<p>While getting in a not-so-brisk 4-mile walk last week, my mind began to wander as my Asics meandered along the White River.</p>
<p>I pondered.</p>
<p>You know, that thing we never do enough of — ponder: to weigh in the mind; to think about; to reflect on.</p>
<p>I pondered about watching my 88-year-old father quietly whispering the marriage vows to my mother, as my niece Madi and her husband were wed two weeks ago.</p>
<p>I pondered on the choice our second-born daughter, Dr. Chloe, made in her godly husband Michael Tillman — I pondered as I watched them dance with joy at their cousin’s wedding.</p>
<p>I pondered about dancing with my cousins, my sisters, my daughters and my nieces — and having fun cleaning up after the wedding with four of my young nephews.</p>
<p>In church last week I smiled and pondered about the young couple that moved back a row to sit with an older gentleman who was sitting by himself.</p>
<p>I pondered how the hubby had gone above and beyond the call of duty to help two families — and how he was soon-thereafter blessed by a friend who allowed him to visit his hundreds of acres of forest.</p>
<p>I pondered the humorous curiosity of a Daily Journal reader (now one of my favorites) who caught me when we were both leaving a funeral last weekend — she had read my column about my nephew Eli and was captivated to know which story he chose.</p>
<p>I pondered how I missed the songs of an acquaintance I met over a year ago. A couple times a week I would hear him sing in the memory care residence from his room or in the hallway. In his rich baritone he’d belt out: “Born free, as free as the wind blows…” Sometimes he would sing: “Born free, as free as a Christmas tree…” It made me smile — every single time.</p>
<p>As I finished my walk, I pondered how the gospel writer Luke tells us three different times that Mary pondered and treasured all these things in her heart.</p>
<p>I suspect pondering is good for the soul.</p>
<p><em>Janet Hommel Mangas grew up on the east side of Greenwood. The Center Grove area resident and her husband are the parents of three daughters. Send comments to <a href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a>.</em></p>
