortunately melted to give us a gentle reprieve from winter for another two months.

So much beauty and so many blessings. Too many to count. Gratitude for this life today just as it is. Love, simple and true for my family and friends, this life, this city, this world, this moment.

Right now, before you do anything else, take a pause for beauty. Remember one beautiful thing about your life during 2020.

May you walk in beauty.