I often think about changing the world. What can I do? How can I help? What should I do? Questions never answered and they annoy me. 

I think I don’t  want to change the world. I just want to be in the world. I like it here.

Today as I sat, having lunch and looking out my window, an eagle landed in the tree. He was magnificent. The geese were butts-up in the creek, enjoying their lunch. Just now, I crunched the last of the leaves under foot in the woods as I walked with my dogs. Amber light lit the trees and the three deer crossed our path.

On the corner of the path, where it meets the street, there is a house. The man that owned the house was setting up a huge and incredible display of Christmas lights, shimmering reindeer and inflatable snowmen. I congratulated him on the picture he created and thanked him for giving me something delightful. I said I was going to drive by tonight to see it all lit up. He looked at me and replied with a modest, “Thank you it takes me a week.”

But here’s the thing: He didn’t design it for me. He made it for himself and made it awkward and beautiful at the same time.

When he pulls into his driveway each night, between now and sometime after Christmas, he will be delighted and proud and happy to return to his lit up world. He's going to pull in the driveway and take it in. 

That's what being in the world looks like. 

It’s all lit up.