What's your contribution to...

Clearing Chaos

“Any deliberate leap into chaos, small or large, with intent to bring order, matters...”

Linda McCarriston (from “Thanksgiving” Talking Soft Dutch, Texas Tech Press, 1984)

With Thanksgiving over, and the crowd clearing out, with snow on the ground some places and rain others, the aftermath of celebration begins. We dive, reluctantly, into the chaos to restore order, still weighed down by the massive amounts of turkey and dressing we consumed. Feast days are one long slog of chopping celery and onions, and stacking dishes into and out of the dishwasher. Cooking and cleaning up on a continuous loop. We love gathering with family and friends and we love when it's over so life can return to its "normal" level of chaos.

I saw folks I hadn't seen in many years at a house-warming party over the holiday. I spoke with two women my age or older, who are still very active in the community—one on the river-keeper board, and still in private counseling practice; the other still practicing law and working at community development and affordable housing. I always realize when I hear other people list off their efforts and involvements, how much of a recluse I am, and I feel a twinge of guilt about that. I wonder if that happens to you, too. Do you compare yourself to other people? The truth is, one cannot make art, or write in a crowd—both are solitary occupations. And what these women do requires a crowd, or at least a committee. We each bring a little bit of order to chaos in different ways. And so do you.

It's easy to fall into the trap of thinking, “I should be doing that.” whatever “that” is that other people are doing. But each of us can only give what is ours to give—whatever skills we bring to the table, whatever gifts we've been given. Believe me, there's plenty of chaos to go around—just choose a corner, or a cause, roll up your sleeves and get to work. You will never run out of things to do or people and worthy causes to serve. And just as one type of work is as valuable as another, one genuine attempt to clear the chaos is as needed as another. We each have a contribution to make and ours' may not look like anyone else's. Whatever you do, do from the heart, and it will be sufficient.

                                                                   In the Spirit,

                                                                     Jane