Article July 1, 1991 Issue

Spirituality—why bother?

When we see their value, and how much they sustain us, the things of Spirit are well worth caring about.

Anne Elizabeth Davidson Kidder

Many of us may be members of a church, attend services regularly, love the inspiration and guidance that reading the Bible and our religious literature gives us. But there may be times when we despondently wonder, "Why bother?" Spirituality can seem so tiny, so ineffectual, in the face of materialism and the pressures of today's hyperactivity, complicated personal relationships, dismal local and national news, health issues, and financial matters.

When we feel bogged down, it may be hard to discern if we are really improving our life and the community around us. It's all too easy to think: What's the point? Problems are already too many. The coming days and generations will only have more sensualism and mayhem to face. Why not give up our religious standards and spiritual quests and take in as much human pleasure as we possibly can, for us, for now?

Let me digress a little here. Over the years our family has loved walking in The Nature Conservancy woods across the lake from our house. The sweet scent of the white pines, balsams, and fir trees and the many colors of green, including the lichen-covered rocks, have always had a quieting, inspiring effect as we set out on the marked trails. The Nature Conservancy is a place conducive to good exercise, peaceful, appreciative conversation, and deep insight. There is plenty of opportunity to observe all the glories of nature, no matter what the weather or the season.

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