First of all, I want to say hi to LYNN WEST who got on my case about not updating my blog today! Hey - I never promised you brilliance every day!

I went to a funeral today for one of my husband's very best friends. They have known each other for about, uh, at least 50 years. They have been through several lives together, and when they they did talk, although not real often anymore, it was as if they hadn't missed a day. My husband is a loner of sorts; he has few friends that he stays in close touch with. But Jerry was one of them. The chaplain officiating the ceremony had some very positive things to say, things we would all like to be said about us. He quoted a poem written by Mary Oliver, entitled "Yes! No!", referring to our need to have an opinion. The last line is most intriguing - - "To pay attention, this is our endless and proper work". Hmmm...pay attention...have an opinion...what does it mean? Jerry knew. He paid attention, he tried to be a friend in need. He wasn't afraid to help those around him, to antipcate their needs and offer his shoulder. He saw the good in people. He would give counsel, have an opinion, whenever he was needed. He took the time, he cared.

Do we pay enough attention? Are we there for those around us? Do we put others before ourselves? Many of us would say, "if you are a mother, you put others before yourself"!! Yes, of course that's true, but how many of us really pay attention to the wonderful things around us, the things of God, the goodness in people, the simple art of relaxation? Have you ever really noticed the petals on a wilddflower and thought, "how beautiful and simple is that?"

Take a walk around town, your neighborhood, even your own yard. Take the time. Pay attention. See the good. Care.