Love One Another

As we approach the annual celebration of Valentines day we are reminded to declare our love, commitment and thankfulness to those special individuals in our lives. We are saturated with things that are red and heart shaped and chocolate. It is a very commercial day, but at the same time it is a wake up call for many who take for granted those who love and support them throughout the year.

As I was headed out to the grocery store tonight I saw the most heart warming site. An elderly man with an unsteady gait was walking slowly home from the store with a bouquet of flowers in his hand. It was dark and cool, but his determination was evident. What a lovely sign of love and commitment.

It is much like what I observe with my old people. One always looking out for the other. At times they seem like Marie and Frank Romano, but at others they are like the Cleavers. It is in those moments that I realize their long standing devotion, which clearly out weighs the momentary aggravations of the day. Helping each other order food, sharing pie, choosing a restaurant they never want to go to because it means so much to the other.

How many opportunities do we miss each day to encourage someone with love, offer a good word or blessing or to touch their heart with genuine love? I am thinking the number is high. We are selfish and self absorbed in many ways. We may not recognize it, but we focus only on the things that matter to us, but not what impact we may have on those we share global space with, family or strangers!

It is the example seen at the store; people smiling at their shopping companions but glaring at the clerk, impatient with fellow shoppers or leaving a dropped product for store help to pick up. Those wonderful folks provide a great service to us and often with a smile and kindness. How often do we offer genuine gratitude, ask them about their day or offer them holiday good will.

Love one another (John 13:34) good times and bad, tired or jiggy, feel like it or not. Your simple action may open the wellspring of joy for many, pressed down and shaken! It is with love and gratitude I send this today. You are loved!

Bump on the Head

Well here it is:

Once upon a time there was a woman who was standing
And she stood and she stood and she stood.
Then one day she started a whirling and twirling
landing feet pointed skyward, her head kissing wood.
A knot could be found on her head, big and hard
And at the big hospital they just wanted her medical card.
After tests, rests, pests and an ambulance cruise
she found she had suffered simply a great big bruise.
So home she did go with her eye swollen shut
where she is waiting for less swelling
before she leaves her small hut.

You never know what each day will bring. Sitting to write a simple thank you card can land you in the hospital. Who knew. I think about that often. When wee wake up each day we really never say, "Today I will land on my can and fracture a hip" yet...given enough time we can accomplish this and much more.

The point is that we should not take our healthy time for granted. It is the time to prepare for those moments when we are less graceful or less able to do those simple things like walk, exercise, sweep, wash dishes,etc. You get the idea. You think it is not me, won't happen to me, I am so in charge.

You are so not and the reality is, it could be you NOW, while minding your own 'biz! As you are sitting and reading this small passing thought, you could fall off your stool and get a big knot. So what will you do to prepare for that fall, it will happen to you in no time at all. The result you may find from a good bump to the head, is you can't remember the things you have read. So tape to the wall the goals for each day, like standing and sitting in the safest of ways:)


Jude 24-25

distraction

Whether it is a joyful event or a concerning one, distraction can be found. As a matter of fact it can find me in the middle of doing the dishes. One minute you are organized and have a game plan for the day, the next you are coloring with your son while watching a Frasier rerun. That's right, I color, and I am good too!

It seems this past year has been full of distractions. Change in work status, change in health status, child events, parent events, neighbor events. Even in the community, distractions. A favorite clerk at our local grocer died very suddenly before Christmas. Distraction. My son had to endure an extensive dental procedure ... twice. Distraction. My mother landed in the hospital. Distraction. I have a new job. Distraction.

Good or bad, it changes the delicate balance which is me and I become distracted. I was so surprised and grateful when I finally accepted my job loss (not necessarily when it occurred just when I acknowledged it was so!)as I was suddenly putting in order many things that had fallen way down the list. Much of it due to the daily distractions of a married mother, employee, student, caregiver. And the whole age thing, well, I am willing to admit it may be a factor.

What that moment of order provided was an opportunity for me to evaluate some very important voids. I had not been as well acquainted with some relatives as I desired. I made some contact. What WONDERFUL people. Acquainted. I was not good at keeping up with some dear friends. Reconnected. I enjoyed finding a little order.

Now that I am working I feel a little distraction sneaking in. So in order to prevent a complete collapse of order I am planning regular time to continue some of my new found fun; writing, mailing, visiting, creating, cleaning (trust me, it is necessary), planning. I am hopeful that I can maintain this joy. But feel free to let me know if you see me slipping or becoming..............distracted.