I came across a bit of writing in a newsletter this morning and was so touched by it, and wanted to share it with you.

The premise of the quote feels like a strong bulwark against all the LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE NOW, BECOME A NEW PERSON IN 30 DAYS, LEVEL UP!, MAKE YOUR LIFE ONE OF CONSTANT IMPROVEMENT, BECOME ALL YOU CAN BE firehose of motivational, restless, always-looking-for-the-next-big-thing content that drowns us on the daily.

What if life is much, much simpler and more beautiful than all that drivel?

Here is what I read in Elizabeth Oldfield's newsletter:

"[Here] is a summary of [Wendell Berry's] ideas by Paul Kingsnorth in the preface to The World Ending Fire:

Wendell Berry’s formula for a good life and a good community is simple and pleasingly unoriginal;

Slow down.

Pay attention.

Do good work.

Love your neighbours.

Love your place.

Stay in your place.

Settle for less, enjoy it more"

Listen, I just came home from the most amazing two-week vacation in Italy with our entire family. And I came home to chaos and need and barely had time to register my jet lag exhaustion before I was in the throes of intense caregiving.

Sometimes when things like that happen to me, I wonder what the heck I am doing with my life. I feel torn between the desire to love and serve and care and my desire to pursue my own goals and dreams. That tussle often leaves me a tad depressed and uncertain. It makes me feel like my life is too small, too ordinary, too unremarkable.

This summary of Wendell Berry's formula for a good life settled me this morning.

Grounded me in the here and now.

Reminded me that everything I need, and frankly, everything I want, is right here.

Spoke to me about what is real and true and good and holy.

It set me free.

I hope it does the same for you.