NEWS FROM THE HILLS
The sun is just rising on the morning of another day, the first day of a new year. What can I wish that this day, this year may bring to me? Nothing that shall make the world or others poorer, nothing at the expense of other men; but just those few things which in their coming do not stop with me, but touch me rather, as they pass and gather strength:
“A few friends who understand me, and yet remain my friends.
“A work to do which has real value without which the world would feel poorer. A return for such work small enough not to tax unduly anyone who pays.
“A mind unafraid to travel, even though the trail be not blazed.
“An understanding heart.
“A sight of the eternal hills and unresting sea, and of something beautiful the hand of man has made.
“A sense of humor and the power to laugh.
“A little leisure with nothing to do.
“A few moments of quiet, silent meditation.
“The sense of the presence of God.
“And the patience to wait for the coming of these things, and the wisdom to know them when they come.”—from “A Morning Wish” by W. R. Hunt
This touched me deeply, and made much more sense than resolutions that are made and then forgotten as the days go by.
As a new year begins, we tend to look backward at the old year in order to view the mistakes and bad judgments we have made and vow not to repeat them. To me, a new year is an opportunity for new beginnings and a clean slate.
My new year started out with a bang. We have a Border collie dog, Tudor, whose instinct is to herd livestock. Since he has been deprived of that, he herds vehicles, especially farm equipment. At the sound of a farm tractor, he is galvanized into action.
As I was coming from the mailbox one morning last week with Chester the cat in one arm and the newspaper in the other, son Andy started the tractor. I didn’t hear Tudor coming across the yard full speed until he ran into my legs from behind and knocked me flat on my back.
As I fell, my right leg twisted under me and I felt it grit as Andy helped me to the porch. Both bones were broken, requiring a metal plate and screws, and a three-day hospital stay. To top it all, Tudor didn’t even come back to inspect the damage he had done, but kept on running.
Fortunately, Mom had gone to my sister Mary Ellen’s in Jackson County the day before (to give me a break-ha!). Guess I took it literally. It has given Criss an opportunity to sharpen his housekeeping skills.
Although I wouldn’t wish a broken leg on anyone, it might be a good idea for the man of the house to experience what every housewife does each day of her life. Sometimes we feel that we are taken for granted as we plan meals, cook nourishing food, wash dishes, and keep the household running smoothly. Try being out of commission for a spell.
“Somebody is going to have to get some groceries.” “Somebody?” Somebody can barely get through the house on a walker. I will have to admit that he is an excellent cook and bakes better biscuits than I do. He hates getting out of bed to prepare breakfast. He is used to having his breakfast on the table as soon as he gets up, bacon, eggs, and biscuits ready, and coffee poured.
I remind him (gently) that I have done this for 50 years. (We celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary Christmas Eve.) I have a feeling that breakfast will never be taken for granted again.
The years pass, and our lives go on with many twists and turns. We make plans which are never materialized because of unexpected events which come upon us. The Bible tells us plainly the uncertainty of making such plans.
Go to now, ye that say, Today or tomorrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this or that. But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil. James 4
As we cannot know the future, and the road we must travel is new and unexplored, we must leave it in God’s hands to lead and guide us. He will never lead us astray.
I wish to thank those who have sent the warm and caring get well cards. It is a blessing to the soul to know that folks are praying for me, and are concerned.
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