I grew up in a city. It wasn't a real large city, but a city nonetheless. As a boy, my only experience with country life was when I visited my grandmother on her small farm. My grandfather died before I was born, so by the time I came along much of the farming had stopped. But she still had her chickens, grew some vegetables, and had a cow for milk. She was self-sufficient but it wasn't a profit maker any longer; it was for her subsistence and for those of her children that remained in the area.
Living in the city, my only other experience with nature and the wild was in Scouting and, as I became an adult, as an Army officer. I can remember bivouac during those times clearly. Despite the excitement of little boys chattering as they performed their duties, or in the Army in combat training or real life operations, there was always a moment of quiet when you could sense the beauty of nature even in God-forsaken places.
Nearing retirement, my wife and I decided it was time to "get out of Dodge" and go rural. After all, we had some horses and pets and they really didn't have the room to live as they should, and neither did we. So we found this little "piece of heaven" and here we are.
Oh, it's not perfect, and there are always things that need to be fixed. Not being the natural handyman it can be quite a struggle for me. But when I grow weary and sometimes wonder how I can handle what has to be done, I look around me and things always look better. The scenic beauty and the wonderful sounds soothe me and calm my soul.
And, another thing, being an avid reader of politics, our little homestead offers me a place to escape. I can sit on my deck with my dogs while waiting for my wife to return from work and glory at the universe in the stars and moon. I think that makes a wonderful way to spend my upcoming twilight years. And it is all due to Him.
Friends, enjoy your Saturday, but take a few moments out of the hustle and bustle to watch and listen to your surroundings. You might just be surprised what you learn.
Living in the city, my only other experience with nature and the wild was in Scouting and, as I became an adult, as an Army officer. I can remember bivouac during those times clearly. Despite the excitement of little boys chattering as they performed their duties, or in the Army in combat training or real life operations, there was always a moment of quiet when you could sense the beauty of nature even in God-forsaken places.
Nearing retirement, my wife and I decided it was time to "get out of Dodge" and go rural. After all, we had some horses and pets and they really didn't have the room to live as they should, and neither did we. So we found this little "piece of heaven" and here we are.
Oh, it's not perfect, and there are always things that need to be fixed. Not being the natural handyman it can be quite a struggle for me. But when I grow weary and sometimes wonder how I can handle what has to be done, I look around me and things always look better. The scenic beauty and the wonderful sounds soothe me and calm my soul.
And, another thing, being an avid reader of politics, our little homestead offers me a place to escape. I can sit on my deck with my dogs while waiting for my wife to return from work and glory at the universe in the stars and moon. I think that makes a wonderful way to spend my upcoming twilight years. And it is all due to Him.
Friends, enjoy your Saturday, but take a few moments out of the hustle and bustle to watch and listen to your surroundings. You might just be surprised what you learn.
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