“You must do something to make the world more beautiful.”
― Miss Rumphius
Whenever I see lupines in bloom I hear that quote from Miss Rumphius, one of my favorite children’s books, written by Maine author Barbara Cooney. It’s a simple, direct reminder of our personal responsibilities to this world and to everyone we share it with. And as Miss Rumphius shows readers of any age, it’s an example of how the small actions we sow around us can make the world more beautiful for everyone.
Seeing lupines I often end up asking myself what I’ve done lately to make this magnificent, complicated world a little more beautiful…more just and equitable, more peaceful, healthier, kinder. Sometimes the answer is more difficult to find than I care to admit. It’s easy to become overwhelmed and think, but there’s too much to do! To become stuck in indecision by so many needs. To feel small.
That little bumblebee photobombing my pictures keeps doing his part though. Lupine by lupine. Field by field.
So I can keep working on my part, to keep asking myself what I’ve done lately to make the world more beautiful, to look for answers that spread kindness and joy, justice and peace to everyone.
