Focus

I watched my youngest daughter, Kamryn (10 months), play on the living room floor today. She found a small sequin and was fascinated with it. It completely occupied her attention as she worked her tiny fingers to grasp it and move it from hand to hand. Occasionally, it would catch the sunlight and sparkle or cast bluish-green shadows on her skin. It was fun to observe her in a serene mood as she enjoyed a small wonder of life. In my mind I contrasted this moment to any time that she has been upset or angry. During those moments of sincere displeasure and fist-clenching crying fits, I seriously doubt that the magic of the shiny toy would be noticed by her, much less appreciated. Isn't that how we are as a human family?! In the quiet, reflective, grateful moments of life, we can truly admire God's beauty all around us. Alas, for the selfish times of tantrum and strife, when we ignore all else for the instant gratification which we think will make us happy. Such disparity, and yet such opportunity! Perhaps we, as adults, can train our eyes and our hearts to focus on the good and the pure, and resist the enticement to throw fits of our own.

Grammar Nazi

I always find it odd when people say that they "could care less". It's supposed to be "couldn't care less" to denote that a person is so unconcerned with whatever or whomever is the topic of their disdain that they are at the absolute bottom of their caring meter. By stating that you "could care less" you are asserting (incorrectly, I presume) that there is indeed the possibility of caring less than you care now, and does nothing to provide a point of reference for the listener. If you "could care less" then obviously you care somewhat. And if you care at least somewhat, then how much? And is it a lot or a little? Is it a reasonable amount, or a microscopic bit? Your (presumably incorrect) statement leaves me nothing to measure. I just don't get it!

Which leads me to the odd threat of "fixing your wagon"...

Falling into Autumn

For all interested parties, the Autumnal Equinox occurs on the 22nd of September at 21:18. Not much time to prepare! What that means to me, in addition to a more fair and balanced tilting of the earth's axis is that our beautiful transition time of fall is upon us. I am a dead leaf-blowing, cocoa-drinking, cold wind in the face-loving, turkey-anticipating, can't wait for snow and winter junkie. I long for these days of crisp mornings and perfect evenings for a jacket and a stroll. Break out the pumpkins, the gourds, the sweatshirts and jeans. It's football season in full force and the Huskers seem to be doing alright. Seems like all is right in the world.