My arms were almost elbow deep in dishwater suds.  “Why do I have to do this when I have a dishwasher?” I wondered.  Nonetheless, scrubbing the non-dishwater friendly object gave me a moment to appreciate all the items that do go in the dishwater, and a chance to gaze outside the window on a busy day.  It was  sunny, windy, and a touch humid.  The yard looked lush and a smidge unruly.  A particularly tall… plant?…rogue sucker stem?…weed?…growing a little crazy near a fence caught my eye.
I’d planted a honeysuckle vine there years ago, and as it grew in its robust and untamed tendency our dog was rewarded with a bit of shade.  But what was that thing growing from the midst of it that was so oddly tall?
Drying my hands…and arms…of suds, I went outside.  To my delight I discovered two honeysuckle vines  intertwined and in that mode had reached impressive heights.  One vine would not have been strong enough to reach for the sky and stars.  But two vines with similar goals supported each other in an upward climb.  “Midlife women should be like the vines,” I thought. “Just think of what we could accomplish if we supported each other and rose above the pettiness of aging we buy into.”
Once again nature offered a valuable lesson on living. Â It was “de-vine,” and the best part of my day. What examples of better living do you find in nature? Please share!
