The Surprise In A Friendship; When You Were Expecting To Be Alone

Her rich, deep voice is directed towards us. 

Her eyes sparkling. 

I answer her question. 

She exudes joy with a touch of mischief. 

We exchange pleasantries. 

As in all conversations there comes a defining moment. 

She shares that she lost 3 of her siblings in a matter of months. 

My heart lurches with the known pain of losing so many in a matter of months. 

I hug her. 

And a friendship is born. 

Decades apart in age. 

Unity in the Spirit. 

In the morning session she comes running down to greet us. 

As I should have known a link to my mom would be there. 

My mom knew everyone. 

Or knew someone related to someone. 

And here this dear woman's niece dug deep with my mom in bible study. 

Cried out to God in prayer together. 

A link. 

Encouragement in the Body of Christ. 

I listen as this woman tells bits and piece of her story. 

Gary and I; intrigued. 

At 78 she has more energy than the both of us put together. 

She is witty and bright. 

And I want to be just like her when I grow up. 

I want the love of Christ to define who I am and shine in all I do. 

I want to have experienced all that I can. 

She regales us with story after story. 

And I know that this is a gift. 

A treasure. 

God has come along side of me in human form. 

He has sent a companion to laugh with and learn from. 

I marvel at the goodness of God. 

This week has been good. 

A week of unexpected alone time. 

Rich in peace and quiet. 

Overflowing with solid study and teaching. 

Each day is a gift. 

Even when they are hard. 

There is much to learn. 

Swaying With The Changes

The kids will head to camp today. 

I can't get the teenagers up to help get chores finished.

But today they are up shortly after me. 

Excitement. 

Camp.

Memories.

Time with fellow believers. 

Growing closer to God. 

Being refreshed and renewed.

Reminders of hope;  of life everlasting. 

I will make the drive to New York without my farmer. 

Life goes that way some times. 

There was a breakdown yesterday. 

So plans, for today, are changed. 

I don't do so well with change anymore. 

I can feel myself being unsettled. 

I take a deep breath. 

Even this, a trip to New York, is in God's hands. 

Once again, the day is beautiful. 

I have been so blessed with gorgeous travelling weather. 

This is the Lord's day.
I will rejoice and be glad in it. 

Psalm 118:24

I will rest in this day that belongs to the Lord. 

I will find the beauty in the created Universe. 

Such a gift. 

I just need eyes to see. 

Trying to let go of my Agenda and submit to the One who majors in Agenda's. 

I am embracing these days. 

Swaying with the changes. 

Trying to be open to God's Spirit moving. 

Jeremiah 31:3

The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: 

"I have loved you with an everlasting love;

 I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.

He loves us with an everlasting love. 

No one else ever will. 

No one ever can.

People will let us down. 

We are human. 

We make mistakes. 

That's why there is grace. 

We need to extend it more. 

Be open to how God is moving. 

Remembering no one perfect; except Christ. 

I will listen to a book on tape. 

I will step into the change for today. 

I am going to miss these kids this week. 

I will have all week to pray and prepare for the return trip to bring them home. 

It will be a year then, that our lives changed forever. 

Psalm 25:1-5

Of David. In you, LORD my God, I put my trust.

I trust in you; do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me 

No one who hopes in you will ever be put to shame,

 but shame will come on those who are treacherous without cause.

Guide me in your truth and teach me, 

for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.