By Reina Free
I must admit that I do often become overwhelmed by all the confusing and bewildering things that are happening in the world. Almost every day there is another major problem or disaster. The fundamental truths of life are corroded and the lie is often believed as the truth.
I ponder these issues, among others, on my early morning walks. I thank God for the stillness. I look at the wheat already coming up. Sometimes breathtaking sunrises or the reflection of the moon on the dew pond. ‘Soft-tweeterings’ of birds in the field – could it be the larks I wonder?
I discover a new fox trail. Mang, the sheepdog at Strawberry Hill Farm, barks when she hears my footsteps, no matter how often I tell her it is me.
I have two early morning friends – one walks two dogs, the other one runs even in the dark! I hear him approaching and see the flickering light of his torch. They have both become very dear to me.
I have an old friend who is very ill and whenever I ask him how he is, he smiles and says “I am grateful there are still a few things I can do”.
That I think is the secret, to be grateful for the many small things. The huge mistakes made by some greedy and corrupt bankers and politicians I cannot change. But we are surrounded by so many lovely things, so much beauty and so many good and kind people.
In this very troubled world, we can make the day for one another lighter and brighter by a smile or whatever comes to mind. It’s worth giving it a try. One small grain of sugar makes the bitter water less bitter… and soon it will be spring again.