Sometimes it is the smallest thing that saves us: the weather growing cold, a child’s smile, and a cup of excellent coffee.” – Jonathan Carroll

One of the reasons I became a Unitarian Universalist is because it is a tradition that embraces living on the earth, that celebrates the here and now. Despite all the troubles in society, all the damage we have done, the earth, this life, is good and glorious. We are part of it, we belong to the web of all living beings.  And in difficult times, it is those small sparks of good, real, physical life that can save us.

This morning when I took my dog Tikko out into the backyard, a male cardinal was singing in our neighbour’s tree.  The air was crisp and cold, the sun already shining. The bird was high up, a little speck of red against the blue sky. His song a high trill, repeated over and over.

I am saved everyday by experiencing the gifts of this earth – the song of the cardinal – my dog rolling in the snow – blue sky.  What is saving you today?