Early Wintry Mornings in Bad Godesberg

When I wake up in the small hours of the mornings in Bad Godesberg

Everything is so very still and quiet

But the silence seems to resonate and reverberate,
So deeply and loudly around my soul

I cannot help but feel the presence of the Lord.

The dark, soundless mornings put my mind working overtime

Thinking of loved ones and friends

I cannot help but thank the Lord greatly,
For a wonderful supportive wife, three great filial children,

And kind, truly sincere, friends.

ltbs

To be capable of steady friendship or lasting love,
are the two greatest proofs, not only of goodness of heart,
but of strength of mind.
William Hazlitt


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A Simple but Contented Life

When fleeting contact with some successful contemporary prompted me to self-analysis, I perceived with a flush of masculinity shame that my adult life had been mapped out in relationships, not achievements.

Although I had been bogged down by the aftershocks of a few obsessive or misguided relationships, I had no regrets. I had enjoyed the days of wine and roses when the relationships were flourishing but had been able to overcome the days of gall and nettles after they had fallen apart.

I count myself truly blessed to have a strong, very supportive wife and three wonderful, very filial children. I am gratified to have quite a few successful friends come calling at my doors, too. Most of all, I find it blithesome to have so many things to do to enable me to enjoy a simple, but, in my opinion, contented life.

ltbs


The secret of contentment is knowing how to enjoy what you have, and to be able to lose all desire for things beyond your reach.
Lin Yutang