At the farm the outside air is chilly, but the old wood stove has already warmed the air in the kitchen, has black egg coffee ready, and is in a chatty move. She says, “Do you remember more than 60 years ago in this kitchen? It was a morning just like this with just you, your Mom, and I. You were 10 yrs old and for whatever reason in a grumpy mood. You were bemoaning your fate in life and said you didn’t have anything exciting to do. Well your Mother cut you short and said, ‘Well we have cleaning to do today and you can begin by cleaning out your mind.’ She said, ‘what you think you become.’” Oh yes, I do recall that morning. A trifle embarrassed I am, but I laugh as I reflect just a little. The concept that “we become as we think” is simple indeed. I remember my Mom went on to explain that while I had a good mind, it could hold only so much stuff and if I packed it full of negative thoughts I would become a negative and bitter person, but if I packed it full of positive thoughts, I would become a positive and happy person. As I grow older I think there is a lot of truth in the concept that we become as we think. Today I could fill my minds with my concerns. Why was I destined to be just a poor farmer? I realize I am poor only in the sense of money, but rich in so many other ways--as we all are. I could complain about my health--cancer, chemo, surgery, radiation, but I am so much stronger than I was a year ago. To go from a hospital bed to a walker, to a cane, and now throwing around 50 pounds of pumpkins? This year has been a long journey, but things are getting better and my best days? They are ahead of me--as our yours. I could pack my brain full of negative thoughts, but instead today, I am packing in good ones. I am doing that as I recall the words of my Mother in this kitchen 60 years ago that ”we become as we think.” As I thank the old wood stove for reminding me of times past in this kitchen and the lessons taught by my Mother years ago, and ever so slowly learned by me, the wood stove says, “Don’t get too happy. Tonight with dinner I am going to hand you a hot political potato--just to see how you handle it.” Oh my. The memories, and anticipation of the unexpected on this day, they give life a true and rich meaning. Today I hope your mind is stuffed with positive thoughts and you are ready to take on whatever the day brings. The best to you from the old wood stove and me from the kitchen at the farm.
Posted on: Wed, 23 Oct 2013 13:51:10 +0000
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