Growing Gratitude
One of my favorite Henry David Thoreau quotes is “It's the beauty within us that makes it possible for us to recognize the beauty around us. The question is not what you look at but what you see.” To me this means that we can look at just about anything and find beauty if we ourselves are filled with positivity. Even if something isn’t classically attractive there can still be beauty in its purpose or being.
A Brighter Tomorrow
Ahh….it’s Spring! The snow has melted and the mud has dried. The crocus are in full bloom. Daffodils and hyacinths are poking up through the soft earth. The days are filled with the sound of bird song and spring peepers are peeping the night away. Hawks and crows are arguing over territory while the bald eagle remains perched on his favorite fishing tree. Wood ducks and mallards have returned to the pond and the turtles are basking on the rocks. My horses and goats are soaking in the warmth and the hens are laying. Life is good as I spend my days dizzy with thoughts of all I want and need to do. It is the season of renewal; a time to be productive. But before I get busy with all that I need to take some time to reflect on the past twelve months.
For the Love of Animals
Just like the saint and my father who shares the name, I love ALL animals - domestic ones, wild ones, pretty ones, ugly ones, scary ones, and helpless ones. Especially the helpless ones. There is something about an injured or sick, lost or abandoned animal that just tugs at my heart.
No Kidding
My reason for sharing my observations is two fold. The first is easy. I love my goats and I love talking about them. However, I also spend far too much time wondering. The other day as I watched their daily interactions for the umpteenth time, I couldn’t help but think that maybe this behavior isn’t unique to just goats.
Sentiment About Sediment
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.
Little Gifts
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.