Sometimes on my journey in life, I struggle with my Driver of the Yellow Bus. I am the passenger, but want to think I am the navigator also. WRONG! It turns out that I turned over my journey to the Driver.
In the last few months, I have been picked up from past assignments, dropped off at other stops. At those times, I struggle to understand why. The assignments I have been given by the Driver have been fulfilling, and I believe important. So why pull me away from them? At the same time, the new destinations (as best as I can understand them) are important, and the Driver will give me the tools to accomplish the job.
Am I taking the easy way out and saying "don't blame me, the Driver made me do it 😲". Or do I trust the Driver to know what my journey should look like, and take the assignment with trust and conviction?
I worry that some people may not understand why I am pulling away, but I have to trust that the Driver knows what is necessary.
A million thoughts go through my mind during this process, but I won't clutter this blog with them. Suffice to say that what ever happens, my Driver is also the navigator and the CEO.
Friday, September 7, 2018
Tuesday, July 10, 2018
Jasper
How many times is it said 'Why do we wait until a funeral to see everyone?'
Well, we didn't wait. Our granddaughter graduated from high school in June, and we went to NY to spend time with the family up there. Proud grandparents, proud parents, proud graduate !!! How awesome is that?
Jasper is a full size black Labrador retriever. In his better days, he would wait just for the right moment to spring free and send everyone chasing him up and down the street. Sometimes he would make a clean break, and disappear, only to be caught by animal control, and be kept until he was bailed out. Fireworks freaked him out, and during 4th of July week, he could be found taking refuge in the shower stall. Only place he would feel safe. Jasper hated to watch people talking on the phone He would howl and make a ruckus until he was put outside in order to carry on a phone conversation (watch out for the runaway dog!).
He watched three youngsters growing up, and always made sure they and the rest of the house was safe.
Now, Jasper struggles to get up off the floor to go outside a couple of times a day. Struggle or not, he still takes care of business outside. Watching him during our visit was a time to watch and ponder life cycle. We probably won't see him again, as our trips back east are at best annual.
Graduation brought family together from up and down the east coast. Many hadn't seen each other for a year or more. Everyone had a fantastic time. Jasper was so caught up in the festivities that he was up and around with everyone for hours on end. It really lit a fire under him. The following days he was exhausted, but I could tell that he had been as happy as we were to see and be part of the festivities.
I heard a song the other day. Don't know who the artist is, so I hope they will forgive any copyright infringement. A few word caught my ear. -- "so many shadows dancing under our feet". Ain't it so. Our shadows in life are real, but only to our eyes. Watching Jasper last month made me look at the Alpha and the Omega. Watch the shadows, cherish them, and accept them for what they are.
(You decide in your own mind what this might mean). Blessings to all. Blessings to Jasper
Well, we didn't wait. Our granddaughter graduated from high school in June, and we went to NY to spend time with the family up there. Proud grandparents, proud parents, proud graduate !!! How awesome is that?
Jasper is a full size black Labrador retriever. In his better days, he would wait just for the right moment to spring free and send everyone chasing him up and down the street. Sometimes he would make a clean break, and disappear, only to be caught by animal control, and be kept until he was bailed out. Fireworks freaked him out, and during 4th of July week, he could be found taking refuge in the shower stall. Only place he would feel safe. Jasper hated to watch people talking on the phone He would howl and make a ruckus until he was put outside in order to carry on a phone conversation (watch out for the runaway dog!).
He watched three youngsters growing up, and always made sure they and the rest of the house was safe.
Now, Jasper struggles to get up off the floor to go outside a couple of times a day. Struggle or not, he still takes care of business outside. Watching him during our visit was a time to watch and ponder life cycle. We probably won't see him again, as our trips back east are at best annual.
Graduation brought family together from up and down the east coast. Many hadn't seen each other for a year or more. Everyone had a fantastic time. Jasper was so caught up in the festivities that he was up and around with everyone for hours on end. It really lit a fire under him. The following days he was exhausted, but I could tell that he had been as happy as we were to see and be part of the festivities.
I heard a song the other day. Don't know who the artist is, so I hope they will forgive any copyright infringement. A few word caught my ear. -- "so many shadows dancing under our feet". Ain't it so. Our shadows in life are real, but only to our eyes. Watching Jasper last month made me look at the Alpha and the Omega. Watch the shadows, cherish them, and accept them for what they are.
(You decide in your own mind what this might mean). Blessings to all. Blessings to Jasper
Sunday, April 1, 2018
HAPPY EASTER
HE IS RISEN, HE IS RISEN INDEED !!!!
What an awesome blessing to wake up this morning! There will always be someone richer than me, and someone poorer than me. All I know is that I am as rich as God wants me to be, and I am good with that.
Last night was so overwhelmingly amazing. I have been involved with RCIA (Rites of Christian Initiation) for several years. As such, I have witnessed and participated with many people seeking a deeper connection with God. During this time, I have grown and learned more, not only about my faith and self, but also much from those in the classroom. Easter celebration is always an experience to be in awe of. I always come away from Easter Vigil inspired and blessed.
We only had five participants in the RCIA process this year. As such, we got to know each other maybe a little better than in previous years. Watching our seekers receive the sacraments for the first time, and watching them experience spiritual joy was, and is an experience that is hard to describe.
As I said, I have learned as much from them as they from the classroom. Knowing that I can never know enough is motivation in itself. Hearing heartfelt insights of newcomers and peers can be eye openers for me. We can never truly know what is in the hearts of any individual, but to hear what is in their hearts is to experience their experience.
Deciding to sit down and write my thoughts today, I had so many things I wanted to relate, but now I know that I can re live last night, today and every day, and that's good enough. (2 Corinthians 12:9 My Grace is good enough for you).
I pray today for everyone reading this, and for all of God's people. Turns out, we are all God's people. Blessings to everyone, and thank you Lord for your selflessness.
ALLELUIA
Saturday, March 17, 2018
UGH! Daylight saving time
Is this me😆? Or this😟?, or this😎? ←
Disruptions in life can be challenging. I came upon the following saying some time ago: 'is this the hill you want to die on?'. I don't have to look far to realize that little things like time change, while it may be a disruption or challenge, it's pretty small in the big picture.
We got word a couple of days ago about a long time friend that passed away suddenly. Apparently very healthy till the end, very unexpected.
Approaching the third trimester of my life gives me perspective of what is important. (I added the third emoji above ↑ after thinking about this). Hey, I'M BREATHING, I have full use of my hands and feet, and I'm able to play golf!
Challenges now center more around how I will use the rest of my time. Taking care of myself physically, emotionally, and spiritually are the important things. While I still find criticism difficult to listen to, I try to look for the value that the criticism might hold for me to consider. Self criticism, or discernment is also important to me. As I start my day, I hope to seek tolerance and guidance in all that I do. Dear yellow bus driver, guide me well. Thank you
Disruptions in life can be challenging. I came upon the following saying some time ago: 'is this the hill you want to die on?'. I don't have to look far to realize that little things like time change, while it may be a disruption or challenge, it's pretty small in the big picture.
We got word a couple of days ago about a long time friend that passed away suddenly. Apparently very healthy till the end, very unexpected.
Approaching the third trimester of my life gives me perspective of what is important. (I added the third emoji above ↑ after thinking about this). Hey, I'M BREATHING, I have full use of my hands and feet, and I'm able to play golf!
Challenges now center more around how I will use the rest of my time. Taking care of myself physically, emotionally, and spiritually are the important things. While I still find criticism difficult to listen to, I try to look for the value that the criticism might hold for me to consider. Self criticism, or discernment is also important to me. As I start my day, I hope to seek tolerance and guidance in all that I do. Dear yellow bus driver, guide me well. Thank you
Friday, February 16, 2018
Hang on, we're going for a ride!
When I'm told by someone that they have tweens or early teens, I tell them "Hold on, you're going for a ride!"
Turns out, that life is like that almost at any age. Even as a "ripening" adult, I see the roller coaster of life. It is all around us. Look at the stock market in the last week or so. Panic? Brace? Hold on and ride it out?
So much is out of our hands. One of the hardest lessons to learn. I'm learning, but not a scholar of patience. Facing challenges I've found is best handled by turning it over to God, (my Yellow Bus Driver).
Recently family members were faced with potentially serious challenges. Much worry as a parent, (even though they are all fully adult, I can't quit being a concerned parent). In addition, I have had to evaluate my commitments to ministries that are near and dear to me. Recently I've felt my Yellow Bus Driver pulling up to a couple of stops on the route. Sometimes it is really hard to get back on the bus and trust the Driver to be my tour guide. When I love something, but realize that I need to prioritize my service in order to do best at whatever I am guided to, I feel torn.
Thankfully, due to prayer and guidance from trusted friends, the prayers for the well being of my children, and the answers to ministry commitment have come to fruit. My family concerns turned out well, by the Grace of God. My direction, and directive (by virtue of guidance of my Yellow Bus Driver) has become clear. Don't know where the next Bus stop will be, but I know that it can only be a good place.
Turns out, that life is like that almost at any age. Even as a "ripening" adult, I see the roller coaster of life. It is all around us. Look at the stock market in the last week or so. Panic? Brace? Hold on and ride it out?
So much is out of our hands. One of the hardest lessons to learn. I'm learning, but not a scholar of patience. Facing challenges I've found is best handled by turning it over to God, (my Yellow Bus Driver).
Recently family members were faced with potentially serious challenges. Much worry as a parent, (even though they are all fully adult, I can't quit being a concerned parent). In addition, I have had to evaluate my commitments to ministries that are near and dear to me. Recently I've felt my Yellow Bus Driver pulling up to a couple of stops on the route. Sometimes it is really hard to get back on the bus and trust the Driver to be my tour guide. When I love something, but realize that I need to prioritize my service in order to do best at whatever I am guided to, I feel torn.
Thankfully, due to prayer and guidance from trusted friends, the prayers for the well being of my children, and the answers to ministry commitment have come to fruit. My family concerns turned out well, by the Grace of God. My direction, and directive (by virtue of guidance of my Yellow Bus Driver) has become clear. Don't know where the next Bus stop will be, but I know that it can only be a good place.
Wednesday, January 3, 2018
A shelter guest view
Staff: “Good morning Jane. Time to get up. Get a cup of coffee and a donut. We'll see you in a few hours.”
Jane; “Ugh! It's cold outside. like 25 degrees. Can't I stay just a little longer?”
Staff: “Sorry Jane, we need to get the shelter cleaned up for services later, and for tonight.”
Jane: “I don't feel well. Can't I stay inside?”
Staff: “The clinic will be open in a while. Maybe you can get a voucher to stay inside. Till then, you need to leave.”
Jane: “Hey, I just found a few dollars in my pocket. Maybe I'll go to McDonald's for some coffee to stay warm. It's about a 2 mile walk. Ugh! I know, I'll get a day bus pass and ride around all day until time for the shelter to open again. Beats getting arrested for loitering.”
Me. I have never been homeless, and I am grateful for the warm home I have. I have witnessed the challenges people face when they have nowhere to go. When I go out to get my paper, sometimes I feel the shock of cold air and if feels good. Only thing is, I’m back inside my home within seconds, and no one is asking me to go back outside. I grab my hot coffee and sit and read the paper. I also use this time to pray, often remembering my friends at the shelter. When I start to lament any discomfort in my life, I fall back on remembering what I do have instead of what I don’t have. Praise God.
Jane; “Ugh! It's cold outside. like 25 degrees. Can't I stay just a little longer?”
Staff: “Sorry Jane, we need to get the shelter cleaned up for services later, and for tonight.”
Jane: “I don't feel well. Can't I stay inside?”
Staff: “The clinic will be open in a while. Maybe you can get a voucher to stay inside. Till then, you need to leave.”
Jane: “Hey, I just found a few dollars in my pocket. Maybe I'll go to McDonald's for some coffee to stay warm. It's about a 2 mile walk. Ugh! I know, I'll get a day bus pass and ride around all day until time for the shelter to open again. Beats getting arrested for loitering.”
Me. I have never been homeless, and I am grateful for the warm home I have. I have witnessed the challenges people face when they have nowhere to go. When I go out to get my paper, sometimes I feel the shock of cold air and if feels good. Only thing is, I’m back inside my home within seconds, and no one is asking me to go back outside. I grab my hot coffee and sit and read the paper. I also use this time to pray, often remembering my friends at the shelter. When I start to lament any discomfort in my life, I fall back on remembering what I do have instead of what I don’t have. Praise God.
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