PILLOWS

I understand that when Jesus net with His disciples for their last supper together, they didn't sit around a table, but reclined on couches and pillows. This was the way people often spent their time together, and when they would eat together, they also reclined on couches and pillows. Pillows have been an important part of my life also; on that old farm I would have only one pillow, but many heavy blankets and then I would snuggle deeply down under those heavy blankets and even pull them up over my head. I could still my grandfather open the door that led up to my room and he would also whisper, "Time to roll out...." That was enough for me, I would climb out of bed and dress as quickly as I could, and soon I would be at our old barn where we milked our five cows. Lately I have a need for at least two pillows; one I stuff down as deep as I can into the place between the headboard and the mattress. The other one is made so it fits my neck almost perfectly. I turn out my light, and then I take my elbows and in the dark, wiggle the pillows around until the top one is tightly fit around my neck. Some have told me that they don't even use any pillows; they tell me it is better to sleep that way, I have tried doing that, but I find it hurts my neck too much, and besides that, there is nothing to hug tightly when I start to think that it's a real person that I'm hugging. I know there are a number of different kinds of pillows; some are used in chairs, some on couches, and of course in hospitals there are plenty to go around. What bothers me is that now when on an airplane they charge people for one little white pillow. When I fly, I like to have at least one pillow so I can lean up against the window looking down at the ground. I have seen those who sleep outside at night; they enjoy the fresh air and the ability to watch the stars high above them, and I wonder if they sleep very well with no pillows at all. If that was me; I would wake up in the morning with a stiff neck and a sore back. There is a time when young people have 'pillow fights' and square off against each other with pillows. This usually is a lot of fun, until a pillow breaks and feathers fly all over the room. When this happens they try to pick up all the feathers and stuff them back into the broken pillow. Lot's of luck trying to do that! Then there is what is know as 'pillow talk'. Two people side by side, close to each other in bed, share their feelings for each other. Tender moments of shared affections, many of which will be remembered for years. That's the time to mind our own business and let them continue to feast on each other's intimate love. On special occasions a person will bring another person breakfast, and prompt the breakfast on top of some pillows and watch them enjoy such special treatment, so early in the morning, and the smell of coffee brewing, bacon sizzling, and eggs, toast, with sometimes grits on the side. Clouds up overhead often resemble pillows; those white clouds pile up high and float around the sky as if to say to us, "Look at me, I'm a pillow!" Often when flying in airplanes we suddenly break through all the dark clouds and fly into bright sunlight, going even higher I could look down at those dark clouds and see streaks of lightning flashing downward. Even when landing, often the airplane descends through heavy rain, thunderstorms and finally there is the runway and the pilots guide the plane safely to the waiting hostesses who bid us all, thanking us for choosing their airline. Then into the airport when relatives are gathered, some of the afraid that our flight would be delayed, but seeing me walk through the door, they run and hug me welcoming me back home again. Pillows, pillows, not hard places to recline, but to gently place your entire body to a place where sleep will come soon. Pillows, pillows, many are they, some soft, while others are hard as cement, yet if you find exactly the one that fits your own head, then you will be able to sleep as well as I sleep each night. Pillows can also be a reflection of our past. When times were easy, pillows were welcome, yet when times changed and turned tougher, I needed them more than ever. Pillows seem to fit all my feelings, they don't talk back to me, they just enjoy being useful, no matter what situation I face. Good night, hug a pillow, it might just be what you need. I do.