I do not know why pears choose to ripen this time of year
But I am grateful.
I do not know how far the church bells carry or if they like their song
But I am grateful.
I do not know where the stars lay their heads when they get tired
But I am grateful.

I am grateful for hands in mine and for feathers in nests
And even still I am grateful for letting go and flying.
I am grateful for the dawn of spring and cloudless skies
And even still I am grateful for snowshoes and silver linings.

I do not know the weight of time or the texture of happiness
But even still I am grateful because
This year I have learned that loving is brave
And being loved is even braver.

See this I know for certain:
That being brave is one of the most beautiful things
A heart could spend a lifetime doing
Here in this someday nervous world
Hoping for a heaven.

Image via Michelle Johnson Photography