Cochabamba Redux

Sunset Over Cochabamba

Joan Chittister encourages us to “live each day with enthusiasm” and “to accept life with thankful and open arms and to do so with a confident perspective” (El Suspiro del Alma). She goes on to note that “surprises” come our way everyday if we are paying attention and that recognizing these serendipitous gifts is vital for sustaining a dynamic spiritual life.

As I walk around the sunny streets of Cochabamba (at a pleasant 24 degrees Celsius) it is not that hard “to live enthusiastically” and “be surprised” by the luscious trees with red, orange, purple and yellow blossoms. Certainly it is startling to be sitting in a restaurant enjoying the shining Christmas lights while listening to Michael Buble singing “All I Want For Christmas Is You”! Definitely a shock to hear him crooning out his lovely voice in the heart of the Andes.

While writing this musing I know that Toronto is experiencing its first snowfall of the winter season. Such an early snowfall is indeed “surprising” but one’s response to it might not be “enthusiastic ” Why? Because the snow makes it challenging to drive and it quickly becomes messy and slippery. Surprisingly, the psalmist is keen enough with the falling snow that he utters a note of declarative praise:

“Praise the Lord from the earth,

You sea monsters and all deeps,

Fire and hail, snow and frost,

Stormy wind fulfilling his command!” (Psalm 148:7-8)

I suppose that a snowfall in the Middle East is more surprising than a November snowfall in Toronto but I do appreciate the psalmist’s enthusiastic perspective on the weather! The invitation for us all no matter where we find ourselves or under what conditions is “to live life enthusiastically and not miss the unexpected gifts that come about each day.” If not, life’s daily grind is bound to wear us out and our inner spirit will become dry and bitter.

Final thought:

Let’s choose “enthusiasm” over “despondency”.