“You are seeing everything for the last time, and everything you see is gilded with goodbyes. The child’s hand like a starfish on the pillow, your hand on the doorknob. Caught between screen and window, a wasp unfolds one wing. With a sick smile, guilt-ridden, the old dachshund lurches off the forbidden couch when you come through the door, his nose dry with sleep, and makes for the pillow by the hot-air register.
“It is the room where for years Christmases have happened, snow falling so thick by the window that sometimes it has started to snow in the room, brightness falling on tables, books, chairs, the gaudy tree in the corner, a family sitting there snowmen, snowbound, snowblind to the crazy passing of what they think will never pass.
“And today now everything will pass because it is the last day. For the last time you are seeing this rain fall and in your mind that snow, this child asleep, this cat. For the last time you are hearing this house come alive because you who are part of its life have come alive. All the unkept promises if they are ever to be kept have to be kept today. All the unspoken words if you do not speak them today will never be spoken. The people, the ones you love and the ones who bore you to death, all the life you have in you to live with them, if you do not live it with them today will never be lived.
“It is the first day because it has never been before and the last day because it will never be again. Be alive if you can all through this day today of your life. What’s to be done? What’s to be done?
“Follow your feet. Put on the coffee. Start the orange juice, the bacon, the toast. Then go wake up your children and your wife. Think about the work of your hands, the book that of all conceivable things you have chosen to add to the world’s pain. Live in the needs of the day.”
~Frederick Buechner, The Alphabet of Grace
In the stillness,
Sandy
Welcome to the Still Saturday Community where we pause after a busy week, move in quiet pilgrimage, maybe linger a while in some still place, and soak in the beauty of images and reflect on the depth of sparse words. We’d love for you to join us. Grab the button and link up below. We all love to hear if something especially speaks to your heart, but please don’t feel pressured to comment. Simply take some time to be still together, to gaze long and drink deep.
Wonderful quote but then I so enjoy Buechner. This line spoke to me > “Live in the needs of the day.” What is it I must tend to today? What is before me in this moment? May we not miss what our God has for us each day. Beautiful photos as always 🙂 Blessings!
Joanne Viola recently posted..5: About Motherhood
Tend to this moment–because it’ll be gone in a moment forever.
The line that first spoke to me is, “You are seeing everything for the last time, and everything you see is gilded with goodbyes.” I stayed there for awhile.
Bless your weekend, Joanne.
I love coming to this place on a Saturday. Whenever I read anything by Buechner, I think of my favorite Buechner-ism: “If you beat a path to God long enough, He will come to meet you on that path, bearing the gift of Himself.” There is such hope in those words, and I have the same hope listening to his words about THIS day.
Blessings to you this on this Saturday morning.
Michele Morin recently posted..Unmasking the Substitutes
Oh, Michele. I love that. Let’s keep beating that path together.
Gorgeous photos, Sandy. And that quote – I remember having a sense of it being the “last time” years ago as girl scout – riding on a bus to camp I looked out the window and tried to memorize the leaves on the trees because I knew I’d never see them again. I’ve also had that awareness as my children grew, and it’s a constant stream of thought these days as we wait for Emily to find a job and move from the only house she’s ever lived in. Even without those hallmark moments, each of our everyday, ordinary days are “last time” moments. Have a lovely weekend, my beautiful friend. xoxox
Patricia @ Pollywog Creek recently posted..Still Saturday::on measuring gifts…
I think I remember you sharing that before, Patricia, about riding the bus to camp. Praying for this transition for both you and Emily, the bittersweetness of it.
And this tree… I’ve gotten to enjoy it for a week. The blooms are already fading, and the petals have sprinkled themselves all over the roof and clustered in the drive. Another reminder to breathe in the moment.
Love to you, Patricia. xo
Living fully in the moment and the day in which I’ve been given–some days it feels impossible. Other days it’s easier. I need these reminders, Sandra. Thank you.
Jason Stasyszen recently posted..Sanctuary: Sustaining the Whole Earth
It feels the same for me someday, Jason. I need these reminders, too.
What fine words! Reminds me of brother Lawrence who lived like this each day. I think I want to reread that little book again.
Caring through Christ, ~ linda
~ linda recently posted..Caring for the Caregiver – Part 1 @ SDG
Good plan, Linda. I think I will, too. 🙂
I love this beautiful reminder to see each day as a brand new gift. May we make all of ours the best we can for our good and for God’s glory.
Thanks so much for hosting, Sandra. Blessings to you and yours.
Heather @ My Overflowing Cup recently posted..Not A Typical Mother’s Day
Amen to that, Heather. Happy weekend.
Oh my goodness, Sandy!!! I have never read this book, and Diana Trautwein quoted a portion of what you have cited here, and now I know I MUST read this! I am overwhelmed by the beauty of his words, and his attention to the brevity of life.
Going to go hug my husband!
Love
Lynn
Yay, I’m getting your posts!
It’s a beautiful little book..poetic.
Happy hugging, Lynn, and I’m glad the posts are coming through again. Cuz I’ve missed you. 🙂
So beautiful, Sandra. May we live each day as if it is our last, for every day is a gift never to be experienced again. May we know Him in the beauty of each moment. Thanks for hosting & God bless.
Laurie Collett recently posted..Remembering “Baba” – A Proverbs 31 Grandmother
Oh, amen, Laurie. I don’t think you know how timely your comment is. (Writing a post now. 😉 )
That was a beautiful passage. Just being content to live in the day we are given and rest in the blessing of all it brings with it…Grace for every day.
Thanks for sharing inspiration.
Blessings,
Dawn
Dawn recently posted..Mercy’s Veil of Grace
For every day… one day at a time. Yes, Dawn.