We’re never satisfied.

Life is grand … but (and there’s always a “but” isn’t there?) .. Things could be better.

• I could be more energetic and could get this house in order and have all my windows clean and shiny.
• John’s health could be better. It would be wonderful if his lungs could be restored to normal.
• We could have a greener lawn and fewer bugs and weeds invading our garden.
• We could see our children (and my grandchildren) more often.
• My new back-up program/device could be working better (faster).
• Willow (our sweet dog) could be more comfortable, without the problems of her old-age.
• Our years of working to build the Midland Dulcimer Festival, could somehow seem valued.
• The siding could miraculously be installed on our house.
• We could win the lottery (although our odds aren’t good since we never buy tickets.)

Yes, life would be perfect if only….

But if all of those things were fixed, would we find some new complaints?

Some of those problems (like John’s health) are serious. They are life-altering. But in analyzing even those huge problems, the question simply stated is: “How good is our life?”

We have a great marriage. We are debt free, with two very comfortable and lovely homes plus a place on Lake Michigan. Our vehicles are decent, we have all the toys we need. Our dog is doing better than she should be considering her diagnosis.

The economy may stink but our finances are in order.

Yes, John has idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and that’s a frightening diagnosis, but he’s actually doing quite well. He feels pretty good. He’s 72. He’s not a youngster. He still acts like one. He may not be able to do the things that he did 20 years ago, but he’s much healther than most of our friends of similar age.

We have close families and considerate, caring, valued friends.

When it comes right down to it, we are blessed.

No, our life isn’t perfect. It has a freckle or two, but it’s still grand and I wouldn’t want to change places with anyone.