Cold And Wet And Perfect

So there I was...pounding through the large waves and torrential rain on Eventide with Kim several years ago heading for Watch Hill, RI.  You know you should probably reevaluate your decision to go when there is absolutely nobody else on the water.  I replayed this scene in my head when my good friend John reminded me of that day while talking on the phone yesterday.  He and his wife Jan had sailed their boat over the day before, in much better conditions, to attend a party on shore then spent the night anchored off Watch Hill.  Thinking that no sane person would come over to meet them as planned in these conditions they were surprised to find us on our way.  After anchoring we donned our foul weather gear and boarded their dingy for the very cold wet trip into town where a breakfast place awaited with just out of the oven popovers, hot drinks and other warm-you-to-the-core edibles.  After thawing out we hiked out to the lighthouse having as much fun as a little kid splashing in a puddle as the rain continued to fall.  Heading back out to the boat Kim made hot soup and grilled cheese sandwiches for all of us.  Best I ever had.  We took a picture of John and Jan in their dingy as they were preparing to leave our boat that cold rainy day and they looked more than happy to be playing this game with us.  George Washington once wrote, "Friendship is a plant of slow growth and must undergo and withstand the shocks of adversity before it is entitled to the appellation."  We call each other friends.  We've earned it.

Neighbors And Family

So there I was...walking through the backyard the other day working on one of the endless projects I had invented (Kim's words) when one of my neighbors called to me from her backyard.  As we stood talking at the fence another of my property-line neighbors joined us and our conversation about a variety of subjects went on for quite awhile.  Kim and I have had similar encounters with our other neighbors on each side of us. Neighbors down the street will often stop while driving by and chat if they see us out front.  In all the places I've lived the communal hospitality has never equaled what I've found here in Irondequoit.  As I was contemplating our good fortune in where we landed real-estate-wise it led me to think about my genetic neighbors, i.e. family.  Like most families, life has fed us many wonderful times and our fair share of trials and heartache.  We all have to walk that road but how we choose to react to those around us is what makes all the difference.  I have watched siblings tear their histories to shreds over trivial or monetary considerations loosing years of precious memories in the process.  One sided agendas ruling the day instead of humility and wanting the best for those we should love the most.  It is sad and it is commonplace.  I feel blessed to have a family and extended family that loves and cares for each other not just in word but in action.  Through some very difficult times we have stayed close and leaned on each other heavily with an attitude of giving more than we get.  During this Thanksgiving holiday, when we spend time with family more than usual, I hope we can fully appreciate each member and the unique characteristics God has given them.  Neighbors, too.

Change

So there I was...watching the 60 mph wind gusts bend the trees and put the leaves to flight last Friday from the front window of my home.  Walking to the kitchen to look at the backyard something seemed amiss.  A huge tree that sat at the intersection of the backyard corner of four houses, one of them being mine, had fallen into the neighbor's yard directly behind me narrowly missing his garage.  Not knowing for sure who owned the tree we decided whoever's yard it fell into was the owner.  Why I'm telling you this story is because I really loved having that tree there.  It created a great backdrop to our yard and Kim and I just got that corner all cleaned up to where it finally had a nice finished look.  Things in life are rarely perfect and if they are they're not usually for long.  When on the boat this doesn't effect me much as constant change is inevitable out there so I expect it.  On land I count on things being a bit more stable but life is not a stable venue.  We need to stay flexible and ready to bend to the winds of change.  While doing that, we need to grow our roots deep through God, family and friends so we can weather the storms and changes.  Finally, we need to lighten up and laugh more.  There are times for serious introspection and sorrow but after giving it due consideration let the smile return, realizing with change comes growth.  This life really is quite an adventure.