What is really important?

This morning, I was awakened by a woodpecker. It went on for hours. It was beautiful and delicious.

I love birds. I don't care what kind of bird it is, I like it. Red Robin (especially their onion rings), Blue Jays, Blackbirds, Peacocks, even Crows. Birds are very interesting creatures. Eagles, Hawks, and the British form of birds, as well.

I don't have a bird because I have two dogs who would love to eat birds, which stresses out the bird and the dogs, not to mention the owners.

Some people can make it work, while others can somehow make it work. Stress is not a good thing for anyone. Stress can cause illness, freakish behavior (as is evident in my case)

I've been told that stress is sort of like bee stings. The body has only so many bee stings it can tolerate before you become allergic. Stress, according to a well respected neurologist at the University of Utah, is much the same. You can only take so much until your brain and body can no longer function properly. I know that to be true.

I had so much stress, self induced, for so many years of running a hundred miles per hour, everything came to a screeching halt.

Now, I stop to look and listen to the birds, the gentle wind rustling through the trees, the smell and wonderful flowers. There is so much beauty around us, but we'll only notice if we stop running so fast and stop, look and listen.

As we grow older, most realize this is the case. Unfortunately, some never do and go to an early grave. I'm reminded of the lyrics in John Denver song "I guess he'd rather be in Colorado", where he refers to the man by singing, "In the end up in his office, in the end a quiet cough, is all he has to show he lives in New York City". How sadly true in so many cases.

We've all heard people, who are moving away from a beautiful place say, "Wow, I lived here for 15 years and never once made it to the zoo, beach, whatever.

We hear of parents who miss their children's programs because they are too busy working. I once forced an employee to go to his twins soccer match by asking him," When are you going to see today's match after today?" He went, and was very happy when he returned.

All I'm asking is, "Is it worth it?" All your family wants is more of you.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a woodpecker to watch.

See you tomorrow.

My books: Amazon.com 

Facebook: Jerry Mabbott 

Twitter: @jmabbott 

Blog: jmabbott.blogspot.com