People are happy. The ravages of summer heat seem to be lifting. School is back. Where did the summer go? A quiet is settling. Thoughts on our last third of 2025. Sometimes it is good to see the end. The end is a forerunner of the beginning. We do our best. We can not do all things. We can not be all things. I gotta be me, Frank Sinatra sang. We choose peace. Peace surrounds us if we seek it. Peace smiles and waves at us, waiting for us to wave back. State Fair goers will be looking for Ms. Peace. When we are troubled, Ms. Peace holds our hands and listens to our troubles. Sometimes the trees are blocking the forest. We focus on the things that go wrong while all of our blessings wait in the shadows.

Faith gives peace. We are spiritual beings in earthen bodies. I have had an abiding peace over the 57 years I have been a Christian. The example of Christ’s love gives me hope each day. If Jesus loves me, he certainly loves all of his creation. I spent my managerial/administrative career attempting to pattern my treatment of others as Christ had treated me. Faith wears well. It is not an emotional high. It is a peaceful calm. No visions or dreams, but a certainty that my Guardian Angel is with me. I get angry, but I don’t stay angry for long. Christ has never stayed angry with me.

Some of us eat at private tables until we find the right table, Facebook said. We, the people of the Quiet, stand out among the noise. Introverts think deeply. We watch and wait. There is a plethora of information and some truth. Being part of the maddening crowd is not our cup of tea. We seek Earl Grey.

It seems there is an abundance of trivial issues, while the things that change lives are given short shrift. When I became a manager, at least half of my colleagues expected a John Wayne model of management efficiency. Many want the hard approach for their co-workers but the soft approach to themselves. Mercy for me and the sword of my neighbor. Leadership is not accomplished by the will of the majority. When Christ was to be crucified, Pilate asked if the crowd assembled would have him release Jesus or Barabbas a criminal. They cried, ‘Give us Barabbas.’

The Sun is setting earlier. The bullfrogs are adjusting their watches for their nightly performance. The wind is blowing a hopeful breeze. Sadness is an unnatural state. Our tools are in our new toolbox. We can shine light in the darkness. Paronia does not rule. Daily, we walk the journey. It is our walk. We have to walk that Lonsome Road Johnny Cash told us. The sounds of the heartland ring out. Stay close to the good earth. Native Americans call God the Great Spirit. I like that. We seek the Great Spirit…we wait for Godot.

The little boy is walking his dog. Both are feeling peace as the August winds blow cool and the Bullfrog Quartet checks their watches.