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.
I pondered.
You know, that thing we never do enough of — ponder: to weigh in the mind; to think about; to reflect on.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
I suspect pondering is good for the soul.
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 [email protected].
