Fleeting

In the midst of quietly celebrating the beginning of a new year, new plans, new opportunities, I read the horrible news of the killing of ranger Margaret Anderson at Mount Rainier National Park. Margaret was a seasonal ranger at Bryce Canyon the summer I was there. She was quiet, warm, and conscientious.

All the time we learn that people whose paths we’ve crossed have died. That is the nature of our existence: we live, we die. Sometimes it comes too young, and alas sometimes it comes violently and seems beyond comprehension. We usually don’t have much choice in the death part—although perhaps the shooter made that choice for himself (but maybe he didn’t recognize the choice and my heart aches for his family as well). In the vacuum, we cry out for grace.

Generally, though, we have quite a lot to say about the way in which we live. Tragedies such as this are reminders, the beginning of a new year is also a reminder; this life we have is singular and precious. Problem is, it all goes by so quickly. And despite all the self-help books, it's hard to find ways to overcome the inertia, the habits, the fears (especially the fears: "It is a fearful thing to love what death can touch."). A friend on facebook recently posted a list of 30 things to stop doing to yourself. Two of them seemed particularly relevant: “Stop thinking you’re not ready – Nobody ever feels 100% ready when an opportunity arises;” and "Stop being scared to make a mistake – Doing something and getting it wrong is at least ten times more productive than doing nothing." A small reminder that much worse things than failure exist in this world. A reminder that the only thing that matters is to follow the heart and to respect and encourage others on their journeys.

Every day that we are alive is another opportunity to live it right—to be present to the people in our lives, the love in our hearts, and the beat of our drum. I hope you will join me in making that your wish for 2012.

Rest in peace, dear Margaret, much too soon.