Tonight I was in a mood, sort of cranky, mostly irritable, just a down right poor demeanor. You know one of those moods where life gets to you, too much work, not enough family time and all the burdens that you carry. Mine are no different then anyone else's, we all have to deal though. The way we deal is different; some drink, some talk to friends, some exercise, some read a book or watch a movie and some do things all together different. For me it is a drive on a two lane highway late at night and tonight was one of those nights I needed to get out and just drive.
I stopped at a convenience store and grabbed a strawberry pop, set some Johnny Cash on the phone and pumped it thru the car audio and headed out on the road. I didn't have a lot of time but I wanted, no I needed to go. This leads me to the title, Why I Love Nebraska. I can get in the car and be out in the darkness in less then 15 minutes from just about anywhere in the town I live. In just this short time I am away from the city lights looking at a star filled sky and driving in an almost complete void. Occasionally I would need to dim the high beams for the rare on-coming car but for the most part had the road to myself. You can really see the stars here in Nebraska, with our small population there is not a lot of light pollution from cities. You experience the odd wild animal playing chicken with your automobile, the raccoon's are brave and the opossum are just plain stupid. You can see the field mice running across the road if you look real close, this is easier in the winter time when there is snow on the ground though.
So with my strawberry pop, Johnny coming thru load and clear and my thoughts all to myself I reflect on what makes my life better. One hour is enough but I usually take more, it helps me think of all the gifts the Lord has blessed me with. I think of my family and how truly awesome they are; how my oldest daughter is turning into such a little lady, how my youngest daughter is so loving, friendly and kind. How much my wife gives to our family and friends. I think of my dad and all the struggles he has gone thru in his life and how much he still gives to others and asks for so little in return. I think of friends past and present. The friends you will never see or talk to again, the friends you don't see or talk to enough or the friends you get to spend time with. This time is truly a special time for me.
Here in Nebraska on a cloudless star filled night I drive and think and find my mood is much better. More relaxed and a better perspective on things. I know most people have a place like this but it is Why I Love Nebraska.
