Friends are the Grasses that Soften the World

May 18:  Every morning I read a passage from The Book of Awakening, a book by Mark Nepo.  Today’s entry is about friendship.

Honest friends are doorways to our souls, and loving friends are the grasses that soften the world

I immediately think of the friends who’ve graciously allowed me to change plans at the last minute to accomodate my cold; the friends near and far who have fed my soul in the aftermath of losing my Dad, my stepmother, and my dear friend and who have bolstered me emotionally as I prepare to leave for my Dad’s hometown to scatter his ashes; the friend who is going to babysit my Monarch caterpillars while I’m gone; the friends who over the course of my life have made me who I am today.

I’m also reminded of my journey these past few years, a search for balance and connection and a re-assessment of next decade goals (aka a mid-life crisis).  Often we think of the grand gesture or the big thing that changes lots of lives or makes lots of money or goes viral on social media to make our mark in the world.  But Nepo brings me back to earth with this simple but true statement,

There can be no greater or simpler ambition than to be a friend

I want to be a blade of grass.

I’ve not even been up an hour and already I know what I am grateful for today.