Well this past year has been um, hectic is I suppose a good word for it. But all of the trials and tribulations we have gone through have taught me tolerance for different belief systems.

I now respect faith more than I did before and accept it rather than trying to destroy it with logical arguments overflowing with reason and common sense. I guess this makes me a better person.

For example, when Bert states with a conviction that can only come from divine insight that it will not rain during a camping trip, I don’t even consider packing the tarp. Nope, not for one second, not for a million grey clouds in the sky, not for a dozen weather forecasts to the contrary.

Likewise when Bert takes it on faith that if he ignores his folded laundry for long enough it will return to its natural habitat in his closet, I don’t contradict him or foil his plans by nagging him (thereby, of course, thwarting his efforts to ignore his laundry).

Belief is a rare and precious thing that should be nurtured.

Which is why, when the dog stands before a squirrel believing with all of her heart that one day all squirrels will recognize her authority and bow down before her in supplication I don’t laugh at her. At least not on the outside.

And in return when I state, with all certainty, that I am done with drama for the year, my husband hugs me, my dog rests her head on my lap and I believe.