The Ruthless Furnace of the World

Today I am grateful for quiet moments in a quiet house, and the awe of the morning sky.

On the Christian calendar today is Good Friday, commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus. It is a day that carries a heaviness, a sadness, grief. I recall the somber church services of the Good Fridays of my youth. 

I am thinking about the people in my life who are today carrying the weight of significant burdens, the weight of serious physical and mental health challenges, the weight of declining in old age, the weight of grief and loss, the weight of addiction. 

So this quote, from poet Jack Gilbert, seemed fitting:

"We must have the stubbornness to accept our gladness in the 

ruthless furnace of the world." 

We all have our crosses to bear. We can all help lessen and lighten the burden of others. And we are better able to carry our own weight and help others with theirs when we "accept our gladness."  When we honor today for the gift it is. When we appreciate the loves in our lives for who they are. When we notice nature and the Great Spirit.

"The ruthless furnace of the world" can be a stark and painful place at times, but the gladness and the gratitude can come through. Even in the smallest ways, it makes a difference.

Be stubborn today when the heaviness creeps in. Embrace joy and gladness when and where you find it.

 I will be taking a blog break for a few days. Have a nice weekend and Happy Easter!