"Earth's crammed with heaven,
And every common bush afire with God;
But only he who sees takes off his shoes;
The rest sit round it and pluck blackberries."

~ Elizabeth Barrett Browning
   Aurora Leigh

Each day provides moments for richness, laughter, peace, delight, joy, inspiration, purpose, passion! But, how many times do we end our days or live our days with a sense of "tomorrow". Tomorrow I'll do, tomorrow I'll spend, tomorrow I'll play or laugh or invest in relationship.

It seems to me that we're hardly ever in need of evidence to support that life is fragile. Health crises, tragic losses, circumstances changing like the wind; all remind us that life is not forever. And today can be full of the richness and laughter, delight and inspiration, purpose and passion that we desire if we recognize the opportunities at hand.

Earth is crammed with heaven, every day carrying moments that warm the heart, bring tears to the eyes and laughter to the lips - if we're attuned to the awe of life and love and faith and beauty.

This summer, tune in. Take off your shoes and drink in the beauty of long, warm evenings. Live with awe at the sights, sounds, tastes of summer (blackberries are an option ;)). Play when there is play to be had, laugh with abandon, and invest with generosity in each day!

If you're feeling stuck and all you see is blackberries:
1. Go buy a bottle of bubbles from a dollar store (or make some with dish soap) and find a park to blow them in.
2. Go barefoot in grass or sand and eat something yummy!
3. Spend time with someone you enjoy being with.
4. Do something you've got on the "tomorrow" list.
5. Check out a local street festival or movie under the stars!