As fireworks explode outside my home I am reminded of how much I enjoy quiet things. I enjoy reading books in rooms with no television blaring. I like one on one conversations with people where there’s plenty of pauses to plot the next item of conversation. I like music turned down low so I can contemplate the messages of the lyrics. I enjoy being alone with my thoughts with no loud noises to distract me.

Although I have enjoyed fireworks shows before. The color parade of rainbows lighting up the night sky I find fascinating. But this year I am not into the fireworks scene. 2020 has been a different sort of year so far.

If this virus teaches us some new things I hope and I pray that one of the lessons learned is how to sit down and shut up and enjoy life more fully. Most of us…