My husband has a habit, a hobby, whatever. Instead of taking the road most often used to go somewhere, he is inclined to take different roads. Interesting, really, and it is surprising how the environment that surrounds them differs. It’s true that even on a road you use every day things that can change like magic.

This reminds me of an e-mail I recently received. The author was talking about traveling down the road often just looking at the view, especially if it is appealing. As the leaves fall from the trees, areas become bare and we are able to see things we might not have noticed before, though it had been there for quite some time. We just never noticed it.

The same is true about people. We see people all the time but often rarely see their circumstance. On the plus side they seem to have everything they could probably want — nothing that would indicate they have any discomforts of life. We have to remember there are two sides on the road of life.

Sometimes we don't look down the middle of the road. If we would take a better look, what would we see? Obvious needs and poverty are easy to see, but how many good, deserving people are struggling that we don't see? Or see and do nothing about it?

This includes the fact that some people won't accept food or fuel assistance and friendships because of pride or some ignorance, or a feeling of no self worth. They quietly exist perhaps because they don't know what else to do, are scared to ask, or think, "this is the way it used to be in my day." The goodness is there are things we can do that can make a difference.

Recently I was at a nursing home. There was a quiet, sweet little lady sitting all alone at coffee time. I tried to share some conversation with her. I had some pictures along that I shared. She didn't know the people in the pictures but she was interested. Before I left I mentioned that I used to know someone in our neighborhood who had the same last name as she did. She looked at me with tears in her eyes and said, "I am the last one of my family. There is no one else left. I lived on the farm as long as I could, but all my old neighbors are gone and new people have moved there that I do not know. I am 84 years old and all alone."

This frail little lady was supported with crutches, but when I kissed her on the forehead and asked if there was anything I could do, she said, “no” and smiled. I told her I would come again, and I will. God gave me a purpose.

So what does this have to do with a road less traveled? Sometimes we are so busy assessing those who have enough and forget to look at the middle of the road and see the ones we tend to overlook.

When faced with obstacles that seem overwhelming, open your eyes, look for a new road and head in a new direction. You might find a wonderful surprise waiting for you, just around the corner.

Our road will be smooth and untroubled no matter what life may send, if we travel the pathway together, and walk side by side with a friend.

For those of us still out "running with the world," time goes by so swiftly we wish it would slow down. For those whose life is now in a comfortable "caring" home, or nursing home, but not the home they may have lived in for most of their lives, they may have too much time. The amenities may all be there, but there is always a need for friends to talk about old times, new times, and an outlet for any concerns they might have.

Take time, even if you don't think you have it. Even a "pop in" shows them they are not forgotten, that they are still important and thought of. Share a picture, a story, a hug, a note, a phone call. It is always good to get back to the basics — like sharing our hearts and caring for one another.

I also spent the afternoon visiting at one of our local "caring homes" on Halloween. The home opened their doors and encouraged local children to come and visit. How happy the residents were to see all the kids and their smiling faces, as they made their way around the fellowship area in their Halloween costumes. The kids received more than treats; they saw a great number of smiling faces too.

How beautiful a day can be when kindness touches it. Your life will unfold, doors will open and any goal you set for yourself can be reached. Listen to the angels. You will be blessed.

As we grow in our capacities to see and enjoy the joys that God has placed in our lives, life becomes a glorious experience of discovering His endless wonders.

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Some of our Star Eagle readers have commented they like to read about events such as family and school reunions, birthdays and anniversaries, and birth and wedding announcements. In order to read about these important things we need our faithful readers to pass along the information to us. Also if you have an idea for a story that you think would be of interest to our readers, please contact me.

If you have birthdays and anniversaries you would like include, or news to share please contact me via e-mail, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; by postal mail, P.O. Box 192, Geneva, MN 56035 or telephone, 507-256-4405.

Birthdays and anniversaries:

• Thursday, November 6th: Brody Richards, Makota Grahm Misgen, Mary Ann Lund, Dylan Paul Moen, Jon Beck, David Hagen, Doug Klemmensen, Lauren Jo Draayer, Chad Ayers, Toni Roberts, Taylor Roberts, Kellie & Ryan Benning

• Friday, November 7th: Ella Dobberstein, Solveig Adelaine Mattson, her 4th birthday; Ava Leigh Wangsness, her 5th birthday; Alymra Seath, Jolee Johnson, Travis Diederrich, Linda Dobberstein, Scott Olson, Mark Sundwall

• Saturday, November 8th: Sydney Larson, Andrew Jensen, Brian Hughes, Burton Nelson

• Sunday, November 9th: Phyllis Hagen, Tami Lund Wacek, Scott Coxworth, Jon Aronson, Kent Kruckenburg, Cindy Gould, Tim Westrum, Christopher Jepson

• Monday, November 10th: Keith McDonald, Eric Anderson, Russell Reistad, Tomm Richards, Jennifer Zimprich, Jessica Kasper, Andrew Olson, Jessica (Johnson) & Dan Rebelein, Stan & Liz Reichl, Everett & Diane Jensen

• Tuesday, November 11th: Jason Tracy, Kate Laudon, Agnes Christensen, Ione Hagen, Dale Hunt, Paula Swearingen, Jennifer Jacobs, Dawn Diemer, Rachel Gould, Dave & Linda Brandt, Amanda Schimdt, Tory Lee Christensen

• Wednesday, November 12th: Harbor Lee Pence, 2012; Trinity Tracy Vulcan, Tatum Charlotte Vulcan, Samuel Henry Kaplan, Lois Johnson Aitchison, Jill Jensen, Holly Thompson, Craig Clausen, Helen Kellem, Scott & Jan Sorenson, Jill & Shannon Jensen

• Thursday, November 13th: Geoffrey Nelson. Abbey Louise Titus, Bill Johnson, Jeffrey Nelson, Diane Brighton, Earl & Janis Klinger, Steve & Pennie Ladlie

Make your special day be a day you'll never forget, filled with smiles, good cheer, and laughter!