NOTE FROM THE PUBLISHER
The
Ferguson House
The beginning of a new year is the time when we speak most often about change. We reflect on the prior year’ s transitions and consider all the possibilities for the coming year. We picture ourselves making change by losing that extra weight, learning to play the violin, or getting fit at the YMCA.
Then there is a different type of change we never want to imagine, that sneaks up on us and knocks us down. An illness strikes us and takes away our energy or mobility. A fire destroys our favorite possessions. A loved one passes quickly and leaves us lonely.
My faith is strongest when dealing with a lot of change. Maybe it is because I am more vulnerable and surrender control to other powers. The least important stuff seems to fall away and the things that really do count remain— the people I love and what I enjoy.
Sometimes we see change coming, like dark storm clouds in the distance. We think we know what kind of weather is headed our way— but when the change actually arrives, it isn’ t what we expected.
That is how I feel about the past year. The nest isn’ t empty yet, but my son has ventured out into the world, on wheels, in a truck of his own. No more getting him to practice on time or being at school to pick him up right when he is finished. Now I have more time to do things I want to do— gee, what do I want to do? So, not only is my son breaking away— I am, too. We are both experiencing new freedom. I didn’ t see that coming.
Do we use our day-to-day habits and responsibilities as excuses for not growing? Do we miss the joy of our own surroundings just because we are bogged down with the small stuff?
Change can improve your senses. When I return home after travelling to a far away place I am always intensely aware of how much I love living in Brown County. •
— Cindy Steele
78 W. Franklin Street Nashville 812-988-7388
Visit rooms of:
• Swan Creek Candles
• Home Accessories
• Fashion Jewelry
• Garden Accents
• Iron Decor
• Holiday Decor
• Accent Tables and more...
Foxfire...
59 E. Main St. Nashville 812-988-8707
• Fashion Apparel, Jewelry and Purses
• Gifts and Home Decor
• Willowtree Angels
• Swan Creek Candles
• Kitchen Accessories
• Baby Gifts
• Holiday Decor
• Rhythm Clocks
• Garden Decor
Jan./ Feb. 2014 • Our Brown County 13