All in 2020
After all, these rocks that cover most of the Earth’s surface aren’t really all that different from us. We may not be physically formed like sedimentary rocks but our personalities sure are. Just look around. Each and every one of us are shaped by the lessons from previous generations and a multitude of life experiences. That is why some of us may be cold as stone or considered solid as a rock.
That is the thing about good friends. Spending time with them is just as easy as breathing. Hours pass so quickly that you think it’s only been minutes. For me there was something life affirming about a few hours spent enjoying animals and nature with a life long friend. The wildflowers we picked were a reminder that life doesn’t have to grow according to plan in order to be beautiful. We were able to pick a collection of vibrant flowers from different locations as our walk progressed. Isn’t that just like life? We pick things up along the way that brighten our days and make life better.
For some reason we cherish our favorite frayed sweater or faded jeans but we don’t adore our fine lines and sunspots. And why shouldn’t we? Aren’t those signs of a life well lived? Hopefully those wrinkles came from years of laughter and smiling and those spots are confirmation of time spent outdoors.
The other day as I was preparing to ride I couldn’t help but think about how many times I’ve taken the very same saddle out of the tack room and placed it on a horse’s back. While I ran my hand over its faded leather, feeling its lack of flocking, a flood of memories came washing over me.
But we aren’t like a duck who spends a few months with her offspring or a spider whose job is done after a few weeks . No, for a human, the role as mother usually lasts for decades (even though we can technically be done after 18 years). And unlike the animals we are not merely trying to guarantee our survival and that of our species.