Crossing over the Milwaukee River on a pedestrian bridge recently, I heard a couple of very loud splashes behind me. I turned around quickly but missed whatever made the splash. I stopped at the railing to watch and soon saw a few salmon jumping out of the water. A couple of days later, on another river walk, I asked a fisherman about it. He said the female salmon jump to shake their eggs loose. I couldn’t find any confirmation of that online with a quick Google search. There were many articles with various explanations as to why salmon jump in the air - dislodging sea lice, playing, getting a view of their surroundings, and more.
Suffice to say that it’s a wonder to see.
In the 29 years we’ve lived near the Milwaukee River, we’ve seen the resilience of the natural world around us and those who advocate for it. Government entities, nonprofits, and activists continue working to clean up the water and the Milwaukee River corridor. All sorts of wildlife has returned. It’s inspiring!
At the same time we continue to see escalating natural disasters due to climate change. There’s truly so much to despair of right now in the world. It’s often hard to see a way forward. War, ongoing injustices, vitriolic pubic discourse, and more. I can’t offer any consolation or cheerful platitudes.
I only return to the idea that all around us people are doing many things to try to make the world a better place. In big ways and in small ways. Families and neighbors and communities finding ways to take care of each other, for one.
And, as always, I’ve been finding hope in watching the cycles and resilience of the natural world and in the way we humans navigate challenges - change, grief, heartache, and pain.
I was lucky to spend lots of time outdoors this weekend and also to spend lots of time with family and friends. Everyone has a story. We all have burdens to bear. We also have each other. We can be together. We can listen. We can witness each other.
With compassion, community, and understanding - we’re better able to navigate the difficulties.
With compassion, community, and understanding - we’re better able to take our own small steps to make the world a better place.
I hope you encounter comfort, inspiration, and kindness in the week ahead.
And may you offer comfort, inspiration, and kindness to others when you can.
With care and gratitude,
Mary
What a wonderful prayer for these crazy times. Thank you for soothing my soul.