Got Thoreau??

I've had the experience of reading Thoreau's Walden, while sitting on a beach in the sunshine, watching eagles flying over head, listening to the surf roll in, and hearing the ravens arguing with one another ... What better place, or better way to hear the timeless words of one who, over 160 years ago understood in a clarion way, the importance of valuing what is TRULY IMPORTANT.

I've gleaned wonderful little nuggets from Thoreau ...

His observation of houses that they are simply a place where we eat and sleep is soooo true. Even though we've filled our homes with toys and trinkets and stuff - do we really need any of it?? Today watching the footage from Lebanon and Israel, it causes us to pause and consider that the most important things in life are those we can carry in our hearts and our arms ... each other, our partners, our children, our relationships ...

I also like Thoreau's comment that no matter how opulent a house is - it remains simply the front porch of the cellar !!

He goes on to muse that all you really need is a bed to sleep in, a chair to sit in, a table to sit at, and a stove to cook food over and keep you warm ... everything else is extra ... Admittedly a couch or sofa to crash on would be nice ... but ... maybe Henry David is right ... Maybe a simplifying of our lives and our society wouldn't be a bad idea ...

The final thought for today comes from the enjoyment Thoreau took in wandering up and down the shores of Walden, and crossing its waters throughout the seasons ... he describes in rich detail the inhabitants that share the pond with him, and the beautiful scenery that surrounded him ... I wonder if we have the courage and the vision to hear those words and to try to appreciate the simple things around us ...

An eagle circling lazily overhead is a stunning sight ... a robin hopping in our garden is beautiful ... and a young blue jay learning to fly in our driveway ... well, all of them are gifts from the hands of a generous and wonderful creator ... Maybe we just need to pause and say - "Thanks" once in awhile ...