Why I wake early

(Mary Oliver, not me. Chemo killed my early bird habits, sigh.)

1. Each morning after my daily lectio I’m trying to read one poem, to start the day with good words instead of doom-scrolling. Mary Oliver is a wonder, and I highly recommend this collection: Why I Wake Early.

2. “There is hidden grief in every good thing. Even family celebrations—a wedding, birth, or graduation—hold within them a sliver of loss. What once was will not be again. But this is the sacrifice of love.” My latest reflection at Give Us This Day.

3. Now that the Canada Post strike is over, I’m delighted to share beautiful artwork that came into our home last year, thanks to the talented Nick Schuurman of The Rain, The Snow, The Seed. Nick is a Mennonite pastor from British Columbia and a print artist who shares his work in support of peacemaking organizations. Basically you make a donation, and then Nick sends you a print of your choice. Amazing. 

4. On Emergence Magazine’s podcast you can listen to Robin Wall Kimmerer read her essay on The Serviceberry: An Economy of Abundance (the most popular essay they’ve ever published; no wonder she’s turned it into a book). Such a striking exploration of nature’s gift economies and how we need to retrieve the same for humanity.

5. Yes, Christmas is past but Ordinary Time still calls for gorgeous music. This rendition of O Magnum Mysterium from the Nordic Chamber Choir soars like heaven. And God is a great mystery in every season.

This post contains affiliate links. But I’m getting increasingly exasperated with giving any money to billionaires, even if these pennies in the jar do help support my family…so stay tuned as I’m scouting other options. For now, I’m certain that Mary Oliver would love you to buy her book from a local independent bookstore instead.