Raindrops pelting the roof and windows envelope the house.
Unlike on a clear morning, no birds are singing.
It has rained a lot recently. I love the sound of rain, it’s comforting. A quote I read read recently referred to it as “white noise.” I’d never thought of it that way, but it is.
Today, many people purchase “white noise” machines to help them sleep. The sound of a surf on the beach or a rippling brook or the rain is played on an electronic device to provide a soothing environment. Sometimes there are sounds of crickets chirping or birds singing. This summer, the songs of the crickets and cicadas have been very noticeable, even with the windows closed.
Our grandparents would have been amused to think that we would pay money for what God has provided all along. When we come right back down to it, nature has what we seem to be seeking.
In one of the most widely known Psalms, we read: “The Lord is my shepherd … he maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.” (Psalm 23:2)
What a peaceful thought that is! Isn’t that what so many people are seeking when they go on vacation - a peaceful place?
For many people, vacation entails traveling someplace to enjoy nature - the beach, the mountains, the woods. Many people here travel hundreds of miles to find a vacation spot. And many people from other parts of the country travel here to enjoy what we have year round. We are blessed here in the Ozarks with quick access to both city lifeand country life. There are many rivers to fl oat, lakes in which to swim, boat and fish, woods in which to hike or hunt. There is rich history all around waiting to be explored. And, within a short drive, there are zoos, museums, shopping.
The rain may dampen vacation plans and many people complain about the rain. But all our complaining won’t stop the rain. We had a horrific drought last summer and not much rain this past spring, so pastures and fields were still dry;
ponds were nearly empty;
rivers weren’t fit for fl oating. The rain serves a purpose refreshing the earth and replenishing the farmers’ fi elds.
The older I grow, the less I understand why we waste energy complaining about that which we can’t change. Sit at a co◊ee shop or restaurant (or take note on Facebook) and see how often people complain about the weather.
It’s either too hot or too cold; too wet or too dry. But, we can’t change it one bit.
“Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people,” said Eleanor Roosevelt.
How much of your time is spent talking about people and events? We certainly need to discuss events, but do you ever think about or discuss ideas?
Abraham Lincoln said: “Most people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.”
Well, we can complain about the weather, our environment, our lot in life, or we can adjust our attitude, the one thing we truly can change, and have a good day.
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Editor’s note: Annette Beard is the managing editor of The Times of Northeast Benton County, chosen the best small weekly newspaper in Arkansas three years in a row.
Opinion, Pages 4 on 07/31/2013