Tested

It happened a few nights ago. I was tested. As I was sitting at the computer desk, about five a.m., the power browned out, immediately my hackles raised. The power came back on, only to brown out several more times, and go dark a few minutes later. In my little computer closet, at the dark end of the house, with little warning, I was in the dark. To my surprise, my training took over. I had rehearsed the move many times before, closing my eyes, and trying to find the flashlight I had stashed in a corner of the desk.  I had also rehearsed the same move finding the 357magnum, but this time I needed only the flashlight. finding it, (and grabbing the 357) I checked the house just like I rehearsed. I shined the flashlight into the back yard, making sure the back yard was empty, and the back gate still locked. It was, then going to check on my still sleeping wife. yes- still sleeping, although stirring fitfully. Whispering "its okay, I'm up", she relaxed somewhat, and I went about checking the house. Finding nothing out of order, I went about my pre-arranged duties. It was then, the power came back on. I relaxed. Twice more the power browned out, and went dark. Although there was much computer work to do, and a few clocks to reset, I was satisfied. Realizing my training and preperation had paid off, I was content. Next time, who knows. Can you say the same?

Taken for granted

I was just thinking earlier, how many things we take for granted in this life of ours. For example, how different life would be without electricity. Would you know the time? No television, no computer, no fans, no night light for those middle of the night bathroom trips. Yes life would be very different. Indoor plumbing, and running water would become a luxury.
How about security. How many of us sleep well at night, knowing a police department is patroling the streets, looking for evil-doers. Life would certainly take a drastic turn without the all important microwave oven. Here is a thought, how about your spouse? How different would life be without them? In this life, nothing is permanant. As "kansas" put it, "nothing lasts forever but the earth and sky".
Look at the people around you, think of how they have enriched your life, then try to imagine a day without them. How many words have been said in anger, that really weren't that important to say? How many times might we have done something nice for them, but didn't because of one reason or another? In a span of only ten years, it would be impossible to count how many ways in which someone we treasure enriches our life. Yet, words spoken in anger, hurtful deeds done, or worse yet, words not spoken, can alter our life with someone. How many good times does a angry word cost? How much trust does a hurtful deed destroy? It is, perhaps, much more important to take a longer view, to see the bigger picture, than to allow shortsidedness, or foolish pride to take those we treasure from us.
"Friends will keep you sane, love can fill your heart, a lover can warm your bed, but lonely is the soul without a mate" ...David Pratt

Anyone can be passionate, but it takes real lovers to be silly...Rose Franken