We reflect on the good old days. Those days burnished by memory. The gauzy picture our mind sees is soft and pleasant. In those days, we were happy and free. Work was fun, and life was easy. Problems seemed light. Hope was grand. We walked all day and never got winded. Planting and prospering were the order of our days. Our snow globe world was perfect. What happened outside our sphere was dim in our vision as we climbed the ladder of success. The revelers of the holidays, rum cake and rum for Neva J. Earl, brought smoked meat. We gathered around the round table and laughed the laugh of the hopeful and blessed. Tomorrow was another day.

The encouragement of friends is a treat. Imogene passed away recently. She told me what a good deacon I would be when I passed on the ask. I did not realize Imogene ever thought of me in any regard. Her opinion made my day. Rob often tells me how much he enjoys my photos, and at times, he compliments my writing. Rob will never know how much I think of him and his encouragement.

I think of my friend and tell him that I love and admire him. Confusion is a dark companion. His smile lights up a room. He is kind and considerate, and I have never spoken with him that I was not the better for it.

We are on the master monitor. God is watching us. We are more interesting than the finest Hollywood movie. Performers, we are on the stage of life. We miss the halcyon days when we are in the midst of them and do not realize now is our moment…now is our Halcyon Days! Whoever you meet, you touch their life. A sacred gift. We see the corporeal while God sees the infinite. We are learning our lines. Shall we enter stage left and depart stage right? Who knows what gifts we harbor? Who understands the deep thoughts we feel?

Sparks fly upward. We are in our place on life’s stage, and our part is next. Play your part well…,’ dear God forever,’ we cry. It is a short play. The Acts are compact and meaningful. Before us is the unknown person whom we are on stage to help. Be careful that you entertain angels unaware. Beneath the dirt and grime is a brilliant diamond. The gold of Ophir walks among us. We become irritated when we kick against the role we have in the Great Play. We chafe under the yoke of our performance. God is watching…