Rainy days and Fridays

Wait, it's only Friday. I usually do these things on Saturday nights. Well, when the time is right, I write. And for once I did write -- just a little revisiting on previous chapters of book five. I talk about the next book often, but the challenge to keep things moving is a difficult one. Given time and more time, it can happen.

So where was I the last time we got together? Ah yes, lamenting another lonely Saturday. Maybe that's why I'm writing on a Friday. The goal here is not to lament or complain -- I considered a snippet, which I can post any time, but tonight I just felt like writing...at least before it gets too late.

You ever try to reinvent yourself; try something new; or take a somewhat leap of faith? No doubt, to get anywhere in life, you might want to attempt one of these things. As I grow older I feel myself taking chances more than once. More than often. I drive those close to me crazy over my past decisions, to be sure. I believe some of us take sometimes foolish leaps to redo mistakes of the past, or regrets, which can be draining. I've quoted Paul Simon many times before from Slip Sliding Away: 

I know a woman
Became a wife
These are the very words she uses
To describe her life
She said a good day
Ain't got no rain
She said a bad day's when I lie in bed
And think of things that might have been

See, I'm not the only one lamenting. But in the christian context, from which I claim to be a member, we shouldn't grieve over this temporary situation. Time is the constant until we run out of it, so we need to make the most of time before we can't. I'm in a state of limbo in worldly terms, but active none-the-less. Lately, I take lot's of pictures and bore Facebook with my continual nature photos. I'm trying to take it all in as a gift and look more closely at life...and learn to be quiet once in a while and listen. 

There were a series of downpours today -- the kind that run swift and sudden and if you watch, you can predict their coming and going. So I went to the park on a hill, which I frequent several times a week, and waited for the rain to stop. It didn't take long and the sun hinted it's return, but a low gray cloud still blocked the view. So, I waited upon the wet grass, snapping pictures as the heavy cloud drifted by until the sun finally emerged. I took some good pictures, but what I couldn't capture was the sound of the birds in the woods. From every direction there were calls and chatter. From wherever they took refuge from the rain, the birds came out and sang happily. they were everywhere in the tress. And I was glad to hear their happy songs. Birds live on a level above our but below heaven, so their perspective is different than ours. But somehow, you are of more value than many sparrows. (Matthew 10)

So there we have it. Simple and kind of short (it is after midnight now). Despite my unordinary life, I'm not going to let the good things pass by without notice and gratitude to God. So for those who read this far - thank you. And for those of us constantly taking chances - Carpe Diem.

(Song of the night - You look so good in love, by George Strait)