Light At The End Of The Tunnel

Last week we took a much needed trip to the country for a break. It was good to have nothing more to do than look at the grass grow. And that we did! You may think this is nuts but we actually watched as a wasp dragged a dead spider across the patio floor and to his nest on the ground. We watched a flock of geese that was headed south for the winter, land in an open field to rest for the night. The night before our trip back home, my sister in law pointed out four deer that were standing at the edge of the woods. It was such a lovely trip.

The drive home was equally nice. That is, until we approached the Holland Tunnel coming into New York. Horns were honking, people cussing and cutting each other off to get to the Easy Pass Line and the never ending traffic. When we reached the expressway leading to the Tunnel, I noticed the glorious New York Skyline and skyscraper buildings in the background. But, I also noticed the horrible gray smog that enveloped the city. The sun was shining but it still looked gloomy. And oh my goodness, we were driving right into it!

By the time we drove into our driveway my spirits had drastically change. I don't know if I had vacation lag or if the air was affecting me but all of a sudden I felt so tired. It was only four o'clock in the afternoon but I had to take a nap. The next day was no better, I slept late and couldn't seem to muster enough energy to do much of anything. This morning I decided to sleep late again but the sun was shining in my window and the birds were chirping to merrily for me to stay in bed. I think they were trying to tell me something. After finishing my daily chores, I thought it would be the perfect time to go to the park and commune with nature. As I was enjoying my walk in Central Park, my mind went back to the birds outside my window and how they were having a wonderful day in spite of the smog. It was nice how they managed to discover a little bit of country in the midst of a large city and be joyous about it. And I just realized the same thing for myself. Everybody can't be a country bird we need some birds in the city too. Next time I'm feeling gloomy about the smog I'll just think about the birds and remember that Central Park is my own little light at the end of the tunnel.