The Altered Journey

May we never tire of doing what is good and right before our Lord because in His season we shall bring in a great harvest if we can just persist. So seize any opportunity the Lord gives you to do good things and be a blessing to everyone, especially those within our faithful family. (Galatians 6: 9-10 The Voice)

The trunk lid closed with a suitcase, cooler and shoes inside. The beginning of my solo trip began as I pulled out of the garage. So did my tears. 

            When I prepared for my Thanksgiving journey to my niece’s home, I looked forward to seeing my family. But grief, once again, ambushed me. Memories swirled of happier times when everyone sat around the table and celebrated. 

            Reality made me remember the tough times around Thanksgiving too. When I was a child, a phone call interrupted our meal with my mom’s family to let us know my other grandpa passed away. When I was in college, grandma went to the hospital before Thanksgiving and passed away the day after. A few years ago, another phone call came with unwelcome news as we began to eat. My nephew was in ICU. Painful situations altered other Thanksgivings over the years. 

            In my mind, I wanted a perfect holiday but many of mine had hardly been ideal. Often family members were missing so this year would not be that different. Of course, driving alone on unfamiliar roads made the whole trip more difficult. 

            For about five minutes, tears flowed. Then I decided my journey would be an adventure and not a sorrowful drive. 

            Sunshine and blue sky joined me while I drove in light traffic on the interstate. Praise music and sermons on thankfulness boosted my spirit. I did have much to be thankful for despite the empty chairs. 

            After leaving the highway an hour later, I pulled into a McDonald’s for a drink and break. However, flashing lights on three police cars in the parking lot and officers entering the restaurant, changed my mind. 

            A stream of customers entered the Wawa across the street as I pulled into their parking lot. I felt more secure and safe there.

            Inside the store, I took a cup of tea to the counter. The clerk looked at me and said, “Are you just getting a drink?”

            “Yes.”

            “You are good,” she said.

            “I don’t have to pay for it?” I asked. 

            “No,” she said with a smile. “Happy Thanksgiving.”

            “Happy Thanksgiving to you too,” I said.  

            Her act of kindness soothed the ache in my heart. She had no idea how she helped 

a lonely traveler and encouraged me to reach out to someone else.

            Later at a stoplight, a ragged looking man stood beside the road with a cardboard

sign. However, his was different than most.

            It read  Palm roses. Donations accepted. 

            In his hand, he held flowers made of palm fronds. To people in the long line of 

cars, he seemed invisible.

            I rolled down my window and motioned to him. He walked across the road, and 

we exchanged blooms for money. He didn’t ask for a handout but something for what he 

made. I hoped that I encouraged him like the lady at Wawa did for me.  

            From the well-traveled highways, I continued on rural roads and experienced a bit 

of nostalgia. Fields of crops. Cattle and horses grazing. Goats munching. I passed through 

small towns and by country churches. Moss covered trees swayed in breezes. With each 

mile, I thanked God for many wonderful things in my life. 

            What began as a lonely journey, turned into a trip of blessings. I looked forward 

to celebrating with family and new friends instead of lamenting those who were missing. 

Loving Father, thank you for putting people in my life who lift me up. Help me do the 

same for others. Amen

             

Wilted Hairstyle

 Since you are all set apart by God, made holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with a holy way of life: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.  Put up with one another. Forgive. Pardon any offenses against one another, as the Lord has pardoned you, because you should act in kind. But above all these, put on love! Love is the perfect tie to bind these together. Let your hearts fall under the rule of the Anointed’s peace (the peace you were called to as one body), and be thankful.  Let the word of the Anointed One richly inhabit your lives. With all wisdom teach, counsel, and instruct one another. Sing the psalms, compose hymns and songs inspired by the Spirit, and keep on singing—sing to God from hearts full and spilling over with thankfulness.  Surely, no matter what you are doing (speaking, writing, or working), do it all in the name of Jesus our Master, sending thanks through Him to God our Father. (Colossians 3: 12-17 The Voice)

            Gel went onto my freshly shampooed hair and rollers formed curls. After a brush styled it, hairspray held my hair in place. A glance at the mirror showed it looked good.  

            Then I stepped outside into Florida’s humidity. Moisture dampened and flattened the time consuming hairdo. Within minutes, the look of my hair changed dramatically because of the environment. 

            On my recent retreat in North Carolina, I was immersed in godly teaching and meaningful Christian music. Everyone attending the conference and the staff of the center showed Christian love. The entire experience gave me peace and contentment. Love enfolded me. 

            Being secluded at the retreat, can help prepare and encourage me to go into a broken world. It is easy to be kind and loving when surrounded by loving people. The real test comes when I return to the real world. 

            Would I be able to be kind to annoying people? Would I continue to have peace when caught in traffic? Would I remain strong when hit with difficult circumstances? 

            Like my hair drooping in the humidity, it is easy to bend and fall with the trials of the world. But with the help of Jesus, I can remain strong.

Father, give me the strength and peace to endure whatever life brings. Amen 

The Lizard and the Vanishing Dragonfly

Looking at them, Jesus said, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19: 26 WEB)

            From my porch chair, I noticed a peculiar creature on the screen and couldn’t figure out what it was. Up close, I discovered a brown lizard with four transparent wings protruding from his mouth. The outlandish sight distracted me from my morning devotions. 

            The predator gripped a large dragonfly in the center of the defenseless bug’s body. Never had I observed a lizard capture such a large, swift insect. 

            For fifteen or twenty minutes, I studied him through the screen as he struggled with his prey. Bit by bit, tiny teeth nibbled. A faint crunch sounded with each bite. Two wings vanished into the wee mouth. With every breath, his lungs heaved but he didn’t stop. 

            While he ate, the anole moved up and down my screen. His head turned back and forth to help move the meal into his mouth. Gradually, only two wings and the slender body remained. Little by little, almost all of it descended into his fat belly. 

            The final piece of wing glistened in the sunlight. At the end of his meal, his mouth opened and closed numerous times. His tongue shot out as the finale of a delicious feast.  

Then he rested among my flowers. 

            The amazing incident astounded me. I could not understand how the lizard caught a rapid dragonfly and ate such a large creature compared to his size. When I looked at his tiny body and miniscule mouth, the process seemed impossible.  However, with time and perseverance, he accomplished his goal. 

            Often, situations appear too big and grueling for me to handle. Tasks seem impossible. But with God’s wisdom, guidance, and strength, I can persevere and conquer my challenges like the lizard did before my eyes.  

Heavenly Father, thank you for your extraordinary creatures and your plan for each one. Thank you for teaching me through them and for helping me accomplish what I often think is impossible. Amen

Surprise Grandeur

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28 NIV)

            As the sky lightened, ebony gave way to dusty blue in tiny bursts. Shadowy trees materialized around the lake. 

            With the dawn, birds awoke and joined into a chorus of songs. Their chirping rose louder and louder with the light. 

            A bit of pink glowed behind a lofty pine tree. Then an explosion of coral infused the eastern sky. Flashes of pink tinged scattered clouds in the south. No word could describe the breathtaking display. 

            I simply sat and stared. The morning gift astounded me. The loveliness and surprise grandeur provided a sense of awe and peacefulness.

            Too soon, deep pink faded to pale rose and finally to off white. But with the color changes, a collection of clouds swept over the blue sky. Fluffy. Small. Large. Filmy. Endless. A vast expanse of heavenly beauty with no discernable movement captured my attention.

            The tranquility and wonder of the dawn exhibition reminded me of God’s work in my life. He often surprises me with more than I ever expected. He brings change which I only notice when I look back. I need to remember what He has done for me in the past and take time to enjoy what has been given to me each day. 

Creator, thank you for the amazing displays of your creation. Help me to notice and appreciate all that you do for me. Amen

            

Listening to the Voice

DEMONSTRATE Your ways, O Eternal One.  Teach me to understand so I can follow.
EASE me down the path of Your truth. FEED me Your word because You are the True God who has saved me. I wait all day long, hoping, trusting in You.

 (Psalm 25: 4-5 The Voice)

            A mass of swirling clouds danced across the dark lake. The wisps rose and twirled as dawn awakened. Cypress trees stood like statues. Not a leaf stirred on trees or flowers. 

Except for whirling fog above the water, movement stopped. Normal life halted. 

            As the sun rose, fog deepened and further disguised the lake and trees. Bit by bit, they disappeared before my eyes. I stared at the lake and, finally, saw slivers of tiny ripples. 

            A solitary, boisterous crow broke the silence with his annoying caws. Then he flew away. Quiet returned. 

            From across the lake, squealing chatter erupted. I searched without success to see the majestic birds. Their shrill shrieks continued for a few minutes and then ceased. Haze prevented me from observing the bald eagles. 

            During the summer, they perched in trees across the lake. Neighbors along the shore, texted each other whenever someone saw them. A friend taught me to recognize the voices of the birds. With careful observation, a listening ear, and much patience, I often enjoyed their presence. 

            Hearing God’s voice also takes observation, a listening ear and patience. He speaks through His Word as I read my Bible each day. I notice Him as I study His creation. Sometimes, he instructs me through a sermon, book or another Christian. The more I know Him, the easier it is to identify His voice. 

            One way He speaks to me is through my writing. I see a situation and instantly notice a lesson that I write about. When I was younger, that didn’t happen. Was it because I wasn’t paying attention or because He wasn’t showing me anything? I am not sure but probably because I wasn’t attuned to Him. 

Teacher, I want to be able to listen when you speak. Open my eyes, ears and my heart. Amen 

Unflinching Pallbearers

            Step by step the honor guard moved in perfect precision from the Capitol to the sidewalk below. Strong hands held tightly to the casket of Senator John McCain as he made his final journey from the iconic building where he served for many years. 

            Even as the elite group moved downward, the flag draped casket remained sturdy. Arms adjusted to keep it level on their long walk. Heads never turned. Eyes stared straight ahead. Only after intensive training could they perform so flawlessly. 

            Only a few feet from the top, wind caught the plastic cover on the flag. It billowed and a section landed on the head of a military pallbearer. Without flinching, he continued his duties stoically while plastic encased his head and shoulders. His eyes focused forward and his feet continued the downward trek. Even though his comrades must have noticed his unusual headgear, no one appeared to see it. 

            My eyes stayed on the young man who displayed remarkable endurance and discipline. He refused to acknowledge the problem or his own discomfort. 

            Only after the casket went into the hearse, did he try to pull the plastic off. With one swipe, it moved but went back over his face. With the honor guard still at attention, a comrade stepped up and gently removed the piece of plastic. However, the hat came off too. Before it fell to the ground, his helpful companion carefully replaced it. Even during that maneuver, none of the military pallbearers moved his eyes, head or hands. 

            The precision teamwork and focus on duty of the honor guard was a tribute not only to Senator McCain but also to all Americans. With all of the challenges our country continues to face, how thankful we can be to the men and women who selflessly love and serve our country.

A Wee Visitor

God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning the sixth day. (Genesis 1: 31 NIV)

            When I added the scraggly, clearance plant to my garden, I didn’t even know what kind it was but it grew and provided for many tiny creatures. The stems shot up as tall as four feet.

            Every day bees clustered within its foliage. Soaring stems of red orange blooms bounced up and down each time a bee gathered pollen and nectar. Its jumble of color delighted me but I didn’t even know its name. 

            Occasionally, a hummingbird joined the bees for a morning treat. He darted from flower to flower to savor the nectar. His frantic pace only allowed a couple of seconds at each stop as he visited a number of them before zooming away. Because I was inside the screened porch, I observed without disturbing him. 

            When doing my morning devotions, I waited for him to appear and marveled at his tiny size and vibrating wings. He hovered to eat but moved sideways to leave. I learned he preferred red blooms and ignored my pink, white and lavender flowers. Only once did he bring a companion.

            One day while working in my garden, a surprise awaited me. I stood up and at eye level about three feet away, a hummingbird hovered like a helicopter. His body hung vertically as his eyes stared into mine. For a few seconds, I stared back in disbelief and wonder. Then he dipped his wings and flew away like an airplane.

            Our encounter astonished me. Never had the hummingbird come that close nor hovered in midair without pulling nectar from the flowers. What a gift it was to see him up close and have him look into my eyes. 

            God’s creation is full of great masterpieces and also small ones. The hummingbird reminded me to be on the lookout for little things in life that can bring joy. It is easy to overlook seemingly insignificant people, events, and even creatures in favor of the bigger, stronger and louder. Special blessings could be missed. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for your creation including the tiny ones. Help me to notice and appreciate whatever is around me. Amen