Choosing a photograph to accompany these modest stories is a process. Half a dozen skilled photographers have graciously allowed me to use their captures, and I am in their debt. Over the years I have developed a routine of where to start looking. If I need a close up of an egret, I scroll through Alison Glenn Larsen's collection. If the text is about little kids, or the emotions of daily life I hunt through Jenny Stein's flickr page, or Zane Kathryne Schwaiger's. If the point hovers around a sports pass, or a stage of dancers, or a walk on the beach, I head to Joy Feerrar's body of work. There is no way to predict what Stephen Conroy's albums will hold, so I just enjoy perusing. If the subject focuses squarely on my own kids, my oldest daughter rescues me. If what I need is a close up of a spring flower, Anita Haltermman is the artist. 

People develop their own style. If I pay attention, I have an inkling of what I will get before I spend time with them. There are those who lean toward complaining, and as I sit across from them that is what will probably show up. Others have a bedrock of belief in God, and their trust infuses the conversation. For some it is usually about social issues, or their own brand of politics. 

The other day I wanted a listening ear. I thought about a few people, and had a sense of how it would play out. One person would be generous with advice, if that was what I wanted. It wasn't. Another would make me laugh, which is a lovely distraction. A woman who can find the goodness in anything would surely redirect my sadness, if I was ready for it. 

As it happened, my oldest son listened, and told me a story from his day that resonated. I found myself untangled from my self absorption. 

Then I began to wonder. What do I offer the people in my life? Am I so entrenched in my own responses, that I forget to truly listen? To be pliable enough to serve them in whatever capacity arises? 

One of the attributes of those photographers is their willingness to look. To be curious. To be still and wait. That is when they find splendor.