Is it just me or is there a lot of good out there...

Every where I look there is some story about horrible cruelity, abuse, evil. It's in the news every night, it is in the novels I read, it is even in personal stories I have heard other people tell me. But when I look at the experiences of my life I see not this great evil and human cruelity, but kindness and human goodness. Really, I have known so much goodness in others, that the alternative seems unreal to me.

Am I tremendously lucky, or are there others out there who've experienced the world in this way? I've been so blessed by loving family members and friends. I have tremendous parents and grandparents. But also when I go out into the world, I am usually met by the kindness of strangers. Strangers have often helped me when I've been in need, and countless times have been open and friendly, sharing a smile, a kind word. When so much goodness seems apparent, it is so hard believe in the evil.

Have the people in my life been perfect? No. Have they shown goodness? Yes, sometimes in astonishing amounts. I know the bad is out there, and I don't intend to seem flippant toward it or those who suffer. In fact, I feel so strongly for those who are hurting because I know it should and could be so much different. But, oh, the goodness is out there, and I will never take my eyes off of it, never.

Hairy Legs and Other Important Qualities....

So, I have two over night shifts every weekend when I have plenty of down time to up date my blog. Only problem is that I'm not at my own computer, so I can't update pictures. I guess I can at least make sure to write some posts.

I had a realization today about the powerful impact that my children have on my self image. My self esteem was boosted several points as Juliet was dragged away from me to get her teeth brushed yelling, "Mommy, I want Mommy. I just LOVE Mommy. Mommy I will miss you so much if you aren't here when I wake up." On the other hand, I was taken down a couple of notches when Cole came and sat down next to me, gently placed his hand on my lower leg, and said with great delight, "Mommy has hairy legs!"

Of course, Cole meant no insult at that hairy leg comment. From his bright enthusiasm it is clear that he thinks my hairy legs are one of my best qualitities. Juliet shares a similar joy in my facial blemishes. She will stare at me with great concentration until she can point to a bump and say, "Mommy, what's that?" With only slight embarassment I'll answer, "that's a pimple honey," at which point she will reply with great chagrin, "Why don't I have any pimples!" I guess we can't all be so lucky, Juliet, you will have to learn to live with your absolutely flawless skin....until adolescence comes as puts you out of your misery.

At what point to we lose our appreciation for chubby thighs, hairy legs, and skin blemishes as potentially endearing qualities? I challenge everyone to take a chance to gaze with great love at your spouse some time soon and then make that fervent announcement, "I just love your nose hairs!" It may just make your spouse feel a little bit more loved and accepted. Of course, that may not be the result at all, in which case I want to absolve myself of any personal liability.