I often have to leave out many of the inspirational words that I find each week and want to incorporate into a worship service. But isn’t it something to be grateful for, that so many people throughout the ages and throughout the world, have written words that can lure us down the path to healing and repair. Mary Oliver has long been one of the poets that Unitarian Universalist turn to when we need perspective and inspiration. I share this poem with you today to continue to remind you of life’s gifts.

Invitation

Mary Oliver

Oh do you have time
to linger
for just a little while
out of your busy

and very important day
for the goldfinches
that have gathered
in a field of thistles

for a musical battle,
to see who can sing
the highest note,
or the lowest,

or the most expressive of mirth,
or the most tender?
Their strong, blunt beaks
drink the air

as they strive
melodiously
not for your sake
and not for mine

and not for the sake of winning
but for sheer delight and gratitude—
believe us, they say,
it is a serious thing

just to be alive
on this fresh morning
in the broken world.
I beg of you,

do not walk by
without pausing
to attend to this
rather ridiculous performance.

It could mean something.
It could mean everything.
It could be what Rilke meant, when he wrote:
You must change your life.