Melanie Nilles

Yes, it is. I have two beautiful little girls, a husband who’s my best friend, a gorgeous and talented horse, two cute cats, and several books coming out. What more could I ask?

Well, I’d like a finished basement, a grassy yard, and low gas prices. I think we all want that last. Nevertheless, I was thinking today how many blessings I have in my life and how fortunate we are for all we have and realized that it’s been a long time since I sat and considered where I am in my life. I guess part of it may be an unconscious awareness of the upcoming holiday and what it truly means. The other part is the warm fuzzy feeling I have for my horse, Beau.

I went out tonight, which is a typically windy day but windier than normal. I just wish we had lots of snow to blow around instead of dirt. It’s dry and…oh, yeah!…I wish we had precipitation of some sort, and lots of it, preferably snow. Anyway, I went out because I expected my poor boy to be a bit chilled. I had taken his blanket off Saturday and washed it. The weather was nice and expected to continue to be nice, at least for a few days. But that changed after the sun went down and the wind blew the cooling air; but the day wasn’t the best either until the sun came out. The poor boy was standing under his lean-to shelter instead of eating the hay at the other end of his pen. I took him into the warm arena and brushed him lovingly and tried to get him to run to stretch his legs, but he didn’t have his usual enthusiasm. I can only guess he shivered off all his energy. The thought pulled at my heart strings. I made sure to blanket him for the next few days. While I was doing that, another horse was being longed. Beau didn’t move a muscle. He stood like a perfect gentleman while the other horse zoomed within ten feet of him, maybe closer, kicking up his heels while he was at it. When I took him back to his pen, he begged for his treats, which I gladly gave him, and started eating his hay. On the way home, I reflected on how lucky I am to have such a good horse. Star was good, but not like him. Beau was meant for me; I know it.

That started me thinking about how lucky I am in other areas. As I nursed the baby to sleep, I looked down at her in the dark of the bedroom and felt a contentment I haven’t had in a long time. I needed that moment. Sometimes we’re so busy rushing from one thing to another or taking care of everyone else that we don’t get a chance to reflect on our life. We need calm and quiet to look inward, instead of distracting us outward. Sometimes something outside of us acts as a catalyst, a trigger for our emotions. However, it all comes from within.

We can’t give to others if we don’t give to ourselves. I am fortunate to have all that I do. I’m grateful for everything and have worked hard to get where I am, which is the ultimate reward. I came from having very little except family, though, so I know what it means to appreciate the little things.

Sure, I hope bigger and better things come my way, but for now, at least I can say my life is fulfilling. I am satisfied.