We are Polished in Ways We Cannot Predict

Yesterday was my last official day at the Cave and it was a good day overall. The weekends spent there were a wonderful experience and rejuvenated me in ways I hoped for. But we don't always get what we want or expect, so this opportunity additionally paid big dividends in unanticipated fashion.

I was blessed in my last job with a five minute commute by bicycle. We had planned where we lived that way and over that career the short commute allowed me lunch at home and little expense getting to work. The cave job required a two hour driving commute, much like many people have every day. The scenery was grand, but one still had to drive up the hill and then down at the end of the weekend. I thought this might get tedious, but the opposite happened as I listened to music and thought and planned for what is to come next. It became a time to reflect. Next time I would like to get some books on tape to try that experience.

This commute also meant I was away from home for two days. That put a burden on Maureen to do my chores as well as hers. She is constantly working on one project or another, canning, gardening or something; so I thought often about this and hoped I hadn't added too many tasks. This is also with a tinge of guilt that maybe she'll see that I don't do much around the house.

I also learned many things from the other naturalists. I tend to believe I have a reasonable bit of knowledge about different subjects. These young women and men taught me I still have things to grasp about the world around us. I thank them for helping me along the way to greater knowledge.

A big blessing was being allowed to work with one of our sons and to see the young man he has grown into. And to see though we may not agree on every topic, he researches and thinks through his beliefs and can support them. What a joy.

I feel like the Thoreau quote I used on cave tours: "The finest workers in stone are not copper and steel tools, but the gentle touches of air and water working at their leisure with a liberal allowance of time." My co-workers polished me this summer.