Last night Robin and I put together a little party – a “locals only” art show (I’ll post all about it asap). It was a great success and we had a lot of fun. However, in all of the madness around putting together the party, which was no small production, I made a simple mistake. It seems that I lost a print that one of my work colleagues lent me for the show.
Lauri, the owner of the print, told me that it was only a copy and it could be replaced. But still, I have felt uneasy since we learned that it was missing.
When I was in Paris, I lost my passport. Similar feeling. The same feeling lingers when I lose a pair of sunglasses, misspell someone’s name, etc. etc. We all know this feeling.
It’s strange to me that such a simple thing can give me discomfort for so long.
But…
When I woke up this morning, I heard the pleasant sound of the rain which I love.
While walking to church, I stopped to enjoy the beauty of the spring flowers and the blooming trees. With a simple thrill, I felt the rain soaking through my jacket and darkening my pant legs. Norman, a large African man in our church, greeted me with a hug, as he always does. Now, as I’m at home, I can enjoy the cool weather and the sweet sound of the rain falling from the comforts of my couch.
Robin and I often refer to these things as “tender mercies” (in reference to a church leader who recently spoke about such things). Not only are these things simple, yet full of pleasure, they are also constant reminders that we are not alone in this world. That there is some other soul looking out for us, pointing out the pleasures of life that we can often overlook.
One other tender mercy: a cute dove has decided to make her home on our air conditioner outside of our bedroom window. She sits there on her egg, keeping it warm, for days at a stretch. In fact, she’s always there whenever I check. How adorable.
Simple things can affect us for ill or good. But there are lots of simple things around us to keep us happy. It just depends on how we look at them.
Scotty, you are the master at celebrating the tender mercies, and little joys in life. Thanks for being my inspiration in life.
What a good writer you are!! I so enjoy reading what you write. I am so proud of you and your accomplishments. I love you with all my heart.