Haiti

I have a chance to take a trip to Haiti in February. Saying "take a trip" is sort of misnomer because it certainly wouldn't be a vacation. It would be a work trip, a 'how-can-I-help' trip, an experience to see the world that I never have from my isolated vantage. I have been having a struggle with this for lots of reasons-part of which involve having to give up some things in order to go. Part of which involve not being sure I really have anything to offer in the group that's going. I do know most of the people who would go. I also know the people who we would work with and are the mission group we would be heading toward. Hmm. I have sent my kids on countless trips like this. I have thought about doing this since the day I was married and lots of things have been in the way since that day. It's easier to let someone else do this, for sure. Anyway, tell me what you think.

Santa Claus

I played Santa today and I have to tell you, I really enjoyed myself. Ok. So I didn't quite get dressed up in the suit and all, I just mean I took presents and delivered them and surprised and pleased people. It wasn't even a big deal. (and I'm probably ruining any brownie points I get by telling the whole world about this in the first place) I mean your family expects presents. You've gotten them stuff for all of their lives. These people expected nothing and so the little bit that I did was an unexpected treat for them. I tell you, I should be doing unexpected random nice things more often. Even for my family. I wouldn't even need a million dollars. Just some creativity would work.

Seasons of Life

Every season of the year has its own rewards. At one point I identified fall as my favorite, while acknowledging the benefits of all the others! Really! How could one pick any one season as the best anyway? Who was to know that I would come to the point where I would see clearly that my own life is a passing through seasons. Each one holding its own color and vibrancy, and its own unique life-from my youth to this time i'm in now, I need to live in the season, rather than fight it or mourn the loss of the season just past. It's true there are many things that I won't ever get to do again: I probably won't water ski again; I might not get to ride a horse, or climb any more trees. The active sports like baseball and volleyball seem to be done too. But, Hey! This lovely season that I'm in now seems to have multitudes of blessings: holding grandchildren, playing catch, watching them explore the new world around them. And my own 'going' hasn't seemed to dim these past few years. I'm able to travel and camp and bike and walk and work at a job that I love; cook, entertain, make new friends and connect with old ones, boss a husband about.... It's like a beautiful autumn with its riot of colors and penchant for perfect blue skies and crisp days. My favorite season of all.

I do worry at times about what the future holds, don't we all at some point? but as my mother in law used to say, "but I know who holds the future".

"Behold, you have made my days a few handbreadths, and my lifetime is as nothing before you.Surely all mankind stands as a mere breath!"

Dedication

I grew up knowing it was pretty rude to take pictures during a church service. Especially praying, or some other serious observance. This weekend was our grandson's Dedication service and I rudely took pictures. I hope that doesn't take away from the sincerity of my heart as I watched his parents commit to raising this boy to come to know Jesus as the Lord and Savior of his life. There is nothing better he could possibly do with his life, and nothing more important for his parents to teach him. We were so pleased to be able to be a part of this service and to add our commitment to teaching him and leading him to the Lord! (in ways that only grandma and grandpa can do!) We have been so amazed at God's faithfulness in his life in his few short months we really look forward to seeing how God will be at work in him!

Being a Parent

Did I really parent 3 whole children? I seem to have memory loss about the stress, and the madness that being a parent entails. The patience. Did I really ever have any of that? I couldn't have. How did my kids grow up to be normal adults? (Or maybe they're not really) How is it that the craziness that's involved in keeping kids out of mischief, electrical sockets, falling down stairs, climbing on high unstable things, eating unhealthily, becoming polite was something that we actually were able to achieve? oh wait...maybe we didn't really. But what I see my adult kids doing now with my grandkids I am in total amazement of. They have so much patience, and seem to be so sane when the kids are running out of control. I don't think i could be as patient and calm and loving as they are. I am in awe that theY parent their children with so much affection. They are so good with them. I must say, I am so very pleased to hand control of said grandkids over to their incredible parents. Amazing job guys!