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Friday 27 July 2018

Significance

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:

John "By Stargoose And Hanglands" said...

Giving time to children is always a worthwhile thing to do - a significant contribution.

DJan said...

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. :-)

Catarina said...

And that is a good view I share.
: )

Retired Knitter said...

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.

Rhodesia said...

We used to have a large chestnut horse called Significance so this brought a few memories :-)
Have a good weekend, Diane

William Kendall said...

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.

Anonymous said...

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

Jenn said...

I love the feeling of seeing the stars, it fills me with wonder. Enjoy these moments!

Bill said...

and I like that view. Very nice Marie.

Elephant's Child said...

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.

Anonymous said...

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

Anvilcloud said...

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.

Silver in AZ said...

I don't recall ever seeing the Milky Way in person, but that's going to change once we are in AZ.

Danielle L Zecher said...

I think you're absolutely right about what's significant about us.

Marie Smith said...

It sure is John.

Marie Smith said...

I totally agree Jan. We can say what we want, our actions speak loudly for us.

Marie Smith said...

Thanks Catarina.

Marie Smith said...

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.

Marie Smith said...

What a wonderful name for a horse, Diane.

Marie Smith said...

It sure does William. The countryside of this island allows wonderful views of the night sky.

Marie Smith said...

I see your point Andrea. For me, love/caring would be the reason for the action.

Marie Smith said...

They are very soecial Jenn.

Marie Smith said...

Thanks Bill.

Marie Smith said...

You did such a beautiful post about the eclipse EC. We should look up more often.

Marie Smith said...

I’ve driven that road. It feels like it goes on forever AC.

Marie Smith said...

It is a wondrous sight SW.

Marie Smith said...

Thank you Danielle.

Shammickite said...

It sounds wonderful, eating s'mores and looking at the stars. Yes, we are insignificant beings when we look up at the sky....

Marie Smith said...

We sure can feel that way Shammi.

Debbie said...

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!!!

PerthDailyPhoto said...

I like and agree with your point of view Marie ✨

Marie Smith said...

It is an awesome experience to just look up into the clear night sky Debbie.

Marie Smith said...

Thank you Grace.

Anonymous said...

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

Marie Smith said...

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.

baili said...

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

baili said...

your milky way sounds so absorbing ,i would love to look such glorious view!

Marie Smith said...

Thank you Baili. The Milky Way is a glorious sight!