The sun yesterday was hot, and the neighborhood I was in had almost no shade. The heat radiating off everyone's dark painted doors felt like an open oven, and I have a small burn on my knocking knuckle. Those of you who know me know I'm not a fan of heat; I hate it. Something in me, though, allowed me to push it aside and keep going. Good thing, too, because yesterday, I blew my fundraising and letter writing goals away. With a goal of $150 raised, 12 letters to Congress, and 5 email addresses, I raised $206, got 23 letters (including 2 from children with mountain drawings), and 7 email addresses. It was a very productive day.
But that's not what I'm here to talk about.
As I said, the sun was hot, but onward I pressed. I couldn't give up, so I kept going. I don't know where the will came from, not just to keep moving yesterday, but to keep moving everyday. Then, at around 7:30, just as the sun was going down, I looked west, and saw a beautiful sunset, and a cool, comforting breeze swept gently through the neighborhood. I suddenly realized that was my reward; the sunset, because I took the time to look for it, and the cool breeze, because I earned it. That same breeze would not have been so comforting if I hadn't been sweaty and hot from a day spent hoofing it under the sun. I wasn't looking for it, I wasn't asking for it, but I got it. And how sweet it was.
I'm not saying that everyone who works hard will be rewarded, and I'm not here to debate whether or not there's some Great Justifier who doles out payment and punishment with any semblance of fairness. I could have stewed on what I don't like about my life right now, and kept my head down, but I wouldn't have seen the sunset. I could have sat home, and not felt the breeze. Sure, tomorrow, the sun will be hot again, I'll feel the pain of loss and loneliness again. But as sure as the sun will rise, it will again set, and I'll be there, trading hot air for the cool breeze.
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