Here it is hump day due day, and only now do I begin this post. I beg your pardon…
Before our Thanksgiving feast, between 30-40 family and friends gather ‘round to hold hands and give thanks. Some say only a few words. Others are known to be, shall we say, more expressive? Some think this tradition redundant, but I love it. It’s pure. It’s honest. It’s cathartic. Tears are shed. Smiles are savored. And it’s the only time of day that we pause to listen to all as One. We gather together.
I heard this song on the radio a couple of days before Thanksgiving. It was a live performance by musician, John Craigie. His troubadour style captured my attention and I thought how well his lyrical miracle paired with gratitude. Perfect for the circle.
I committed to memory what I wanted to express. (In memorization, I omitted the lines about presidents…politics belonging nowhere near this reverent space.) Then comments were made about folks talking too long and I copped out. Lesson learned: If you’re feeling it and the timing is right, don’t worry about being judged. Follow the heart’s flow. It was time to share that message, and I let it go.
So please indulge me; I’m putting down what I still yearn to be shared. Next year, no; the time is NOW. And here:
“Just take a minute to realize,
All it took to make you
Your parents had to meet,
As random as that was
And hang out long enough at least,
To make some love
And make a baby
And give it your name
And ALL your ancestors had to do the same
Exponentially backwards
To the start of life
So much had to happen,
Just exactly right
Sparks had to catch,
Oceans had to freeze,
Billions of cells had to survive,
Endless disease,
Civilizations had to crumble,
Wars had to be fought,
Bad presidents had to get elected,
Good presidents had to get shot
People had to leave,
Hearts had to get broken,
People had to die,
Just so your eyes could open
The Universe is not against you,
It went through a lot
Just to give you a chance,
It must Have wanted you pretty bad
No pressure though, no pressure though
The Universe went through a lot but no pressure, bro
You don’t gotta be perfect, you don’t gotta be a saint
Just don’t waste it, this was not a mistake
It’s a miracle that you’re here at all.”
Einstein said there are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.
I’m grateful for every miracle standing here in this circle, and for those we love, near or far, whose miracle of presence lives forever within.
You/We are a miracle Heidi…so very happy our paths crossed in this Universe – could not imagine life without you in it….keep shining your light!
Peace Love (and Rock and Roll.)
As always, thank you Jo!
Not feeling’ very miraculous now after a crazy fall and wrist in splint. Oowwiiee! With use of only one hand, Christmas cards are doubtful this year (even this typing is taking eons). Oh envision me walking toward you, a pretty picture of youth and good health…limping on the right, waving my black cast on the left. All right, pity party over.
Excellent choice DJ Heidi! Shades of Dylan. Gutherie. New Orleans vibe. Good pal of Jack Johnson, local Santa Barbara guy. Did he really write Mr. Tamborine Man?
Good to hear from you, Macker! Never heard of the dude before that day on the radio…nice timing for a giving thanks day.
I’m so glad you shared this Heidi. I love your words at the end! Beautiful.
Thank you for reading and for your thoughtful comments, Susan.
And Heidi, there are so many times when I’ve lost my voice. Things left unsaid. I only hope that my actions speak and my heart whispers when my vocals fail me.