Living Life

My friend Stuart ran the Boston Marathon last Monday. I tracked his progress and marveled at how well he did. He is an amazing runner, the kind you're jealous of because he makes it seem so effortless. And he cranks out the miles, day after day.

He was going to come to Idaho to run the Pocatello Marathon in September. I opted for the half marathon, just like last year. But I digress . . . I asked Stuart if he signed up, and he said he met someone who offered him a free place to stay in Chicago, so he's going to run Chicago in October and Athens in November.

Athens, wow.

I commented on how well-traveled he is and how I told my husband that he is the only person I know who lives life to its fullest. He's been all over the world and is so amiable, that he makes friends everywhere he goes.

His comment back? Life is too short so you just have to get out there and do what you want. He said he's poor, but happy.

He may be poor monetarily, but he's one of the richest people I know.

It's been a long, long, long week.

But, the snow is melting, and that means I can finally get out and run. I love my quiet surroundings, when all I hear are my shoes pounding the pavement, my breathing (in for two steps out for two steps), and the birds chirping.

Hopefully it will stay that way, but I know my solitude will end. The land across the road is being developed and more people bring more noise with their four-wheelers during the summer and their snowmobiles during the winter.

The deer no longer come around; the bunnies will leave too. And I'll be back to having too many neighbors.

It's a shame we can't preserve open spaces but instead litter the world with houses and pollution. I would have liked to see God's original creation before we made a mess of it.

All is well . . .

It's Good Friday, and it really is a good Friday!

It's not raining.

My rottweiler, Sami got out of the yard this morning, but we found him.

I got my first client yesterday.

I feel like nothing can go wrong in my world.

I wish the same sense of peace for people everywhere, although I know it's a big wish. This morning, I realized how small my world really is when I was out looking for Sami. Our mountain is big, and trying to find one dog, no matter his size, wasn't easy. But even our mountain is small when compared to the entire mountain range. And to the county we live in, the state, the western United States, the entire United States, the world, and all the universe.

I am but one person, one tiny part of this vast space. Putting my life into perspective like this means I have to work extra hard to make a difference.

I try to leave positive imprints on others every chance I get, but will try even harder. Who knows what a smile, a kind word, or a compliment can bring to the lives of others?