on Being unobservant

If I ever needed to identify a thief, recall anything unusual from two days ago, or identify a friend's car in the dark as it's aiming for me I would fail miserably! I tend to be pretty self absorbed, unfortunately. Want to know what that person's name was that I just checked out at the library. She's been coming in on a regular basis since I started working there. Introduce myself to someone 'new' at church only to discover they've been attending longer than I have. Notice that someone is upset? probably not. How does one change this sort of behavior and become more attuned to what's happening in and with the people around you? How does one start noticing the details of a person's being so you can sense their feelings? I am able to identify many birds just from their song, but not pick up on the most obvious of body language, or see that my friend has just pulled up beside me until she stands in my face. Yikes.

Little voices

I was rushing around the other morning, getting ready to head out the door. I usually cut my time pretty close, and I'm so rigid about the way the morning goes. Sheesh. The phone rings. That's unusual. But this little voice says, after a quiet space,"Hi gramma". Wow! I sat down and had the greatest conversation with my almost 3 year old Isaiah. It seems he was all cuddled up with his mom waiting for dad to get home from work (he works nights) and he just wanted to talk to someone on the phone. So I got the call! After we 'chatted' about the dark, and Phin, and what he was planning for his day he finished by saying "I love you". Now that's a day starter if I've ever had one! I don't think I appreciated them so much when my kids were that age, but I surely love them now. Thanks Kristin!

Farmers Market

I headed up to the local farmers' market after work today. They are selling every Tues, Thurs and Saturday from May through Sept. I know we're a pretty small place when there are only 4 or 5 tables of stuff and it all fits inside the shelter house! Oh to have a weekly market like they have in Lincoln! (picture) But, I'm really not complaining because I just love the availability of the fresh stuff..Let me count the ways: fresh strawberries through June, asparagus,sweet corn, green beans,tomatoes, peppers, onions, and now the apples! I can and do buy bread, pies, flowers. I had a huge garden when we were first married and have often wished for just a small space to grow some of my favorites, but this is a wonderful second best! I will miss them during the winter months.

Bring the Rain

The pouring down rain this afternoon reminded me of the discussion we were having last night, and that carried over to this morning for me about the passage in James "Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. "We looked at this song from the group MercyMe in our small group last night. Part of our discussion centered on this song from the group Mercyme Bring the Rain. It's a stunning request-send the rain in order to glorify God! Life truly is not about me. I wish I had that down right. I wish I didn't dread the trials and the difficulties. I really don't trust God enough, and I have so much more to learn!

I can count a million times
People asking me how I
Can praise You with all that I've gone The question just amazes me
Can circumstances possibly
Change who I forever am in You
Maybe since my life was changed
Long before these rainy days
It's never really ever crossed my mind
To turn my back on you, oh Lord
My only shelter from the storm
But instead I draw closer through these times
So I pray
Bring me joy, bring me peace
Bring the chance to be free
Bring me anything that brings You glory
And I know there'll be days When this life brings me pain
But if that's what it takes to praise You Jesus, bring the rain
I am yours regardless of the clouds that may loom above because you are much greater than my pain you who made a way for me suffering your destiny so tell me whats a little rain