Roads long ago

My husband and I like to take back roads. Mostly paved county roads. Occasionally the dirt roads that look like they lead somewhere.
We have done this several times this summer and each time we do, there is always a very pleasant surprise awaiting us.
Today we went to look at a new/old property recently bought by a friend. Up in North Central Kansas and very much off the beaten path.
Five natural stone buildings and very old metal barn. Some of the foundations were crumbling and the wood had certainly seen better days. I am sure termites had themselves many a fine meal.
We had been given permission to get out and look around. The obligatory caution about snakes in the area had also been given.
Talk about a step back in time. The walls left standing had so many stories to tell.
The natural stone cave that had been made in the side of the hill spoke of storms and a cool place to retreat to.
The old stone barn still had the musty, earthy scent of horses and cattle from long ago.
I am not sure what Susan will eventually do with the property. Knowing her, she will keep it as close to the original purpose as is possible. A place back in time. When life seemed a little more simple.
I hope we can go back. Not to that time, but to that place.
Just to be still and watch.

I had a wonderful pleasure given to me today. I got to watch my grandson sleep.
His fists curled up as though he were ready to take on the world in his dreams. His face, with a slight smile, seemed to be anticipating something wonderful around the corner.
We lose that kind of sleep as we get older. Worries invade the dreams. The body rests and the brain goes on.
What I saw was a brain at ease and in sync with the body.
What I saw was my grandson. Innocent and perfect. An image I can take with me anywhere.

If called...

The Prebyterian church just passed the ok to allow non-celibate but in a committed relationship homosexuals into the clergy. This is certainly cause for joy.
So why do I not feel it. Why is there the feeling of exasperation?
Probably because I don't feel there should be any argument. My own church (Episcopal) is splitting down the middle over the issue. The UCC and the Lutherans (well, some of them) are in the middle of the fray. All because of the nature of humans to not want to accept what cannot be easily explained.
So a couple of statements were made in a fairly important book a long, long time ago. With those statements, individuals have been alienated, persecuted and outcast.
Isn't it time to put it to rest?