There are so many angry and broken people out there that I have forgotten that there are many more wise and honest and caring people, and I am beginning to listen to them and learn from them.

In my life, there were few people I trusted to advise me and teach me, and I was too messed up to listen to the good ones. The advice  I got was often dangerous and offered in bad faith. I felt my life depended on ignoring it.

This morning, I was reminded as I looked out at our beautiful, after-the-storm landscape and saw three crucial, wise, and helpful messages that I need to think differently. I read all of them, was touched by them, and took them to heart. And I want to share them.

It turns out my blog and the good people who read it are the teachers I always wanted but could not find or trust. If we are open to it, life is full of crisis, mystery, and surprise. Trust means everything in the long run.

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From Claudia

“My husband and partner of 40 years died December 29, 2021. I’ve been a follower of your blogs for quite some time. When Robin was found in that cold field, my husband and I felt awe that he was discovered and lived. My husband started calling him Robbie. “How’s Robbie today?” as I read your blog or Maria’s Monday video in the morning, wishing for news of the foundling. He was dying of cancer, and Robin, the ram, gave him hope. I bought a Robbie magnet and placed it on his music stand, the new ram that survived. I hope to see him many more years. I hope he sings his life like my husband. And by the way, you are looking good Jon, an inspiration, and also Maria, the dogs, chickens, cats, donkeys, sheep……….love,”

Claudia, thanks; that is an extraordinarily beautiful and touching message and deeply appreciated. He was a fortunate man to have you.  – Jon

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“I’ve said it before, and I am repeating it. Now and then, you should print a bit of nastiness received by you so that we readers know that it is not all sweetness and light out in Blogland. How, or if, you reply is not our concern. You are a bit quick off the mark sometimes. It’s understandable and your wish to curb your replies-or not even bother to reply is a good thing on your part, and you are noticeably succeeding. All power to you, so soldier on. I’m sure that most of us are right behind you.” – Erika.

You are a good person, Claudia, well worth listening to. I am too quick off the mark too often and need to stop doing that. I also need to make sure I don’t become what I dislike so much. And it is good to share the bad with the good, as long as I can handle it with grace. – jon

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“When I hit my fifties, a certainty dawned on me — the older I get, the more I realize I know nuttin’. There is still so much to learn even after all these years. Funny how when I was young, I thought I knew everything. It reminds me of Benjamin Button! It takes a brave soul to share so openly, warts and all. When you do that, our capacity for learning keeps growing. I very much appreciate that.” -Ray.

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I appreciate what you are writing, Ray; it has the ring of truth and compassion and no small dose of wisdom. You are right. When I was young, I thought I knew everything. As I grow older, I learn that I know nothing. I love the comparison to the story of Benjamin Button, who was born as an old man and died as a baby.

I appreciate your message and the sincerity it evokes.  –jon