Well, Elizabeth ...

While I have always liked the name Elizabeth, I have never felt that it suited me. I referred to myself Yitzy when I was small enough that everyone else in the family called me Lizzie and I couldn't pronounce it, but I have been Liz every other minute of my life. A few people still call me Lizzie or Lizbeth, and that's okay because of who they are, but I am still Liz.

But this morning when I dropped my coffee pod and banged my head on the counter when I bent to pick it up, I said, "Well, Elizabeth," as I always do when I am at my klutziest.

When I have to go into the kitchen three times because I forget what I was going after--yes, three times--I say, "Well, Elizabeth," and probably roll my eyes.

When I have tripped over flat spots in the floor, I mumbled, "Well, Elizabeth," and hope no one saw me.

When I can't find my phone and Duane's not here to call me so I can follow its ring to its hiding place, I sigh heavily and think Well, Elizabeth ...

Sometimes I start the morning in sadness. Because there is much to be sad about for many of us, and--also for many of us--it's not going away. Whether it's personal, political, work-related, or whatever else adds weight to what we carry, chances are we're going to keep carrying the stuff for a while.

Graphic by Joan Reeves

But this morning--it's Friday--I read a blog post by Joan Reeves and something she said jumped out at me. Make room in your life for new beginnings.

While I was still mulling that over, I listened to a song called "The Light of A Clear Blue Morning" . Actually, I played it a few times. I hope you do, too, because I'm not sure this will make sense if you don't.

While I was listening, I looked out at where my long-loved cottonwood had stood. I missed it, as I always do, but this morning I looked beyond it. At another tree in the next field, standing bare and beautiful. I took a picture of it--not a good one--and was surprised when the picture was much bluer than the morning appeared. Still not good, not well structured, but ... blue.

Sometimes things are just coincidences. Sometimes, at least in my heart, they are God things. Sometimes needs are answered without their questions even being asked. The other day I took a picture of the sunrise and posted it on Facebook because it was such a reminder to be grateful. And that a new day warrants a new beginning. Today, I had more reminders.

This is not assurance that all will be well, that I won't wake up sad tomorrow, although I'd really love for it to be. But I do believe we all have some "clear blue mornings" in us, that we have room in our lives for new beginnings, and that we are intended to share the good. Whether that good is found in thoughts, things, or what someone else needs.

Sometimes you just need to pay more attention to what's in front of you, what's in your side yard, to what other people say or do that enriches ones around them. Well, Elizabeth ... better late than never to catch on, I guess.

Have a good week. Be nice to somebody.