About 2 weeks ago, a friend of mine and I were discussing our birthdays and birthday parties. She is now 14 and so was more interested in a super-fun friend-inviting bash, of course. As we were talking, we discovered that her birthday fell on Mardi Gras... perfect, a Mardi Gras party celebrating her birth. How fun! We soon discovered that my own day of birth happened to fall, this year, on Ash Wednesday. An Ash Wednesday-themed party? How fun?! I was skeptical...
I've thought about the contrasting parties (not ever seriously considering having an Ash-Wednesday themed party, by the way) and laughed a lot since our quick talk. Man, she got all the luck between the two of us, I thought and smiled. But then, it dawned on me. What a great day to celebrate, actually, as I considered what I would do/"give up" for Lent. This year, Lent will be a celebration of my birth, birthrights, and creation.
I believe the general idea of Lent is to "give up" something that is important to you with the idea that one is creating space for a greater spiritual awakening. An opportunity for the Living Spirit of God to take up residence in each of us. Generally, I don't like the idea of "giving up". It sounds like I've been defeated before I've even begun. I do better thinking of it as an "offering"... just a personal preference.
So, this year, I've decided to "offer" my time to God. Of all the ways in which I withhold my life from God, prevent myself from entering into the realm of Spiritual Living, my schedule and to-do list are tops. I can bind myself to scheduling my time and getting this/that done in a certain time frame, thereby accomplishing "something". If I accomplish "something", my life must be full and complete. "Not so" SPIRIT would say. It is only in living and breathing peace, love, and harmony in a spirit of thanksgiving, that we are truly alive. Accomplishments and this/that must fade away to grasp the true nature of life and living.
Thus, I am offering my time for the next 40 days. I will offer 30 minutes a day of time to intentially be alone with God, especially giving thanks. Maybe 30 minutes at once, maybe 3 10-minute breaks, maybe 30 1-minute stretches of immense thankfulness. I hope that through this offering of time, an aspect of life that separates me from god, I will become more mindful of my own Spirit and the Great Spirit co-existing at all times, in all places.
May you be blessed in your journey of Lent, whatever that may be.
Peace and Hope, Trish
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Thursday, February 19, 2009
I Am Celebrating...BIGTIME!
This week's post is very brief. I missed writing last week as all of my technological and computer-based efforts were directed toward completing one task... a youth ministry webpage.
It is done. I am ecstatic. I hope you love it and USE IT! I kind of hope your impressed... is that vanity or pride??? (OOPS! oh well... )
allarecalled.org OR allarecalled.com (they are one in the same)
Peace to you and yours, Trish
PS If you were waiting for some words about the Jr. Retreat, you can find them on the webpage, under the retreat tab, along with pictures, and soon, videos of the weekend.!!!!! I'm so happy.
It is done. I am ecstatic. I hope you love it and USE IT! I kind of hope your impressed... is that vanity or pride??? (OOPS! oh well... )
allarecalled.org OR allarecalled.com (they are one in the same)
Peace to you and yours, Trish
PS If you were waiting for some words about the Jr. Retreat, you can find them on the webpage, under the retreat tab, along with pictures, and soon, videos of the weekend.!!!!! I'm so happy.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
February 6-8 in Brewer, Maine... CREATE PEACE!
Hi Guys and Gals!
I thought you might be interested in what we are doing in Brewer this weekend. It's our first retreat of 2009. We're attempting to garner as many 3-5 graders as we can to celebrate, have fun, make friends, and learn under the theme Create Peace!
Here is our weekend agenda... next week's blog will feature highlights. There will also be a video-highlight reel of the weekend on Facebook on our NEMCY group... New England Mission Center Youth. Peace Out! Trish
Create Peace
Junior Retreat in Brewer, Maine; Friday, Feb 6 to Sunday Feb 8
Schedule is a guideline. Time’s can be adjusted as “the spirit moves”.
Friday Evening
7:00-8:30: Settle in, Introductions, Getting To Know You for youth/staff, Cookie Decorating
8:30-9:00: Snack, Introduce Theme and weekend agenda, What is Peace-Seeking?
To 9:30ish: Campfire
By 10: Lights Out; Big Day tomorrow!
Saturday
7:30: Rise and Shine
7:45: Breakfast, Clean Up, DRESS WARMLY!!!
By 8:30: Leave for Hermon Mountain
9-11:30: Snow Tubing at Hermon Mountain
12:00: Lunch at Church and Clean Up
1:00: Leave for Great Skates
1:30-4:30: Great Skates Fun & Games
5:00: Supper at Dysart’s
6:30-7:00: “What is Peace-Seeking?” Part II
7 – 9: Creating Peace Activities & Crafts
9:30: Lights Out
Sunday Morning
7:30: Rise ‘n Shine
8:00: Breakfast, Clean Up and Area Clean Up
9 – 10: Post Retreat Interviews/ Song Practice / Peace-Seeking Part III
10-12 Sunday School & Church
I thought you might be interested in what we are doing in Brewer this weekend. It's our first retreat of 2009. We're attempting to garner as many 3-5 graders as we can to celebrate, have fun, make friends, and learn under the theme Create Peace!
Here is our weekend agenda... next week's blog will feature highlights. There will also be a video-highlight reel of the weekend on Facebook on our NEMCY group... New England Mission Center Youth. Peace Out! Trish
Create Peace
Junior Retreat in Brewer, Maine; Friday, Feb 6 to Sunday Feb 8
Schedule is a guideline. Time’s can be adjusted as “the spirit moves”.
Friday Evening
7:00-8:30: Settle in, Introductions, Getting To Know You for youth/staff, Cookie Decorating
8:30-9:00: Snack, Introduce Theme and weekend agenda, What is Peace-Seeking?
To 9:30ish: Campfire
By 10: Lights Out; Big Day tomorrow!
Saturday
7:30: Rise and Shine
7:45: Breakfast, Clean Up, DRESS WARMLY!!!
By 8:30: Leave for Hermon Mountain
9-11:30: Snow Tubing at Hermon Mountain
12:00: Lunch at Church and Clean Up
1:00: Leave for Great Skates
1:30-4:30: Great Skates Fun & Games
5:00: Supper at Dysart’s
6:30-7:00: “What is Peace-Seeking?” Part II
7 – 9: Creating Peace Activities & Crafts
9:30: Lights Out
Sunday Morning
7:30: Rise ‘n Shine
8:00: Breakfast, Clean Up and Area Clean Up
9 – 10: Post Retreat Interviews/ Song Practice / Peace-Seeking Part III
10-12 Sunday School & Church
Thursday, January 29, 2009
A frozen fish, replaced pipes, and time spent believing in community!
This weekend I was in DownEast Maine. When I came back to my house, my fish, Larry Stalone, was very, VERY sluggish. I went to the pet store and told them his symptoms. They said, you are freezing him. Woops. I moved him to a warmer room. He's eating and moving again! Aleluia =]
Two hours after I returned from PetCo, I (and by I, I mean Brock after I asked him to drive an hour and a half and leave work early to investigate) discovered some of my pipes had frozen. Thanks for the warning, Larry. Still, bummer!
Upside, my boyfriend, Brock is fixing them. No labor cost!! Downside, every 7 minutes, he yells, "Honey, get me x, y, or z!" Settling in to work this week has been challenging.
Fortunately, I had an uplifting weekend to launch me into this week. It included a whole lot of visiting! Let me share a bit...
Saturday, I stopped by the local nursing home to visit my Aunt Marion, 99 years old. We visited for about an hour. She shared stories of her life, family, friends, and how she now keeps track of everyone important to her.... which is about everyone as near as I could tell. At the end of our visit, she said, "You know we have another church member here, Dorolese. You should go visit her." I replied, nearly shouting to accommodate her 99 year old ears, "I can't today, Aunt Marion, but I'll come back tomorrow." "Yes, dear, that's good. And you'll come back and see me again, too." I love that she felt comfortable enough to command my schedule. Then again, I felt at home sitting with Aunt Marion. Of course I would visit her and did. The visit the next day with Dorolese, my Dad in tow, was remarkable. To watch her entire countenance change in the course of an hour was nothing short of miraculous. As we were leaving, we shared in prayer together. Hands, spirits, and hearts joined together... our own little community. Beautiful.
30 minutes later, I walked into the house of an elementary school friend. I felt totally at home, again, as her 8 year old boy flung a nerf football off the face of her 5 year old daughter, who began to scream. My friend got them under control, and we played for a couple hours. (I have recently been re-acquainted with my friend in my position as elder in the church. Her son was extremely ill with what doctors are now calling a meningitis that is frequently fatal. When not fatal, it often leaves those afflicted with brain damage of some sort. Let's just say, my friend is convinced of the Truth of administration. I am in awe of her testimony.) As I was leaving, her 5 year old invited me over for a sleep-over the next night. I love the easy acceptance in kids.
Sunday included more visits, a stop at Sunday school in Jonesport (which produced two definite YES's to the upcoming Jr. High Retreat!), and speaking on Beals. A note on Sunday school. 4 people share the responsibility and the kids love it! In the course of our time together the kids decided on a retreat they'd like to host next fall. Kids want something to claim as their own. Jonesport is providing that right now. Awesome!
Closing comment, I believe that: Community is nurtured through time together. Peace is fostered as we care for one another in community.
May we pursue our calling as a community of peace! Urgently and with purpose.
In hope and peace! Trish
Two hours after I returned from PetCo, I (and by I, I mean Brock after I asked him to drive an hour and a half and leave work early to investigate) discovered some of my pipes had frozen. Thanks for the warning, Larry. Still, bummer!
Upside, my boyfriend, Brock is fixing them. No labor cost!! Downside, every 7 minutes, he yells, "Honey, get me x, y, or z!" Settling in to work this week has been challenging.
Fortunately, I had an uplifting weekend to launch me into this week. It included a whole lot of visiting! Let me share a bit...
Saturday, I stopped by the local nursing home to visit my Aunt Marion, 99 years old. We visited for about an hour. She shared stories of her life, family, friends, and how she now keeps track of everyone important to her.... which is about everyone as near as I could tell. At the end of our visit, she said, "You know we have another church member here, Dorolese. You should go visit her." I replied, nearly shouting to accommodate her 99 year old ears, "I can't today, Aunt Marion, but I'll come back tomorrow." "Yes, dear, that's good. And you'll come back and see me again, too." I love that she felt comfortable enough to command my schedule. Then again, I felt at home sitting with Aunt Marion. Of course I would visit her and did. The visit the next day with Dorolese, my Dad in tow, was remarkable. To watch her entire countenance change in the course of an hour was nothing short of miraculous. As we were leaving, we shared in prayer together. Hands, spirits, and hearts joined together... our own little community. Beautiful.
30 minutes later, I walked into the house of an elementary school friend. I felt totally at home, again, as her 8 year old boy flung a nerf football off the face of her 5 year old daughter, who began to scream. My friend got them under control, and we played for a couple hours. (I have recently been re-acquainted with my friend in my position as elder in the church. Her son was extremely ill with what doctors are now calling a meningitis that is frequently fatal. When not fatal, it often leaves those afflicted with brain damage of some sort. Let's just say, my friend is convinced of the Truth of administration. I am in awe of her testimony.) As I was leaving, her 5 year old invited me over for a sleep-over the next night. I love the easy acceptance in kids.
Sunday included more visits, a stop at Sunday school in Jonesport (which produced two definite YES's to the upcoming Jr. High Retreat!), and speaking on Beals. A note on Sunday school. 4 people share the responsibility and the kids love it! In the course of our time together the kids decided on a retreat they'd like to host next fall. Kids want something to claim as their own. Jonesport is providing that right now. Awesome!
Closing comment, I believe that: Community is nurtured through time together. Peace is fostered as we care for one another in community.
May we pursue our calling as a community of peace! Urgently and with purpose.
In hope and peace! Trish
Sunday, January 18, 2009
What am I up to? You might be wondering...
My Mom got up this morning and, after church was cancelled in Beals, Jonesport, and Ellsworth, Maine, decided to put her new treadmill together. She whispered to my nephew Brevan, "Hey, I've got a job to do. I'm going to go put my new treadmill together with all my tools." To which he loudly exclaimed, "I want to help you!!!", jumped from her lap and began running circles on the living room rug, deliriously excited with this new adventure. He's quite a builder!
45 minutes later, with the treadmill pieces spread all across MY bed and bedroom floor, Brevan is screaming with glee in the living room in his brand new boat. A true "You know your a Downeaster if..." moment. My first pictures are now posted. I think you'll enjoy!
So, I've decided to take a new tack on my blog. I've heard that a number of people are wondering what I'm doing. I always answer... attempting to catch and cast a vision for an AWESOME youth program. I'm 4 months in with a lot to learn. I'm open to a lot of advice... not much seems to be coming my way. Come on people... perhaps your family is different than mine. We don't hesitate to share our opinions. =] Let's hear 'em. What do you suggest for how we approach our youth? Camps? Retreats? Groups? etc...
So, back to my new tack... I'm going to try to post once a week simply stating what I'm up to. Shorter posts. Funny stories. Questions looking for opinions. ANSWER people!!!! =]
First question, do you want me to send you e-mail updates when I post? Either respond here or just to my e-mail account. I figure, it keeps us connected a bit more. What do you think?
Second question, do you have any suggestions for people interested in helping with summer camp this year? A VERY IMPORTANT QUESTION!
Peace and Hope and Stay out of the storm! Enjoy the pics of my crazy nephew!
Trish
45 minutes later, with the treadmill pieces spread all across MY bed and bedroom floor, Brevan is screaming with glee in the living room in his brand new boat. A true "You know your a Downeaster if..." moment. My first pictures are now posted. I think you'll enjoy!
So, I've decided to take a new tack on my blog. I've heard that a number of people are wondering what I'm doing. I always answer... attempting to catch and cast a vision for an AWESOME youth program. I'm 4 months in with a lot to learn. I'm open to a lot of advice... not much seems to be coming my way. Come on people... perhaps your family is different than mine. We don't hesitate to share our opinions. =] Let's hear 'em. What do you suggest for how we approach our youth? Camps? Retreats? Groups? etc...
So, back to my new tack... I'm going to try to post once a week simply stating what I'm up to. Shorter posts. Funny stories. Questions looking for opinions. ANSWER people!!!! =]
First question, do you want me to send you e-mail updates when I post? Either respond here or just to my e-mail account. I figure, it keeps us connected a bit more. What do you think?
Second question, do you have any suggestions for people interested in helping with summer camp this year? A VERY IMPORTANT QUESTION!
Peace and Hope and Stay out of the storm! Enjoy the pics of my crazy nephew!
Trish
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Merry Christmas!
Hey All!
It's great to be writing again. It is December 17... 8 little and hopefully wonderful days until Christmas. May your days be merry and bright!, I wish for you.
Well, Amy Grant and I just finished washing the dishes from yesterday... the day that I did my best attempt to emulate Martha Stewart. I cooked 8 dozen cookies, hosted a wrapping party for our brand new youth group, attended a cookie swap, and prepared a lovely supper, though I do say so myself!, for my boyfriend when he arrived before we went to see Four Christmases at the movie theater. I even wore an apron yesterday as I invented my own cookie. For those of you who know me well, pick up your jaw and/or stop your disbelief! The cookies were delish!! And this time, others said so, not just me. =]
Just after the youth had left, I found myself thinking as I was washing out their mugs of hot chocolate and fluff, "This has been one of the happiest days of my life." And it truly was. I was surrounded by Christmas music and people of all ages that I have known and loved and some I just met. I had the great joy of welcoming kids and adults into my house and watching them as they had a great time wrapping tons of presents to donate to a local charity. And I cooked... always an endeavor which is all at once scary, exhilarating, relaxing, and nerve-wracking, if that is a possible combination!
I mention this because I have had that thought so many days throughout this fall... "This has been one of the happiest days of my life." I am so certain it is largely because of this new job, in which I am always surrounded by music, people I know and love, meeting new people, building friendships and community around solid values, giving of all we have, and trying things which can be scary, exhilarating, relaxing, nerve-wracking, but mostly peace-filled in the midst of it all.
My faith has been deeply strengthened, and I want to share briefly with you some of what has occurred inside me in the past month. My last blog post was November 14th, sometime around the 20th, it seemed that God stopped working inside me. Instead of the easy flow of Spirit I generally experience, it was as if all communication stopped between me and God, Source, the Magnificence, whatever name you prefer. (Perhaps that would have been the appropriate time for me to reach out through this blog... ) For about 2 weeks, I felt like that. Then, everyone around me was sick with something... pneumonia, bronchitis, ear infections, sinus infections, flu, cold, snot, cough, sneeze, and complete exhaustion. Of course, I got sick. For about a week, it was the utter exhaustion I felt the most. I slept, read, and watched tv as those around me fell one-by-one to different diagnoses and medications. Finally, with a work trip coming up to Connecticut, I went to the doctor... ear infections and likely pneumonia... amoxicillin and sleep, the answer.
So, here I am, one month later, having just experience one of the happiest days of my life. What strikes me the most about that L O N G month is this, there was never a moment in which I felt alone. I knew the entire time, each second, that God was in me, with me, surrounding me and everyone else. It was just my experience of that Divine that was so different. And I think I'm understanding more of what Faith is. My Faith does not inform me that sometime in the future things will be different, better, more enjoyable, perhaps easier. Instead, it is that no matter what the circumstance, God is there and All is as it is. Good and Bad fall away, rendered un-necessary at the feet of Faith. Judgment is a huge stumbling block; Faith the dynamite that blows it away. Additionally, I am moved by the power that resides in building friendships and relationships... forming community. I feel my place in the world so strongly tied to the experiences of others, and it gives me a solid place to belong.
In short, I am deeply thankful for each of you, reading this. Clearly, you have meant something to me. You have helped define me, refine me, and open me up to Life and True Faith.
I'm off to light my advent wreath... one candle each for love, peace, and hope. It is a tradition I cherish.
Merry Christmas. Peace and Hope, Trish
It's great to be writing again. It is December 17... 8 little and hopefully wonderful days until Christmas. May your days be merry and bright!, I wish for you.
Well, Amy Grant and I just finished washing the dishes from yesterday... the day that I did my best attempt to emulate Martha Stewart. I cooked 8 dozen cookies, hosted a wrapping party for our brand new youth group, attended a cookie swap, and prepared a lovely supper, though I do say so myself!, for my boyfriend when he arrived before we went to see Four Christmases at the movie theater. I even wore an apron yesterday as I invented my own cookie. For those of you who know me well, pick up your jaw and/or stop your disbelief! The cookies were delish!! And this time, others said so, not just me. =]
Just after the youth had left, I found myself thinking as I was washing out their mugs of hot chocolate and fluff, "This has been one of the happiest days of my life." And it truly was. I was surrounded by Christmas music and people of all ages that I have known and loved and some I just met. I had the great joy of welcoming kids and adults into my house and watching them as they had a great time wrapping tons of presents to donate to a local charity. And I cooked... always an endeavor which is all at once scary, exhilarating, relaxing, and nerve-wracking, if that is a possible combination!
I mention this because I have had that thought so many days throughout this fall... "This has been one of the happiest days of my life." I am so certain it is largely because of this new job, in which I am always surrounded by music, people I know and love, meeting new people, building friendships and community around solid values, giving of all we have, and trying things which can be scary, exhilarating, relaxing, nerve-wracking, but mostly peace-filled in the midst of it all.
My faith has been deeply strengthened, and I want to share briefly with you some of what has occurred inside me in the past month. My last blog post was November 14th, sometime around the 20th, it seemed that God stopped working inside me. Instead of the easy flow of Spirit I generally experience, it was as if all communication stopped between me and God, Source, the Magnificence, whatever name you prefer. (Perhaps that would have been the appropriate time for me to reach out through this blog... ) For about 2 weeks, I felt like that. Then, everyone around me was sick with something... pneumonia, bronchitis, ear infections, sinus infections, flu, cold, snot, cough, sneeze, and complete exhaustion. Of course, I got sick. For about a week, it was the utter exhaustion I felt the most. I slept, read, and watched tv as those around me fell one-by-one to different diagnoses and medications. Finally, with a work trip coming up to Connecticut, I went to the doctor... ear infections and likely pneumonia... amoxicillin and sleep, the answer.
So, here I am, one month later, having just experience one of the happiest days of my life. What strikes me the most about that L O N G month is this, there was never a moment in which I felt alone. I knew the entire time, each second, that God was in me, with me, surrounding me and everyone else. It was just my experience of that Divine that was so different. And I think I'm understanding more of what Faith is. My Faith does not inform me that sometime in the future things will be different, better, more enjoyable, perhaps easier. Instead, it is that no matter what the circumstance, God is there and All is as it is. Good and Bad fall away, rendered un-necessary at the feet of Faith. Judgment is a huge stumbling block; Faith the dynamite that blows it away. Additionally, I am moved by the power that resides in building friendships and relationships... forming community. I feel my place in the world so strongly tied to the experiences of others, and it gives me a solid place to belong.
In short, I am deeply thankful for each of you, reading this. Clearly, you have meant something to me. You have helped define me, refine me, and open me up to Life and True Faith.
I'm off to light my advent wreath... one candle each for love, peace, and hope. It is a tradition I cherish.
Merry Christmas. Peace and Hope, Trish
Friday, November 14, 2008
New Focus: Seeing God in Others
Hey All,
So I'm the type of person who has no problem admitting to being both totally human and totally made of God. And I believe we all are. I say this because in my humanity, I'm currently driving myself nuts! :-) But I know that God is just around the corner... and still inside me.
I'm actually a very coordinated person, though sometimes my big Cadillac of a body can get muddled. And, I'm quite organized. Well, in the past few days, I've taken to breaking, spilling, and losing things... and not just my own. I was visiting with a terrific family of four in Cape Elizabeth last weekend. Arrived on Saturday to a turkey dinner before their daughter's play that night. They had a place set for me in their goreous home, and it was a lovely meal. As it was ending, and the kids were getting ready to head out the door, I, Sasquatch that I am, made a sweeping gesture and proceeded to knock the full dish of cranberry sauce on to their rug. (The dog was the only one to appreciate this!) The next morning, the Mom took me out to breakfast. She got a coffee to go. As we were leaving, I opened the door for another couple and in a gesture of unnecessary but fun hospitality, waved for them to come right in... promptly hitting my friend's cup of coffee toward her chest. The coffee began to fly, but she caught it, thankfully.
I've forgotten my keys twice and my cell phone twice. One of the cell phone mishaps cost me 60 extra miles of interstate driving. And a little while ago, I knocked a beautiful friendship Willow Tree sculpture that one of my best friend's gave me into the floor. I Gorilla Glue'd her head back on, only to realize as I was looking at her the other day that her hand is among the missing! I burst into a fit of laughter, knowing that I had taken such care with her head.
I have two sayings in my head. One common, "You might's well laugh as to cry." Today, I'm having an easier time laughing at myself. But it's been a frustrating few days, to say the least! I think all the clumsiness is indicative of my Spirit being all jumbled up... I can't seem to get out of my own way. The other saying is one from my grandmother, "Laughing turns to crying." Been there... as you will well know if you've been following the blog. This week's entry is in stark contrast to the last.
Thankfully, I have family and friends and faith. I know that when things are just bananas inside me, God can speak to me from all kinds of other places. Let's take my niece and nephew for example. I was playing with my niece yesterday and had to take off. I said, "How about a hug?" "No," she explained, "I want to play my game." This was fine, but I really needed some love. Tentatively, I offered, "How about a kiss?" She gave me a huge grin and I offered my cheek to receive one of the greatest kisses ever. Thanks Ella, for reflecting God to me. And then my nephew, I called home two nights ago to talk with Mom. I heard him in the background, screaming with glee, "I'm Batman! I'm Batman!" listening to his theme song. Oh, the joy! Thanks, Brev, for reflecting God to me.
Thanksgiving, Christmas, and cold weather are on the way. There are so many good organizations in place to assist those who are less financially fortunate. I see enough God (Good) in all that I'm moved to do my part in taking care of this and these beautiful creation(s). And I know, that in looking for God all around, my Spirit will straighten out, too.
Peace and Love, Trish
So I'm the type of person who has no problem admitting to being both totally human and totally made of God. And I believe we all are. I say this because in my humanity, I'm currently driving myself nuts! :-) But I know that God is just around the corner... and still inside me.
I'm actually a very coordinated person, though sometimes my big Cadillac of a body can get muddled. And, I'm quite organized. Well, in the past few days, I've taken to breaking, spilling, and losing things... and not just my own. I was visiting with a terrific family of four in Cape Elizabeth last weekend. Arrived on Saturday to a turkey dinner before their daughter's play that night. They had a place set for me in their goreous home, and it was a lovely meal. As it was ending, and the kids were getting ready to head out the door, I, Sasquatch that I am, made a sweeping gesture and proceeded to knock the full dish of cranberry sauce on to their rug. (The dog was the only one to appreciate this!) The next morning, the Mom took me out to breakfast. She got a coffee to go. As we were leaving, I opened the door for another couple and in a gesture of unnecessary but fun hospitality, waved for them to come right in... promptly hitting my friend's cup of coffee toward her chest. The coffee began to fly, but she caught it, thankfully.
I've forgotten my keys twice and my cell phone twice. One of the cell phone mishaps cost me 60 extra miles of interstate driving. And a little while ago, I knocked a beautiful friendship Willow Tree sculpture that one of my best friend's gave me into the floor. I Gorilla Glue'd her head back on, only to realize as I was looking at her the other day that her hand is among the missing! I burst into a fit of laughter, knowing that I had taken such care with her head.
I have two sayings in my head. One common, "You might's well laugh as to cry." Today, I'm having an easier time laughing at myself. But it's been a frustrating few days, to say the least! I think all the clumsiness is indicative of my Spirit being all jumbled up... I can't seem to get out of my own way. The other saying is one from my grandmother, "Laughing turns to crying." Been there... as you will well know if you've been following the blog. This week's entry is in stark contrast to the last.
Thankfully, I have family and friends and faith. I know that when things are just bananas inside me, God can speak to me from all kinds of other places. Let's take my niece and nephew for example. I was playing with my niece yesterday and had to take off. I said, "How about a hug?" "No," she explained, "I want to play my game." This was fine, but I really needed some love. Tentatively, I offered, "How about a kiss?" She gave me a huge grin and I offered my cheek to receive one of the greatest kisses ever. Thanks Ella, for reflecting God to me. And then my nephew, I called home two nights ago to talk with Mom. I heard him in the background, screaming with glee, "I'm Batman! I'm Batman!" listening to his theme song. Oh, the joy! Thanks, Brev, for reflecting God to me.
Thanksgiving, Christmas, and cold weather are on the way. There are so many good organizations in place to assist those who are less financially fortunate. I see enough God (Good) in all that I'm moved to do my part in taking care of this and these beautiful creation(s). And I know, that in looking for God all around, my Spirit will straighten out, too.
Peace and Love, Trish
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