Grappling with the heat

I started this entry several days ago, and I kept coming back and changing things as I contemplated not only the actual heat, but also the metaphorical heat of pressure on people to produce, to succeed, to do what's expected of them.  Then, last night as I settled into my bed, I heard a strange sound.  Wind and tick, tick, tick, plop...oh my goodness, RAIN!  I lay still for a moment, not wanting to scare it away or to be too jubilant over a few drops, but I could not resist leaping to my feet and running to the back door.  (Yes, I run in my house all the time.) I flicked on the porch light and glanced toward my three tomato plants, lined up and hopeful in the early darkness.  Suddenly, the trees and bushes started dancing wildly and down came that blessed liquid we have missed for so long.  Oh how I longed to share it with those who need it worse, but I was thankful, thankful we had the luck of the draw this time.  Funny how conditions beyond our control consistently put things in perspective for us if we'll just stop to appreciate, be grateful, and think of others.  Sometimes, in the midst of our own misery, serious or not, we forget, we lose track of that wonderful humanity we all have deep inside.  Yes, we're all grappling with heat in some way, shape, or form.  In the long run, though, we know we'll make it through and see brighter, lighter, cooler, sweeter days.  If we can just remember that as we're grappling, we'll be able to help those who can't remember.  The human race has proven it over and over and over again.  If you're down and out and feeling low, help someone else.  It is instantly uplifting, and though of itself it will not solve your problems, it will give you the spirit to keep working and hoping.  Now, that's what I call successful grappling.