Shine

Hi Frank!

Boy, do I have some good news. I’m so happy. Found ‘em. Mystery solved. Yesterday, I parked in my driveway, hopped out to grab some things from the back seat of my car and saw a dim little glimmer of light at my feet. Leaning down to take a better look, there were the pearl earrings I’d been looking for these past few weeks. Both were there, embedded deep in the gravel, holding on to each other like buddies who stick together through thick or thin. 

Weeks ago, I must have taken them off in the car and dropped them into my lap, and you know the rest of it. I was so glad to see them, yet worried they’d been broken to pieces. We’ve had quite a few rainstorms lately. Digging into the pebbles, I scooped up the earrings and took a closer look. Didn’t seem too bad off. One had its post askew and a few scratches. The other one was off-kilter but it, too, was easily fixable. They were pretty bent out of shape, (who wouldn’t be!) but they had made it through the rainstorms and tires of life without debilitating damage.   

After I straighten and polish them, they’ll be ready for action. (Being an adornment must be a very satisfying job; I’d hate for them to be put out of commission).   

So, that brings me to the conversation I had with a good friend a few days ago. She’s always so intriguing and cool to chat with. She reads folks well and her insight takes me by surprise every time. She’s a Sewanee grad – (the University of the South, where my son, daughter, and son-in-law graduated from) – and I can’t help but envision those profs grinning admiringly as she piped up in class and shared her thoughts (a right-on example of that beautiful Sewanee-critical-thinking-thing).

Most every time we converse, I want to write down her thoughts and observations so I don’t forget them. Wise, funny, bright, transparent, a delight. We talked for a long time that afternoon, (more than two hours!) and even still, we weren’t through with the topics at hand. That’s great, though; it meant more for a later conversation. 

Things don’t always turn out this way but I think it feels awfully good when they do. Remember those times when you’ve been kinda flat on the pavement and then a great moment has presented itself?  You take notice, you forget what flattened you and you focus. You watch it unfold before you – perhaps a valuable connection that’s made with a friend (or even an acquaintance). When it’s over, it sort of feels as though you’ve been picked up, your bent places straightened, and your scratches smoothed away. It’s fortifying and renewing, so inspiring and energizing.  I’d say it gives you back your shine.

Love,

Jane