Over the past couple of weeks the emotions have been running high all around and in me. If there were magical ways to have everyone open their eyes to others and each other’s hearts, that would be a miracle. We really all do think we know so much. I, for example am now going to proceed to talk about what I believe I know. The reality is that the best anyone can hope for is to constantly learn, and refocus on the important things in life.
When I was a little girl my Dad used to tell me that being a good person is what mattered. Use the golden rule, and treat others the way that you want to be treated. While I know for a fact I have not always done this, I think it would be a great way to live in a perfect world. Alas, we do not live in a perfect world. He said that the Bible was a great book of moral stories that could teach us about how we should or shouldn’t act. I have always held onto that somewhere deep inside.
After living in New Hampshire for seven years I have found many wonderful friends who have been more family to me than most of the family we moved up here for. I say most because other than my sister-in-law and brother-in-law it seems that the other members of my husband’s family are working on estranging themselves from us and each other.
It makes my heart break to watch my husband and sister-in-law go through the trials of dealing with parents, step-parents, and brothers who have lost sight of anything other than themselves or the money they hold dear. Maybe it is just that they feel that they can’t cope with anything more.
I feel wealthy in my gifts of friends and family, and understand more and more that the more you are willing to give of yourself, the more others are willing to give back. The point is not what you get in return, but that a relationship in general, must be mutually beneficial to work well. There are a few exceptions to this, but the vampires of this world will always be there and we just have to know when and how to recognize them.
In the midst of the tribulations of dealing with stubborn temperaments and family crisis my little family has reclaimed some of its strength that seemed as if it had been sapped by the turmoil that brews below the surface of half-hearted coffee house meetings, and “grandparents” attempts at spending time with our children, the struggles of starting a new business, 40 hour day jobs, and graduate school.
My husband, me, and our two daughters snuggled into our warm house tonight and locked the world out. We rearranged furniture, cleaned rooms, and watched a movie. Sometimes all you need is a little time with the ones closest to you to remember why you struggle through it all. There is nothing better than seeing the smiling faces of my girls and my husband.
So, today take half an hour and just enjoy the ones you love and pray to whatever gods you believe in that those who are without joy find it somehow.
My wish for all of you is to find some joy in each day.
Ivy
again!