This Grand Show is Eternal

“This grand show is eternal. It is always sunrise somewhere; the dew is never all dried at once…. Eternal sunrise, eternal sunset, eternal dawn and glowing … each in its turn, as the round earth rolls.” --John Muir



We can learn so much from trees and seasons. Most great theologies find deep meaning in the “tree of life” – a symbol to remind us that all of life is deeply rooted and interconnected. Many prophets, poets, and philosophers find great symbolism in the idea of seasons…the natural order of life, the cycles of change that are marked by different weather patterns, growing seasons, and daily activities.

Trees and seasons inspire me because they remind me of the great symmetry of life and of its eternal design. For these reasons, I have chosen to use the symbol of a bountiful tree to illustrate this blog. The branches of this tree are weathering each season of life. As the seasons of our lives progress, we plant trees in the hope that our children will enjoy their shade and bounty. Perhaps that is the most hopeful act of caregiving human beings can bestow upon one and other.

I believe the caregiver’s journey is very much the same. We mark each day as a distinct passage of time; we understand it will bring change in the conditions of those we love; and we know that we, as caregivers, will change and grow as well.

As I see the magnificent fall foliage, I am draw by yet another parallel: the brilliant orange and red leaves that reach up to the heavens and bask in the sunlight are like those caregivers who live each moment to the best of their abilities, who understand that seasons change, and who seek to find and share the beauty of each passing day. We are not naïve; we understand that each season has an ending, yet we see each day as a special blessing. We understand, with deep insight, that there is new life waiting for each of us when our seasons on earth are finally completed.

In our caregiving journeys, we can gain the wisdom to see that we do not exist alone; we are part of a human ecology of caregivers—a network of closely connected branches and roots. We must draw strength from each other, and we must sustain each other. That is my mission each day as I write, teach, counsel, care, pray, and reflect on caregivers and caregiving.

So today, as I post my second blog entry, I turn for inspiration to John Muir, the great American naturalist and founder of the Sierra Club. Perhaps you have visited Muir Woods in Northern California, one of the great redwood preserves of our country. Because of its proximity to the Pacific Ocean, Muir Woods is often shrouded in fog and pelted by heavy rainfall. Yet these adverse weather conditions create rich and vigorous growing seasons, resulting in abundant flora and fauna that will endure for generations to come. The giant Sequoia trees that flourish in Muir Woods – the tallest standing well over 250 feet – grow from seeds no larger than a tomato seed.

In the human ecology of caregiving, we come to know that we will we will face days shrouded by heavy fog and rain. But if we nurture our “soil” – our souls, our root system, and our basic humanity – we will also see that the smallest actions we take can make the greatest difference and yield gifts of lasting value.

For our grand show is eternal…and it is always sunrise somewhere.