IT'S THE LITTLE THINGS

This entry began weeks ago when I saw a very old friend checking out at The Lowes and man did she look beautiful! I must say the class of '99 has aged quite well. As I drove home I thought about her life and that it is pretty magnificent and if anyone deserves it, it's her. Good things happen to good people. She lives on the East Coast, is married to a pilot, has a beautiful daughter, etc. etc. And I thought HOW IN THE H.E.DOUBLE.HOCKEY.STICKS. DID I END UP HERE? Spearman, TX USA? How after living all over the country am I back in this teeny tiny village.

Fast forward a few weeks later. Within that time I have gone through an ENORMOUS amount of self-realization.

And then a very loooooong conversation with my bestest Mattie Been regarding contentment and peace and high expectations not always achieved. As I reflect on my life, I realize how much I change my mind. When I asked Mrs. Been if I am flakey she responded with, "Not flakey. Fickle." To which I replied HOW DO YOU FIX FICKLE. I'm afraid you don't. She and I both agree that we have set some pretty high standards for ourselves perhaps losing the importance of the little things and those that really truly matter. Big salaries and large homes. Long vacations and 'movin' on up'. I am surrounded by a group of incredibly talented and successful friends. But I have begun to redefine my definition of success. Accomplishments come in all shapes and sizes. I have spurred change right here in my own horizons and perhaps they are small but they are significant nonetheless. What does God consider an accomplishment? That is the true question and I believe providing for your daughter surely falls into this category.

As fall has moved into this amazing little village and I have been completely busy with lunch packing and art walk, the bears in my heart have silenced. I do not feel myself searching for bigger and better and farther away. I feel extreme peace and contentment as I drop my little bundle off at Gus Birdwell Elementary on a brisk Monday morning. I pray this new peace sticks around for as long as possible and I remind myself each day of the blessings I have here. I am so fortunate to be so close to my family and to be able to walk each afternoon to pick my child up from school. A couple of days ago we saw the brother of Betty's friend walking across the crosswalk. Betty rolled down her window and shouted, HEY JACK. Jack turned around, gave his biggest smile and wave and squealed Bettttttty! My heart sang. It's the little things people. It's truly truly the little things.