The grandkids are usually in bed by 7:30 p.m. but the older two were up late at the beach house. Each night ended with a fire, roasting marshmallows and making S’mores. Playing with the kids all day and up early every morning meant the adults went to bed soon after the kids. However we were awake long enough to see the Milky Way.
The area didn’t have street lights and with the approaching new moon, even on clear nights the darkness was deep. On those nights, it wasn’t long before the sky filled with stars, more than any of us had ever seen. The Milky Way was obvious, a concentration of stars in a band we looked upon from the earth. One can feel small and insignificant in the face of such wonder.
We don’t have to feel insignificant though. Significance comes from what we contribute to the world and each other. What are we doing for the planet? What are we doing for others, known and unknown? Our positive actions make us a part of an on-going creation, contributing to an expanding universe with the good we do. We can embrace the view of the Milky Way with open hearts at the wonder of creation rather than feel insignificant in the face of it.
That’s the view from here.
38 comments:
Giving time to children is always a worthwhile thing to do - a significant contribution.
Sometimes I need to look at the stars just to put into perspective all the angst I feel from the daily news. I like your statement that our positive actions make us a part of contributing to the expanding universe through the good we do. It reminds me of the Buddhist belief that our actions are the ground upon which we stand. Everything else is temporary. :-)
And that is a good view I share.
: )
I agree that our significance come from what we contribute. But I would also make a case that insignificance in your example is not a bad thing. We are part of a huge plan and by design that is not a bad thing. I think humans need that reminder ... the plans of men are flawed (even more so now-a-days as we listen to current events), but the plans of the universe, well ... the are huge beyond our knowing and we should have wonder that we are included in that if only in a small way. The night sky is there to remind us of that ... sadly so many of us never look up like you did. So thank you for reminding us the greatest show on earth is not on earth at all.
We used to have a large chestnut horse called Significance so this brought a few memories :-)
Have a good weekend, Diane
Well said.
I've stared up at the vast band of the Milky Way in places far from cities where you can really see the stars. It puts a whole lot in perspective.
I have learned, in my Catholic faith, that we will not be judged on what we have done in life, but in how we have loved.
Your grandchildren will always have these memories with you! Andrea
I love the feeling of seeing the stars, it fills me with wonder. Enjoy these moments!
and I like that view. Very nice Marie.
I often do feel insignificant (or perhaps humbled is the better term). And marvel at the beauty of the universe. Serendipitously this morning I have been marvelling at the multitudes of stars and the lunar eclipse.
sorry...I don't mean judged. I meant to say our worth will not be in what we have done (or accomplished) but in how we have loved… Andrea
I think I felt most insignificant driving north of Lake Superior and then farther through the near north on Ontario and seeing nothing much other than trees for a few days.
I don't recall ever seeing the Milky Way in person, but that's going to change once we are in AZ.
I think you're absolutely right about what's significant about us.
It sure is John.
I totally agree Jan. We can say what we want, our actions speak loudly for us.
Thanks Catarina.
I think feeling insignificent causes us to search for answers in our lives. This is a good thing. I found it in being able to contribute to the good in the world, not that I am perfect at it but it gives life meaning in the process.
What a wonderful name for a horse, Diane.
It sure does William. The countryside of this island allows wonderful views of the night sky.
I see your point Andrea. For me, love/caring would be the reason for the action.
They are very soecial Jenn.
Thanks Bill.
You did such a beautiful post about the eclipse EC. We should look up more often.
I’ve driven that road. It feels like it goes on forever AC.
It is a wondrous sight SW.
Thank you Danielle.
It sounds wonderful, eating s'mores and looking at the stars. Yes, we are insignificant beings when we look up at the sky....
We sure can feel that way Shammi.
well said...and having the spirit to appreciate it all!! i find so many people don't take the time to appreciate the nighttime sky!!!
I like and agree with your point of view Marie ✨
It is an awesome experience to just look up into the clear night sky Debbie.
Thank you Grace.
Personal worth...because some people are disabled and cannot do anything....children have great worth and a baby or toddler can't do much..but they can be loving. Andrea
We can learn so much from children and the disabled by their very being. The lesson is as valuable, if not more so than the doing.
excellent post dear Marie!
spending time with children awakes our insight and cheerfulness
your last para is absolutely terrific!
agreed to each word you said here my friend !
we should be careful what we sow so when it comes to reap we must not feel embarrassed
your milky way sounds so absorbing ,i would love to look such glorious view!
Thank you Baili. The Milky Way is a glorious sight!
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