What Really Matters, According to Me

Years ago a storm blew through Harwood, Texas. I believe it may have been 1993, but don't quote me on that. The day before, two identical peach trees stood in the yard of Clint and Julie Fairchild; neighbors of mine to the West. I remember when the Fairchilds planted those two trees several years earlier, and now, in May of that year, they both were laden with fruit. Both were mature and beautiful trees. No one may have ever known how the two trees differed if the storm had not come to town that year. The day after the winds howled and the rains came down in sideways sheets, only one of the trees was standing. The other was laying on its side, uprooted and dying. One survived the storm; the other did not. What was the difference? The roots. A tree with roots sunk deep into the earth is more likely to withstand the storms that rage. A tree with shallow roots is more likely to topple in the wind... And what good is a dead tree? What fruit does it offer next season? What does it matte...

I had a weird experience today that has caused me to reflect on what I might want to avoid in the future. I invited some people to share in an activity with some of my kids and me in a public venue. One of those whom I had invited said some things to me in front of other guests and my children that should have been discussed in a more private setting. I was concerned about the subject matter, yes. However, after pondering the whole situation, I came to more fully realized that the root of my upset about the whole thing was that it happened in front of my kids and others. What was discussed should have been discussed privately. I thought, at first that I should avoid anything that may upset my guest. Now I have come to think I should avoid keeping company with those who show little prudence and who see the world through a negative lens. It's possible I am blind to some ugly things. It's possible I am ignorant to some sad and unfortunate things. But, I prefer to see beauty in the...

It's been so much fun this summer,though the time is growing short. It always amazes me how quickly time passes. Today, if what might have been had come to pass; we would celebrate Heather's 20th birthday. Instead, those of us who are able, remember her and think about what might have been. I was talking to a sweet friend of mine who recently gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. She told me her relationship with her infant daughter has been touched by my remembrances of Heather and my relationship with her. If you are curious as to how that may be, you may read some of my blog posts from last year or so to get an idea. It is very meaningful to me that Heather's life, though a brief moment on earth, touched Baby's life. With the lives of all of my children: though the moments of their lives spent under my roof seem brief, their impact on my life has been profound. Philip will leave here on September 7th. I remember the day I first put him to my breast like it was yester...