hope

Feeling Hopeful

/ nagneberg48 / 6 Comments

August 8, 2023

On our way to pick-up grandson Peter from Camp Widjiwagan in Ely, MN, our daughter Kate suggested stopping at the Paul Wellstone Memorial. Wellstone was Minnesota’s senator from 1991-2002. Just days before the election the plane he was in, along with his wife and daughter, campaign workers and pilots, crashed near Eveleth, MN. Wellstone was a beloved senator known for his progressive politics and his belief that individuals can and must make a difference. In fact, it is not unusual to still see cars with Paul Wellstone bumper stickers. He was and remains a hero to many.

We need a new kind of citizenship so that people earn the rank of the patriot because of involvement in their community affairs. We as a society need to encourage people to focus not just on individual wants, but on serving the the larger community.

Paul Wellstone

Standing before each of the ancient boulders commemorating the lives of each who died in that crash, I couldn’t help but wonder what Wellstone would say today about the precariousness of our democracy. I have no doubt, whether he would still be Minnesota’s senator or not, that he would remain devoted to public service and would be inspiring others to improve the lives of all those in need and experiencing injustice.

I admit, however, it is hard to be hopeful these days and far too easy to fall into fear and discouragement. As I walked this memorial trail, I felt sad and sober as I thought about these inspirational lives of action that had ended far too soon and worried about the morass we seem to find ourselves in today. Is it possible to build on Paul Wellstone’s optimism and energy? And his legacy.

At the beginning of the trail a poem by LeAnn Littlewolf is carved on a large boulder, along with the image of an eagle. Apparently, eagles were seen soaring over the crash site as rescuers arrived.

I took the message of the eagles so beautifully expressed in the poem with me as we continued on our way to Widji.

Peter had been on a ten day hiking trip in the Rockies, along with four other campers and a counselor. During that time there had been no communication home, and we were all eager to hear about their adventures and to know that the time away from screens and conveniences had been positive. We were full of questions, but first, we just needed to give that big guy a squeeze. The reunion was sweet, indeed.

Peter had an incredible time and is even talking about going on a longer trip next year.

SONY DSC
SONY DSC

Many other groups had returned from their adventures that same day and during the closing campfire, we were treated to stories and memories and accomplishments. Much had been learned. Much had been gained–confidence, compassion and respect for others, care and love for all of creation. The bonds that had been formed were tangible, and I felt the eagle spirit within me and around me soar.

We must not be complacent. Nor can we elders simply turn the mess we are in over to our young people, but it is in this kind of preparation and intention that our hope becomes alive.

On the way home, as Peter talked nonstop, describing each meal, each peak they climbed and the beauties of what they saw, along with the personalities of each of his new brothers, I thought about Paul Wellstone’s earnest encouragement.

We all do better when we all do better.

There is good reason to hope.

An Invitation

Where have you experienced a reason to hope. I would love to know.

Special Request:

I am writing an article for BookWomen about keeping a book journal and TBR (To Be Read) lists. I would love to hear from you about the ways you keep track of what you read or want to read. OR if you don’t record your reading life, why not? Do you use Good Reads or another online method? Do you have a physical book dedicated to book lists? What else do you keep track of in your reading life? Number of pages read? A summary of each book read? Do you give books stars to evaluate what you’ve read? I would love to learn it all. Send me an email at nagneberg48@gmail.com and do it soon, please. I have an August 20th deadline, so I am working on this now. Thanks–and I hope to hear from you.

Thanks to all of you who have responded. I intend to respond to each of you personally, but before I can do that, please know I am grateful.

A Time-Out

/ nagneberg48 / Leave a comment

February 7, 2023

What could be better than a trip to the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum on the coldest day of the winter. So far, that is. The temperature was well below zero, but the first day of the spring flower show enticed us to bundle up and treat ourselves to color and creativity and promises of the season to come.

The day before we had received some unexpected and unsettling news, (Thanks for worrying, but I am fine and so is our whole family.) and we needed to take a deep, cleansing breath.

I needed to step back, even if for only a brief time. Not in denial. Not in false comfort, but as a reminder of the varied ways God is visible. Pausing in front of each of the displays, the easy rhythm of my breath was restored. Instead of my mind swirling with questions which I had no way to answer, my heart beat, steady and sure, invited me to be present to the beauty in front of me in that moment.

Later, while having lunch in the arboretum dining room, the beauty of the present moment continued, but in a surprising way. The dining room was full of colorful plants and artwork, but what drew me was the view out the large windows. The winter view on that cold, cold day.

Chickadees filled the bare branches waiting their turn at the various bird feeders. Squirrels performed gymnastic feats as they attempted to pilfer what was not meant for them. Downy woodpeckers seemed still, stationary, on the suspended suet. And cardinals–three of them, dazzlingly lipstick red against the expanse of white– feasted.

This was what I needed. I thought what I was after was some relief. From winter’s intensity. From what ached in my heart.

But what I really needed was the clarity of those bare branches full of life. The movement of God could not be missed as I looked out the window. Yes, I oohed and aahed at the colorful, let’s pretend it’s spring displays, but the winter view was reality, and it was just as stunning.

I’ve been reading Prayer in the Night, For Those Who Work or Watch or Weep by Tish Harrison Warren, who is an Episcopalian priest. The book examines phrase by phrase the compline or evening prayer.

Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the joyous; and all for your love’s sake.

The Book of Common Prayer

In the chapter on suffering, Warren writes, “The suffering need soothing, not just numbing. We need real hope, the kind that can carry us through the night.” p. 131

I delighted in the spring flowers, but I found hope in the clarity of the bare branches.

Earlier in the week I bought forsythia branches. The branches were bare, no blossoms yet, but over the next few days, look at what happened. What was bare is now full with delicate, sweet yellow blooms. Once more I witness the movement of God.

An Invitation

Where has God been visible for you in these winter days? I would love to know.