'Tis a gift to --- do nothing.

Computers, Blackberries, Facebook, Tivo, NetFlix, microwave ovens--I'm not a big fan of technology but have to admit I use--and take advantage of--it. Sometimes I feel like a hamster on a treadmill--or one of those desk gadgets that has the silver balls and once you drop one ball to hit another, the balls will continue to force the other balls to move and they, in turn, will force those same balls to move-----you get the picture.

Slowly, I am warping into a new phase in my life. We won't say it's old age--just a realization that SO many things I do are unnecessary and SO much of life is missed as I hurl myself into the human rat race. Let's call it maturity. The #1 contributing factor to this new recognition is Justice. Mi nieta tienes quince meses. All my grandkids are the BEST but I am especially blessed to live close enough to Justice to spend time with her one or two days a week. When I say time--I mean time. Not the hurried, multi-tasking, hell-bent acitivities that too often fill my day. No, this is time in another dimension--the baby dimension. Time that caters to no technology, no schedule (except her naptime). This together-time is all the sweeter because I have to give her my absolute full attention. She's walking and exploring things that I've long ignored but that bring squeals of delight from her, followed by squeals of delight from me! How can dropping the pool table balls into the pool table pockets be so fun for the 100th time? How many times do you flip on and off the lightswitch before it's no longer considered a learning time? From this grandma's perspective, the answer is, "As many times as she wants." I'd much rather watch every nuance of expression on her face and try to figure out what, "Ba-ba," "cu-cu," and "ta-to" mean than listen to the most fascinating lecturer on earth.

I have a new favorite phrase, "Doce far niente." Translated, this Italian phrase means, "The sweetness of doing nothing." The very idea is so antithetical to my nature--the old nature--I should say. With Justice, I can't really say I'm doing nothing but that I'm doing nothing in my usual way--so, truthfully, there IS a sweetness in doing nothing with her.

Oh well, I'm rambling but just so thankful the Lord is giving these special times to do nothing and the sweetness that that brings.

Survived-- no---Thrived! Thanks, FaceBook

Yesterday came and went but, as birthdays go, it was actually special. I not only survived, but thrived! One of the nicest gifts I received was all the well-wishes from friends on FaceBook. This technological cyber giant (FB)usually frustrates me b/c I do not have time to check it everyday and, therefore, am lost in many general conversations at home and work that begin with, "Did you see on FB where ... ?" But, now, I have a new respect for FB. One of the joys of getting older (and YES, there are joys) is having many friends and the memories that go with them. As people bade, "Happy Birthday," on FB, my mind's eye pulled up their faces and I recalled memorable events and situations where our lives intersected. Tons of fun!
Dear Friends, let us love one another for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 1 John 4:7

The Power and Gift of Memory

Two weeks ago, we returned home to Brentwood after spending five fabulous weeks in Costa Rica. I kid you not, there are many times each day when I ask myself if that trip really happened. It seems the only way to answer my question is to pull out the photos (still on Rob's computer) and share with Rob what we remember. We may be "back in the swing of things," here-- full force -- but thank God for our memories of CR. Now, if it sounds like escapism, it is. The power of memory and the sights and stories of places and people we came to love give refreshment to these hectic days. As we sit still, smile, and take deep breaths, our blood pressure lowers and heart rate slows down--sort of Yoga for the mind.
The class I teach in Old Testament Worship emphasizes the power of memory, how God commanded (in loving parent-fashion) that His people remember God's mighty acts done in their behalf (thus the Passover and other feasts). God also tells His people to constantly tell these stories to their children so that they, too, will remember and have knowledge of God's loving care. God gave us the power of memory--a gift that increases in value as I get older.
Count Your Blessings, a hymn we don't sing much any more, is a good reminder to remember all the things God has done for me. Just as photos of CR remind me of wonderful times and help set my present world back in order, memories of God's blessings do the same and even more. Beyond the blessings of this life, we have the promise and hope of eternal glory. Remember that!!