Yesterday, my new friend wrote a blog about the Lenten season and her thoughts on how we should take this period before Easter to reassess our actions and intentions…..good stuff….I spent the day pondering her questions on if I were spending my time as I would if it were my last days. These last few weeks have been an amazing time, between the tug o war between God and I on my obedience to do what He is calling, the amazing ways He works when I finally submit to His plan…..the beautiful moments Madison and I have had on some of her home school break throughs…the silent waltzes Les and I have shared a few times lately by starlight on the deck after we put the children to bed….and the laughter of many teens in and out of my house evenings, it has been a time that affirms that indeed, that choosing home is a good thing even if home is a really busy place right now. As frantically fast as my life sometimes runs, there is such joy for me in the quiet, the peace filled moments as well. One of my favorite things this past week has been to spend more time sitting down at the piano and simply praising God as I play, by myself, and sing for His glory (I hope He scores appreciation on desire to praise, not ability) ……and that time has become a precious wellspring of conversation between us.
Yesterday, with another crazy busy morning happening, I looked at my cabinet…..I am a dishes fan…I love them, their patterns, colors, and styles. Last week I had brought out a delicate ivory and spring green pattern that I love but isn’t dishwasher/microwave friendly…but its swirly pattern indeed makes me love it….its cups and saucers whisk me to a time and place that no longer exists except in my mind (of geenteel conversations with men and ladies dressed from church in suits and dresses as they shared Sunday afternoons over pie after church)….and as I made fresh coffee in my perculator hearing its hiss and sighs as it made the coffee and poured a fresh cup and carried it to my office…..well, it was just one of those moments that you realize some things are worth it…..worth the time….worth the extra….and richly satisfying to take the time for…..that’s how I feel about so many of the things God sets before me….the phone calls from an elder widower who calls daily to be instructed on how to cook that meatloaf…or how long to boil eggs….at 77, after 45 years of marriage, he’s learning new grooves alone. He thinks he’s a bother, I think he’s the most precious voice I hear every day as he ends each call with God loves you and I do too young’n. It’s not that I am trying to say that I am all that…for believe me, my laundry pile would prove right quickly that I am not together….but how often do we simply stop hearing and seeing the needs of others….stop taking the opportunities that are right in front of us to do God’s work….asked or not….our awareness is often so self absorbed…yet our call is to love others as ourselves.
My day was enriched by a walk in the park with a new friend and her stroller aged son. My daughter scootering around and through us regularly…..sharing the world of staying at home….mindful that it is a choice for both of us, despite having trained and degrees that might be more profitable elsewhere….but despite the challenges of being home for two girls who are “get it done” kinda folks…..choosing to make our lives about our husband’s, children, and stepchildren is indeed a richer kind of paycheck….albeit not cashable at the bank.
I am thankful for all of the experiences this week that affirm and share that God is God and He is moving in many lives around us…..and in our own……and in reflection to my friend’s writing…..and the preparation of remembering that Jesus indeed was sent as the ultimate gift of sacrifice is so worth setting aside this Lent season to reflect God’s great love for us all….and to share that gift and love with others.
God is good…
P.S.
Mrs. Goofy and her friends….you know who you are…..I have not laughed as hard, nor enjoyed fellowship and food as much as I enjoyed your company in a long long time….you are blessed to have such a friendship group and I am appreciative of being with you for the gathering last night!
