There are infinitely many kinds of beautiful lives. — Maria Popova
The old phrase “great minds think alike” came to mind this morning when Popova’s words appeared in my inbox, beautifully articulating a truth I’ve long held close. Whenever I meet with book clubs or writing groups, I find myself reminding the room that every single person sitting there carries a novel—a completely unique story—that deserves to be told. Lately, my own reading has been filled with the narratives of fascinating lives, reinforcing the idea that the potential for such beauty exists deeply within the heart and soul of each of us.
It makes me wonder if the Creator looks upon this vast human tapestry with a sense of quiet wonder. Are our endless differences—our varied passions, choices, and potentials—a meticulously crafted design, or are they the beautiful, unscripted blooming of controlled chaos? What matters most is the realization that no matter how grueling the struggle of living can be, an ordinary life is an extraordinary thing. We are not mass-produced; we are individually authored, and within the depths of every single soul resides an undeniable, breathtaking beauty.
Incredible. And fodder for our impending meeting/lunch. Write on, my friend.