Special Gifts

Across the glassy lake, four mallards skimmed the water. A few feet from my seat on the patio, three mallards waddled through the grass. Their exquisite markings reminded me of ornate artwork. 

Awkward steps down the bank propelled them to the water. Once they left the land, they moved like ballet dancers around the mirrored lake. Their choreography showcased their unique skills. What a beautiful performance.

On the ground, their clumsy attempts to walk moved them but didn’t utilize their special abilities. However, on the water they excelled. They were clearly meant to swim.

 Parents, teachers and friends often try to fit people into skills and gifts that aren’t their own. The result can be frustrating to everyone. Developing and appreciating our own gifts can produce contentment and amazing results. Following God’s plan is always better than our own.

Dear Lord, help me to recognize and appreciate my own gifts and those of others. Amen.

An Amazing Performance

From my front row seat, I marveled at the show before me. With a background of forest and the calm lake as center stage, God revealed his magnificent performance. 

I sat quietly and watched. Quacking ducks skimmed the breeze wrinkled lake. Like arrows cardinals swooped from shore to shore. Frisky squirrels circled stately trunks and nimbly scurried to the tree tops. 

A duo of yellow bellied sapsuckers gripped a pine tree. A great white egret flew just above the water. 

Two brown lizards scooted around a pine trunk. Tiny breezes rustled leaves and waved Spanish moss scarves. Ensembles of birds provided soothing music. 

Patches of white, purple, lavender, orange, and yellow flowers added color to hues of green.

Each scene of the extravaganza filled me with peace and hope. In the serenity of the morning, I relaxed. Tension and worries floated away.

Each creature in the play performed with confidence. Every plant added details. God carefully orchestrated each part of His creation. Scenes change from dawn to dusk. Seasons modify the theme. Storms and droughts alter the outcomes.

Just as my lake vista constantly changes so does life. I am reminded that no matter what happens, God is there--directing and producing. Even when I don’t like the new acts or understand the character replacements, He knows the final scene.

Two weeks ago today, my dad passed from this stage to a heavenly one. Even though my play lost a main character, the memories remain. There is no replacement but other players help to fill the void. 

Thank you for all of your cards, prayers, calls, visits, emails, flowers, donations, and words of comfort. My family has been supported by loving, kind family and friends. We know that God’s love has flowed through all of you. 

Multiple Losses

May 18, 2012  Alan’s daughter Stephanie passed away.

  May 8, 2013  My dad passed away.

Almost eight years ago, they were both at our wedding. What a joyous occasion. We celebrated with family members from several states. It was a time to be happy. 

In spite of the happiness, there was sadness that Uncle Bill had recently passed away. Four more smiling faces in our wedding pictures are now gone. Aunt Betty, Uncle Jim, Stephanie, and my dad have all left us to join Jesus.  

The last year has been difficult with the deaths and illnesses of many family members. However, we have wonderful memories of them and know that this in not our home.

John 14:1-6 Don’t get lost in despair; believe in God and keep on believing in Me. My Father’s home is designed to accommodate all of you. If there were not room for everyone, I would have told you that. I am going to make  arrangements for your arrival. I will be there to greet you personally and welcome you home where we will be together.  You know where I am going and how to get there.

Yesterday It Changed

I have watched friends and relatives lose parents and felt blessed to still have mine. Yesterday morning, that all changed. Dad passed away peacefully.

In spite of the recent difficult circumstances, there have been many blessings. Mother and Joe were by his side when he passed away. Ken and Kim opened their home to my parents so they could be with family. Twenty-four hour caregivers have met their needs in a kind and compassionate manner. Hospice staff provided support and allowed him to die with dignity. Family ties have grown stronger. Extended family and friends have offered encouragement and comfort. 

Memories flood my mind as tears continue to trickle. Smiles come as I peruse pictures for the service and remember happier times. There is also joy as I think of him easily racing around in heaven with no pain or weakness.

But we are citizens of heaven, exiles on earth waiting eagerly for a Liberator, our Lord Jesus the Anointed, to come and transform these humble earthly bodies into the form of His glorious body by the same power that brings all things under His control. Philippians 3:20-21 (The Voice)

Emily’s prayer. “Oh, Father, I am very sad. My grandfather has died and he was kind. I miss him. Please help me, Lord. Amen

What a sweet, heartfelt prayer from my granddaughter. She said it so well.

The Final Steps

For over eighty-eight years, the race’s route climbed hills, traversed plains, scaled mountains, and descended valleys. The end in now in sight. 

Spectators line the course as the lone competitor moves toward the yellow tape. A weakened body struggles to maneuver the wheelchair to the finish line. No backward or sideways glances. His eyes focus forward on the goal. 

Spectators cheer his endurance, determination, and sense of humor as the frail body continues. They long to grab him and hold on for a while, but the stopwatch is running. 

Instead, onlookers hold hands and hug watching his slow progress. Crying blends with laughter. Pain mixes with excitement. Tears mingle with cheers. Only a few feet remain. 

Around the bend, a celebration awaits with different spectators hidden from the first group. Across the finish line, the wheelchair falls away. A vibrant, transformed body jogs into the glorious light.

A gentle embrace welcomes him home. Jesus smiles. More cheers, shouts of joy, and hugs. The reunion begins.

My dad’s journey is very near the end. Please continue to pray for my mom and all of us as he leaves this world.

Accepting the Leaps

Circles rippled the glassy lake. Dragonflies fluttered above the water. The serenity was broken by the loud quivering of leaves.

A flying leap propelled a small, brown squirrel from a pine tree to an oak several feet away. He tottered on a swaying limb before scooting to firmer footing. He nibbled at the ends of weaving branches. 

He scampered from tree to tree even when the distance seemed too far. Several times his foot slipped, but he grabbed hold and hung momentarily upside-down. He righted himself and took off for more tasty morsels. Each tree--pine, oak, palm, myrtle, and cypress--offered unique challenges and opportunities. For several minutes his adventures kept him busy but off the ground. 

For the last several months my life has mirrored the squirrel’s. High. Low. Topsy-turvy. Complicated. Constant changes.

With all of his antics, the squirrel never fell. He scrambled to keep going and didn’t give up. God created him with an instinct to climb, feet to grab ahold, and desire to continue.

My squirrel teacher’s lessons will help me face my challenges. When I leap from problem to another, I will also remember that God gives me what I need to survive and flourish. When I depend on Him, I will navigate each trial knowing that even if I slip, He will catch me. 

If you are right with God, He strengthens you for the journey; the Eternal will be pleased with your life. And even though you trip up, you will not fall on your face because He holds you by the hand. Psalm 37: 23-24 (The Voice)

Eternal Father, guide me and hold my hand to keep me steady. Amen

Maybe They Don't Understand

“Up doggy,” Emily instructed.

Her little sister obediently went from the floor to her knees and opened her mouth for a cracker. While laughing and barking, they took turns being puppies.  

When Emily left the room, Molly stretched a headband around her neck. “That my leash,” she said.

“That could hurt your neck,” I told her.

Emily called out, “Molly, put it around your waist.”

I repeated Emily’s command, but Molly just sat at my feet with the headband circling her throat.

Her big blue eyes stared at me. In her two year old voice she said, “I not know where my waist is.” 

With a laugh, I told her it was at the top of her pants. With a yank, the headband was off but still not on her waist.

“I not know how to get it on my waist.”

With some help, she was able to pull the band over her legs and up to her waist. She was ready for Emily to take her for a walk.

Her refusal to follow my directions wasn’t that she was being stubborn or defiant. She didn’t understand the instructions. Her simple statement allowed me to help her instead of assuming she was obstinate. 

 If only adults could learn from the innocence of little children. They don’t worry that they will be embarrassed or judged if they don’t know something. They just speak their minds.