Reason

Unexpectadly life gives us blessings and blows. So many times are you peddaling along, enjoying the scenery, soaking up the sun, and then all of a sudden, boom! You hit a pot hole, and you fly over your handlebars. You lay there feeling the burn, the bumps, the scrapes, and maybe even a little humiliation trying to digest what just happened. The same could be true as you hike a difficult trail, and feel like the end isn't in sight, you struggle, you feel pain, you are fatigued, and then all of a sudden you reach the summit, and discover the most breathtaking, unexpected view. I feel like life delivers similar scenarios. I have been deal some incredible blows delivered from the most unexpected people - people that I loved, and that I was sure loved me too. But you know what - in spite of the blows, there have been incredible blessings along the way. The secret is to keep those blessings forefront in your brain. Remind yourself of the little blessings along he way that may be taken for granted. Learn to relish in the little things. If you do, the big things mean even more. Then there is the great understanding that things do happen for a reason. You may not understand it immediately, but in time you will. Hang in there!

Sounds

There are several sounds I love. One is the sound of a train whistle in the distance. Especially on cool, clear evenings. I love the sounds of a child giggling - there is absolutely no sweeter sound in the world. And I love the sound of a dishwasher at the end of the evening. It seems to indicate the chores are done, and it's time to relax and wind down the evening.

Here's the funny twist - I may love the sound of a dishwasher but I don't like to use one, and in fact don't have one. I prefer to wash dishes by hand! I know that sounds archaic, but there are valid reasons. One, I had a previous back injury, and the contant bending to load and unload was uncomfortable. I also felt like I always needed a dish that happened to be in the dishwasher and dirty. Then, there was the fact that it couldn't be turned on until all other water pullers such as the shower and washing machine were finished for the evening. So, it had to be last - then if you forgot - here you had a load of dirty dishes. I remember one evening turning it on before going to bed. I was laying in bed reading and I heard my son get up to get a drink of water. The next was the sound of him asking me why there was water all over the floor. I jumped up to find the kitchen 2 inches deep in water. What a mess! A hose on the dishwasher had blown. If my son had not happened in there, who knows how much damage would have occured. That was the last time I used my dishwasher. It then became a storage place for travel mugs and "gimme" cups. When I built a new house, I opted for more cabinet space rather than a dishwasher. But, all that said, I still love the sound :)

Peacefulness

Fall always makes me feel a little more peaceful. It's a time to settle in, even though with a family there seem to be so many more activities. For example, tonight there are probably a dozen 15-year-olds coming over for dinner. It's a lot of work, but well worth it to provide the home environment that my kids want, and that they feel comfortable inviting their friends over. So, I'm busy pouring over recipes, trying to do something other than the very average grilled burgers and dogs, or pizza. In fact, we're going Italian with chicken alfredo, a salad, bread sticks, an appetizer of havarti cheese wrapped in a croissant. Dessert? They didn't want tiramisu, but good old cookies and hot chocolate.

Fall is not the only reason I feel peaceful. I feel secure in my love life, my work life, and with my children. All I can say is, God is good - no God is GREAT. Have a good day.