Tuesday, October 9, 2007

Simple pleasures

I wanted to write more frequently about things I'm grateful for. Today I've been thinking of talking with people of similar interests. I'm sort of a loner. I always have been, so I'm OK with that. While I've always seemed to have ideas that differed from the mainstream, I am currently living in a place where I feel really isolated. There just aren't many people around who share similar ideas with me. That's fine, I can get along with a variety of people, but there is nothing like sitting down and talking with someone who really understands you. Someone with whom you have a lot in common and you can share ideas, express concerns and simply dream together.

When I thought of writing this post, I was thinking of a few people around town who actually share similar interests as myself and the blogs that I occasionally visit that help me feel that I'm not the only one in the world with environmental concerns. Having written that first paragraph makes me extremely grateful for my wife and boys. OK, I don't have much intellectual conversation with the boys, but I love going home to a place where my ideas are readily accepted and we can share hopes and dreams. Even the boys express their dreams of having a horse (I sort of hope they outgrow that) and living on a small farm with animals. The Mugwump is afraid of cats and dogs, but wants a horse and chickens. Six-pence doesn't really talk yet, but he has certainly mastered the word banana. If we had a banana tree, that kid would be in hog heaven.... So much for eating locally.

So thanks to all who share similar ideas and dreams with me, it helps me keep my life in perspective. I suppose I'm also grateful for those of differing views who help add variety to the earth and force me to think about what is really important to me and why.

3 comments:

Brad said...

I for one think that it is everyone else that is different. At any rate, I don't know if I qualify for the distinction of being one of those whom you enjoy talking to as we don't do it often, but if I do, thanks. I can't think of a greater compliment. As to family, I agree. There is nothing better than coming home and not being judged unfairly or called weird, at least not to often. Say hello to Mugwamp for me will you please? Keep on writing, and keep on riding.

Garrett said...

Brad, You're certainly one I enjoy talking to, unfortunately school is consuming my life for the moment, so I don't talk to anyone very often.

Colin Madland said...

Gotta say Sans...I find myself agreeing with you much more than disagreeing. I appreciate your concern for living simply and take your lifestyle (although you are somewhat forced into it by school) as an example for myself and my family.

If there is one thing that our society desperately needs it is people who are deeply committed to a Christian worldview and its implications for life to have a voice in academia, regardless of what department.

Keep the rubber side down!