Different but the Same

April 26, 2017

As I sit here at dawn drinking my morning coffee with the back door open, I'm listening to the birds singing their good mornings.  I'm still enjoying the one who is a new song to me -- three descending minor notes with a little trill at the end -- I believe it is a white-throated sparrow, but I haven't been able to spot her yet.  I love waking up this way and as I smile and enjoy the hope of a new day, a lesson comes to mind. 

I am grateful to God the Creator for the great diversity all around us for us to enjoy and learn from.  I reflect on all the different kinds of birds there are, each with its own look, its own way of living and nesting, and each with its own song.  Yet they are all birds, a part of the same species, a part of the same family and there is something to appreciate in each of them. 

So it should be with humans.  We each have our own look, our own way of living, and sing our own songs but still a part of the same human family. But oftentimes, we focus on our differences and when we do that it breeds judgment, competition, jealousy -- all the things that drive us apart.  Maybe we need to be more like the birds who live together in this one world, allowing one another to live their own way.  We need to look more for what we have in common while learning to appreciate the differences without the judgment, competition and jealousy because "they"don't live the same way as "we" do. We need to be more concerned about how we are living our own lives and not worry so much about how others live theirs. 

Morning Pages

One of my favorite things to do with the warmer weather coming is to sit outside early in the morning with a fresh cup of coffee and my journal. I love watching the beautiful morning light expand itself across my yard. I love listening to the chatter and symphony of birdsong. Alone and quiet with my thoughts.

A quiet place of solitude that needs some freshening up for spring. Perhaps a nice basket of flowers and a pillow.

Sunlight creeping up through the trees and spilling out over the grass.

Pots waiting to be planted and display vibrant colors of gorgeous blooms.

Daydreaming and waiting for Spring...

One Thousand Gifts

What does it mean to be poor?

Isn't this what you saw in your mind's eye, or something like it?

Or maybe this?

Or even this?

When we think of the poor, we think of those who are without: without homes, without clothing, without food, without money. Without all the material things that most of us have an abundance of and take for granted.

If you ever have the opportunity, spend some time among them: in Mexico, on the Navajo reservation, in Haiti, in Kansas City or whatever city you live in. You don't have to go far. Reach out. Share a meal. Talk to them. Take the risk. Get to know them. You may go in thinking you have something to give to them.

But the truth is, they have something extraordinary to give to you.

They will show you that being "poor" means relying on God for every need, every day. It means to be watchful for God's provision, knowing that everything that comes into your life, every need met, has been delivered from His hands. It means giving thanks for every. small. gift.

~~~~~

I believe, WE are the poor. Our lives are so busy with work and family, little league and dance class, committee meetings and ministry. We are always in a hurry to get from here to there. We miss so much. We miss every small gift that comes from God's hand. Yet we are not satisfied. We are not content. We think there is never enough. Not enough space, not enough money, not enough stuff, not enough time. WE are the poor.

So here is my dare to you:

Begin a list of the things you love, a list of the things you have to be thankful for. Open your eyes and heart to the little gifts from God that are hidden among the deadlines and the dishes. When you see them, write them down. Nothing is too large or frivolous. Nothing is to small and insignificant. Because it all comes from Our Father who loves us and knows how to give good gifts. Begin thanking Him in all things, naming them one by one, until you get to One Thousand Gifts.

It will change you. And when it does, I'd love to hear back from you about your journey into thanksgiving.

Walking in Grace

When I walked out the door this morning for my 5 mile walk, it was 30 degrees. By the time I got back 2 hours later, it had warmed up to 34 and I was actually sweating. No heavy clothing. Just tights under my usual lightweight jogging pants, long sleeve T-shirt and a fleece hoodie. I started out with gloves but had to take them and the stocking hat off after a while.

I love my walks: neighborhood sidewalks to the park, asphalt walking trail around a couple of ball diamonds, woodchip trail through the woods and along a creek, another rocky trail that requires a little climbing, and then through the neighborhoods back home. Just enough variety to keep me from being bored and to give me a good workout.

I needed this walk today. I've been feeling under the weather lately, both physically and emotionally. So much to think about lately, weighing options, wrestling with emotions, considering consequences of every course of action. Fighting the temptation to hibernate and sleep takes all my energy.

So on this walk today, as I entered the woods, I determined to slow down a bit, take in my surroundings and pray. I asked God to give me a deer. I often ask for deer when I walk through the woods and He often provides because I think He knows how much that makes my heart smile. But there were no deer today. Instead, as I was following the part of the trail that runs alongside the creek, I stopped and peeked through the trees and saw this:





I had to climb down over a few rocks and found a perfect place to sit and just take it in. The water has begun to freeze as it spills over the flat rock slabs, as has the top layer of the pool of water below. But you could still hear the water tinkling down and the way the light was playing off the icy water was mesmerizing. I sat and listened and watched a small school of fish swimming below the ice. I prayed and meditated and listened for a good 20 minutes before the ache in my backside told me it was time to pry myself off the cold rock I was sitting on. But even with that cold ache, I felt lighter somehow, like a weight had been lifted.

I'm feeling very grateful for these tiny gifts. These times when God reaches down and gently touches my life, knowing just what I need at just the right moment. It isn't always what I ask for or in the way I expect, but if I slow down and pay attention, listening, asking for His presence, He is always there, as if He has been waiting for me all along.

These are sacred moments, these times. They are Visions of Grace.

I am here

Where are you?(link)

Motivation...

I haven't had the motivation to do much of anything lately. In fact there have been more than a couple of days in the past week that I stayed in my PJs all day. Today looked as if it was going to be another one of those days where the hours passed, minute by minute with me doing absolutely nothing.

Then my sweet daughter called, knowing how I'd been feeling lately, and told me to be ready to go in 20 minutes. I reluctantly obeyed for I have learned not to argue with my headstrong child.

We went to Aiden and Kolbe's brief "graduation" ceremony (preschool) and they were thrilled to have an audience. Then Kelley and I ducked out alone and had lunch at Panara, a favorite for both of us.

It has been such a joy these past few months to experience this new friendship with my oldest daughter. She and I have pretty much always gotten along well but lately I've been challenging myself to be more open and honest with her about my life and it has brought us closer than ever before. I feel like I can talk to her woman to woman and trust her with my confidences. She is a remarkable young woman and a very conscientious, loving mother. And I'm very proud of her.

After lunch, I came home and was so tempted to just lay down and take a nap. But I had promised my daughter I would get out and walk today, something I haven't found the energy for in a couple of weeks. I procrastinated as long as I could but finally managed to get out the door around 4:30. I knew it was going to be dark before I got home. It usually takes about an hour and 40 minute for me to complete my 5 mile route.

One leg of my route takes me on a trail through the woods. I was a little apprehensive about it because by the time I reached the trail, the sun had set and darkness was coming, especially with the remaining light of the day being shielded by all the trees. But I pressed on and completed my usual walk. It was quiet and seemed even more so with the darkness.

But the most wonderful part of the walk was near the beginning as I reached the peak of my walk, the highest point, and I saw this spectacular sunset. The photo doesn't do justice, taken with my phone, but it was wonderful. I stood in awe for several minutes before continuing on.

*taken with my phone camera*

This small gift is enough motivation for me to begin again.

~peace~

Pro Deo

The name means "For God."

Pro Deo Youth Center was established about a year ago by Andy and Kylie Ewing in Lee's Summit, MO. Andy is a Lee's Summit police officer and began building relationships with the teens in his community. Those relationships grew and eventually led to inviting kids to the home he shares with his wife.

I had an opportunity to visit their home this evening with a group from my church. We provided a simple meal of sloppy joes and chips and cake for around 30 teens and young adults who came and went throughout the evening. The Ewings open up their home every Tuesday evening to any kids wanting a free meal and a place to hang out with friends. Most of the youth stayed and played cards, video games and ping pong. It was loud and busy and alive. Each time the front door opened and another teen or two or three entered, Kylie greeted them with a smile and a hug, always asking how their week has been or asking about various challenges she knew they had been facing.

I talked to several of the kids there. Most were in school or working. Many had big plans for their lives. Others are struggling. There was one young mama with a 3-month-old baby. Some are homeless. Some don't have supportive families. Some are societies outcasts. Judged for their appearance with piercings and tattoos and black hair and such. Often judged without the benefit of even a conversation. Skateboarders. Hair stylists. But they all gather in this home, that has been opened up to them in the spirit of God's love, and they feel welcome and cared for rather than shunned and judged for the life choices they have made. The Ewings are providing them with a "family." A place to belong, even if only for one night a week.

And isn't that what we all need? To feel loved and a place to belong? Even more so for teenagers and young adults who are living in a time of such chaos and uncertainty, trying to find their place in this world. I'm so thankful there are people in the world like the Ewings who have made the commitment and sacrifice to reach out to kids. They are the kind of heroes we need more of.

10 Things: Gratitude

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. Philippians 4:12

I wish this were true for me. I am struggling today and not feeling very content. So this is an exercise in gratitude.
10 things I am grateful for:

1. A simple breakfast of oatmeal with dried fruit and walnuts.

2. A brisk walk in the woods.

3. Grandbaby love.

4. Clean, warm water to shower in.

5. Chamomile tea with honey.

6. Children who love and support me, no matter what.

7. A couple of good friends whom I can share even the ugly stuff with.

8. Opportunities to be creative.

9. Prayer.

10. God's unconditional love.

New Mercies

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
his mercies never come to an end;

they are new every morning;

great is your faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:22-23