Life's Not Fair

The HVAC system is on the blink and it’s hot as hell in Florida. It’s not even June but it feels like the Dog Days of August. Fortunately, the electricity works fine, portable fans do the trick, and I can go for a dip in the pool, so I find myself thinking Life is still Wonderful.

Next week, I have eye surgery. Cataracts have clouded my vision and brought on too many headaches. Thankfully, cataract surgery is often considered among the most successful treatments in all of medicine, so as I moan and swallow Tylenol, I remind myself, Life is still Wonderful.

Once upon a time I had a houseful of active, noisy children who grew up, moved away, and started their own lives, leaving me in an empty nest. Happily, we can gather—offspring, spouses, grandkids and all—to celebrate another blessed union in a U.S. western state I’ve never been to. So, I praise God that Life is still Wonderful.

It was indeed delightful to see those active, noisy children who grew up, moved away, started their own lives, and left me in an empty nest. Yet extremely sad to say goodbyes when leaving Colorado. Though the family reunion, the nuptial festivities, and the mountain weather and scenery were exciting, refreshing, and truly awesome, at my age, I’m content to return to my quiet home in the South, so I relish the thought that Life is still Wonderful.

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This morning, I read from the 21st chapter of the Gospel of John, particularly verses 15-19. These verses include the last words Jesus spoke to Peter before ascending to heaven. Three times I heard, “Annmarie, do you love me?” Three times I answered, “Yes, Lord, I love you.” Three times Jesus also instructed me: Feed my lambs. Tend my sheep. Feed my sheep.

I am trying. I feed my lambs (the grandkids) and my sheep (the aunts, uncles, moms and dads) with lots of love. By loving my flock and my co-shepherd (spouse), by counting my blessings, and by believing that life is still wonderful, I am shepherding the best that I know how. I am trying.

Then Jesus continued, “When you were younger, you used to dress yourself and go where you wanted; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.”

Ouch. Life’s not fair.

Gratefully, I’m somewhere in between these two phases. My nest (my pasture?) is empty, but my life is still full of wonder and beauty. So, while life may not be fair and perfect—and never will be—Life is still Wonderful!

“When the dreams you’re dreamin’ come to you

When the work you put in is realized

Let yourself feel the pride but

Always stay humble and kind” — Lori McKenna, songwriter/recording artist

“Stretching out my hands” in the Rocky Mountains