I have always loved the messages Mary Oliver writes about. I saw a quote from her recently that said, "With growth into adulthood, responsibilities claimed me, so many heavy coats. I didn't choose them, I don't fault them, but it took time to reject them. Something is wrong, I know it, if I don't keep my attention on eternity."
The idea of adults wearing so many heavy coats painted a picture for me. All the responsibilities. All the balls being juggled in the air. Trying to figure out which balls are rubber and which are glass. Which will shatter if dropped and which will keep right on bouncing.
That balancing act between work, family, friends, children's activities, volunteerism and yourself. Where we constantly have to find that little rush of oxygen to light the one match we are holding for our passion in life.
As Rachel Platten sings, "I might only have one match. But I can make an explosion."
As we continue on our journey through adulthood, we have to decide how many coats we can wear. When is it too heavy? Which ones can we shed as we become our best selves? And how can we light up the world with our gift?
As Mary Oliver so poignantly asks, "Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?"