"Variations of the Canon" is being played by George Winston, a fire is roaring downstairs and my cold feet are tapping with the fervency I wish to communicate. So much beauty, and so much sorrow in this world! Adorning the halls of the grandest homes can lie hallow hearts and troubled minds, while true wealth is bound up in the broken-hearted for the Lord is near to Him... I wish to think on this, for I've been reading "Little Women" and my very soul has been curled up on Marmee's lap wishing I might wind up all my unraveled years of dissipation, and live them all again. Such is life, and I've one to live, and with much more resolve than before. I've marveled at this tale for several reasons, but mostly for how these young gals are much like you or I, and they speak to issues of the heart. Woven throughout are allusions to "Pilgrim's Progress" and the weight upon Christian's shoulders. Indeed, we each have a weight to bear, and oft it changes, but still it is a load. We grow weary of it, curse it, and try any other way to get from under its weight, forgetting that the burden becomes much lighter after carrying it awhile. The sweet mother in the tale is continually reminding her girls of this, and of the joys of obedience, and the promise awaiting them in Celestial city. They also think of their 'castles in the sky' and find great hope and solace in dreaming their grandest imaginings, for such is how we've been made. Dream big friends, and pick up your bundles--tally ho, onward we go, up to the great yonder! When we see His face...