Poetry and Reflections on Phil 1:7

Otherwise- Jane Kenyon
I got out of bed
on two strong legs.

It might have been
otherwise.
I ate
cereal, sweet
milk, ripe, flawless
peach.
It might
have been otherwise.

I took the dog uphill
to the birch wood.

All morning I did
the work I love.
At noon I lay down
with my mate.
It might
have been otherwise.

We ate dinner together
at a table wtih silver
candlesticks.
It might
have been otherwise.

I slept in a bed

in a room with paintings
on the walls,
and 
planned another day

just like this day.

But one day,
I know,

it will be otherwise. 


This poem really makes me think about being content and grateful in the moments that God gives us.

No matter what those moments look like it's important to remember that it could be "otherwise".

It kind of reminds me of that saying, "Things could always be worse." Which, any smart person knows not to even utter those words unless you have the balls to back them up. Meaning, unless you want to experience "worse" you shouldn't even think that phrase. But this poem is different from that phrase because, it ends on a note of gratitude in the moment. Real contentment is finding a grateful heart no matter what your circumstance.

I love poems that reflect on being grateful, or content because this life is way too short to spend any time or energy on NOT being grateful and content.

I am thankful that my disposition and my life is one that gratitude comes easily to. I don't take that for granted, and most of you that know me, know that I truly am an eternal optimist. But my life, has been easy compared to most.

I know so many others who have lives that make it very hard to find what to be thankful for. To those people I am forever in awe of the ability they possess to rise above it all, and find the nuggets of gratitude in the pile of mess that is their lives. They are the real heroes. To read a real life story about gratitude in the midst of storms check out this momma's amazing story here; Life Rearranged

Like Paul in prison, found here;Philippians 1:7, when we have breath in our lungs we share in God's grace together and that is something to be grateful for.

It could always be otherwise.