I love these lines from Mary Oliver. I keep them in my “favorite quotes” section on Facebook, as well as in my heart. Whenever I read or hear these lines, I smile.
I wanted a photo to go along with them and I thought of this one of my sons and their cousins jumping into Lake Minnewaska back in June.
At the time I received this shot, I was hiding away at a Carmelite monastery working on a project. My heart and mind were at rest and peace-filled. And then this visual blast of young energy from my dear mother-in-law came into my inbox filled with these sweet boys sucking in life for all it’s worth!
Precious and wild, indeed, like four little boys jumping off a dock into a cool, Minnesota lake.
Juxtaposing the words “wild” and “precious” produces an immediate sense of energy.(!!!) Wild and precious wouldn’t normally go together. One implies serenity and sweetness. The other, something quite the opposite of that; something untamed and unwieldy.
What is life if not wild? It’s full of unexpected twists, occasional heartache and a whole lot of joy as well if we’re awake enough to see it.
As for precious, oh yes. Each of us is an unrepeatable individual, and we all have a story; one that’s meant to be shared in some form. My stories come out mainly through written expression (though not exclusively). Sharing my stories is a life-giving act for me, and, I dearly hope, for those who read or hear them as well.
But this line wouldn’t be what it is without the word that ties it all together: one. Here is where things get really interesting. One implies singularity, but also brings with it a sense of energy and movement; namely because we don’t get an exponential number of chances to do this life, only one. Oh, we are sometimes offered second and even third chances within this life, but there’s really only one earthly life in which to do what we’re here to do.
I don’t know about you, but I am very aware of the fact that I’ve been given one wild and precious life, and that it comes with an expiration date.
Our lives are always in motion, but perhaps now’s as good a time as any to step back and evaluate where we are, and discern whether it’s where we’re supposed to be. And then, once we’ve figured that out, to take steps to use the time that’s left for how it’s meant to be used.
Certain seasons in our life allow us to grasp this “bird’s-eye view” perspective better than others. Sitting where I’m at now, I’m able to see more vividly what I’m here to do, and I’m positioning myself to do just that.
I can’t imagine many things more exciting than to be aware of one’s purpose.
So I ask the question of you, as Mary did all of us: What is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?
That’s a wonderful quote! I don’t think there’s any one major thing to do with my one wild and precious life. It’s the many minor things that make it so, like leaping gleefully off a boat dock into the lake!
Roxane,
Your post touched me deeply. The quote is wonderful and your words beautiful. The photo of your children made me smile as I have a lot of very similar ones of my own and my nephews doing the same in a different lake in northern MN. We were just there two weeks ago for vacation and just returned from there yet again for the funeral of a dear man (my uncle who lives next door to the cabin we rent while there). He passed far too young and very unexpectedly, so your words about having but one precious life with an expiration date really rang true. Didn’t mean to get depressing there–I just really wanted to say that your post was touching and thank you!
Karin Larson
Laura, you’re so right that it’s a whole bunch of small things that really make up what we call a life!
Karin, no need for an apology. I think it’s been in losing people dear people too early that I’ve been forced into this realization that has helped me embrace life to the fullest. I’m sorry for your loss and will be thinking of you in the coming days as you process and grieve, and then, go after what you’re here to do. 🙂
To do what most needs doing in each moment. To recognize each moment as the eternal present. To feel the feelings now so as to not act them out in the future. To be brave enough to go against the flow. To be an example to the young, compassionate to the downtrodden, and a true version of myself at any given moment.
This is what I would like to do with my one wild and precious life. Thanks for asking the question!
Oh my dear daughter-in-law. No one can say it better than you. I love your words, I love your heart. You make me proud! Mom #2
Thank you for your kind words and thoughts, Roxane!
Karin
Roxane,
Love the quote–and your words! (the pic was awesome too!)
Since I have walked the journey of looking death in the face, my heart wishes everyone would ask the question you are asking…what are we doing with our one precious and wild life?
I am learning how to live a life of NO regrets!
Thanks again!
Ps. Your MIL’s comment brought tears to my eyes. What a great affirmation for us all to read and be encouraged.
Thanks for giving me that beautiful line to meditate on.
Lukas, nicely put! Thanks for such a wonderful response.
Bev…ah…you are the best! Thanks for your constant encouragement, Mom #2! 🙂
Kim, I love that aim! And yes, you definitely would have things in perspective. I appreciate hearing from you!
Beth…my pleasure. I’m so glad to pass it on to someone who deserves to live with it in her heart.
You can find Mary reading this poem on youtube. It thrills me, and motivates me, and gets my creativity going. At the same time, I’m reminded to live in the moment, to love nature, and care for those I love. We’re here for a reason, let’s make it good.
“We’re here for a reason, let’s make it good.” Yes, Mary. Yes!!! 🙂