SA 1/6

STANDING KNEE DEEP IN A RIVER

AND DYING OF THIRST

well, doesn't this title of a song by Kathy Mattea

say so much to us.

How often do we think of all the things we need

that we think will make us happy.

Oh, a new vehicle for me would be so much easier

to ride in, yet HOBL keeps telling me that

is not necessary, this one is paid for.

He is right you know.

Another material possession is not going

to make me any happier than spending time

with family and friends makes me.

I am one of those who is "standing knee deep"

in abundance.

I, just like most of us, sometimes forget to see it.

Especially this week when I am so confused about

what my future holds.

Yet I try to focus on the happiness I felt when on New Years Eve

I spent the evening with wonderful friends and family.

I want to try and focus on the fact that the times I was

the happiest in my life were longer lived when it was time

spent in deep thought with myself or time spent with

my family and friends.

When I spend too much time in solitude or with

just the immediate family I live with I start thinking

this is enough but for me I sometimes become bitter

and thinking that others have it better than me.

We all need the love and acceptance of more

than just those who live under our roof.

Last year I challenged myself to spend more time

with old friends or friends of work outside of work.

What I have gained from this is nothing a material

possession can give us.

This reading today is forcing us outside our box,

outside of our comfort zone.

Reach out today to someone you have not seen or spoken

to in some time... see how that makes you feel.

I promise you won't be disappointed.