Sweet Tea

Just got through with some business in town and I’m finally getting a minute to enjoy the breeze under the shade of a sycamore tree. I’m catching the smell of something sweet behind me. Maybe the fragrance of an autumn flower. I stopped over at my daughters to check on George. I got him some chicken nuggets and some fries. I know I shouldn’t, but he’s one of the grandbabies I like to spoil. Now I’m back home in my rocker with a sweet tea in my hand, listening to nature, while listening to the drone of mankind. 

The world sounds so much better when you’re not apart of it. No deadlines or obligations to keep. No rush, rush, rush like you’re in some kind of hurry. My lifestyle doesn’t offer many material perks, but it often makes up for it in contentment and peace of mind. Years ago, I used to be so jealous of my family and friends. Always driving a new truck or car, going on wonderful trips, and living in homes I could never afford.
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I think those days and I have to laugh at myself. Not only because of my petty jealousy, but because my hypocritical behavior. You see for a very long time I’ve known the commandment about coveting (possessing) your neighbors’ stuff (Exodus 20:17). Even my Buddhist teachings emphasize the putting away of materialism. To unlearn that materialism isn’t the goal of walking a noble path. Too many times we are blinded by the gold of this world. Stopping us from seeing the true beauty of life. Much like John Lennon, I to stepped off the merry-go-round; and believe me the benefits certainly outweigh the loss. All I’m asking is, when you look at your own life, are you living a life of peace? Or a life filled with stress and despair?