FRUIT PICKING

You have to watch The Little Man like a hawk.  What is that old saying, “He is trouble waiting to happen?”  The two big brothers have arrived at the place in life where you can, for the most part, trust them to not climb the outside of the stair railing, not stand on the kitchen bar, not climb ladders, not play with power equipment, not put the key in the car and start it, and an entire list of other DO NOT’s that The Little Man has tried. 



The latest thing he has tried is to eat the ornamental peppers I am growing at my house.  It seems the reason they are ornamental is they are SO HOT—they will burn the inside of your mouth.  I have snatched one from his hand multiple times and even caught him trying to put it into his mouth.  Something tells me if he ever bit down, that would be his last pepper picking excursion.

There are a number of ornamental fruit trees.  Crab apples, plums, and pears are examples of trees that bear fruit, sometimes in limited quantity which is good for the trash can only.  The fruit is not desirable to eat and of poor quality.  So we have trees that often bloom beautifully, but produce inedible fruit.

The Word talks about Believers being known by their fruit. 

"You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they? 17"So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit.…
Matthew 7: 16-17

And then we might ask, what fruit are we to bear?

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control;
Galatians 5:22-23

The question then arises, are we ornamental trees bearing no edible fruit, or are we bearing the fruit of the Spirit?  Are we dressed in all the trappings of a fruit tree, but for show only?  Does my fruit bear out who I say I am?  Am I bearing fruit which carries the sweet aroma of Jesus?  Deep questions for me to ponder.


I KNOW BETTER BUT-

As #1 daughter and I discussed the Supreme Court decision on marriage between same sex couples, I came away convicted to share tidbits of our conversation.

Let me begin by telling you, I do not agree with their decision, but also feel there should be the opportunity for a legal union between consenting adults.  As she and I talked it over, we thought of the end of life decisions, medical decisions, health benefits, child rearing decisions, to name a few which in the past same sex couples had no protection or provision for.  Yes, I think marriage is reserved for couples of opposite gender and Holy Matrimony should be reserved for the same, but I also recognize the need for fairness in the law.  I expect to be lamblasted, so fire away!

The Word instructs us to LOVE the sinner--not the sin.  I ask myself how would Jesus have reacted to meeting a gay couple?  He would have loved them--as He loved all sinners.  But the purpose of this post is not to weigh in pro or con.

There are two points I desire to share

God is ALL powerful---this did not happen without His permission.  Why?  Are we headed down the slippery slope to destruction?  I do not know why He allowed this to happen.  I do know He could have stopped it if He wanted.  I never for one minute think God is not in control.

The light shines the brightest when it is the darkest.  Perhaps this is the opportunity for the church to be the bright light--the beacon of hope--in the deep dark our nation has become.  Perhaps God is using this to wake us up and remind us of who He has called us to be.  Salt and Light--to a dying and lost world.  A beacon of light in a dark world.

I hesitated to open this can of worms---I have read and heard much from both sides that seem to go nowhere in settling the question.  I will never argue anyone into changing their position.  I can be the salt and the light--and my actions and how I react to this crisis are being watched by all.  

GOD is in control--now what does He expect of us?


You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Matthew 5:13-16


IF I STAND

Tears of joy

As I sing this song

If I Stand-
Let me stand 
If I Can't
Let Me Fall On Your Grace




Blessed Sabbath,
Dear Friends!

MEANWHILE HERE IN THE HOOD

THE FLOOD WARNINGS HAVE PASSED
AND THE HEAT WARNING RETURNED
EXCEPT FOR THESE TEXAS LICENSE PLATES
IT IS SO HUMID 
I WOULD SWEAR I WAS IN LOUISIANA


THESE TWO THINK IT IS REALLY FUNNY
TO PUT ON LULU'S GLASSES


AND VARIOUS SUPER HEROES
HAVE BEEN SPOTTED 
AT THEIR HOUSE


I CAN SIT ON MY FRONT PORCH
AND ENJOY THE FIREWORKS SHOW
AT THE BOTANICAL GARDENS
AFTER THE SUMMER CONCERTS


THERE IS A TURKISH RESTAURANT
THE FLYING CARPET
WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE FROM THE HOOD
YUMMY-LAMB


AND THE LATEST LOCAL CRIME WAVE
IS STEALING POTTED PLANTS
OFF PORCHES
SURELY--THEY CAN FIND SOMETHING LIGHTER
TO WALK OFF WITH 
THAN A POT FILLED WITH DIRT!
I WOULD GIVE YOU MY VERSION
OF AN APB FOR A PLANT
BUT I AM LAUGHING TOO HARD!


AND LAST--BUT NOT LEAST
OUR SWEET LUCY HAS TURNED A CORNER
AND ALLOWS ME TO KEEP HER
FOR A COUPLE OF HOURS AT A TIME
REFLUX AND COLIC
FINALLY GAVE US ALL A BREAK!


ENJOYING THE LAZY DAYS OF SUMMER WHILE

LIVING LIFE LARGE
HERE IN THE HOOD

UNEXPECTED

I spoke with a dear friend today and they gave me unexpected news—they have cancer—melanoma.  Not one I would ever expect to develop melanoma, the news came as a shock.  Not young, but not old in my eyes, the course of their life has changed.  Tests, consultations, possibly more surgery, and a course of treatment are how their days now look—not their plan by a long shot.



As I walked and prayed this morning, it occurred to me how many are facing or have faced the unexpected.  We have a plan and it seems a good plan for our lives and BAM—the unexpected changes our course.

My dad died when I was 14, and he was only 45.  I never expected to lose him so early.  I often wonder how different my life would have looked had this unexpected never occurred.  His death left a void which I eventually tried to fill in destructive ways.  This unexpected was life changing for me.

My marriage ended---I never expected that to happen.  For after all, do any of us say, “I Do,” with the intention of it ending in divorce?  No, we take those words, “Till death do you part,” literally, and never dream it will be different.  It has taken a long time to process this unexpected in my life.  I expected to possibly be alone one day, but it was unexpected how it happened.

Dear Friends have lost their children, dear friends have lost their mates, and dear friends have lost their grandchildren.  Their passing into the world to come, was unexpected.  None of us sit around thinking about the loss of those we hold dear.

Some of life’s unexpected are blessings.  A few of my precious grands were unexpected.  We all quickly moved from the shock of the unexpected to the blessing of our expectations as the day neared for their birth.

 The “Rule for Life” I came away with while praying and thinking-

EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED

If you make it through this life and never experience the unexpected, you are living in a dream world.  The unexpected is going to occur—all kinds of unexpected occurrences will pepper your life’s path.


How you walk forward after the unexpected is what is important.  My friend told me, “God is still in charge”.  YES HE IS!  And nothing ever happens without passing through His hands.  Remember to grab on—hold tightly to Him—and live through faith when those unexpected occur.  God is sovereign and He is not surprised by cancer, death, illness, loss of job, fall of the stock market, or any other catastrophe in man’s eye.  All is for His good purpose—even the unexpected.  I have no answers to what possible good can come from many of the unexpected.  I do have faith He is present by my side—even in the midst of the unexpected—He loves me beyond my wildest dream.  He is present in the unexpected.

God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
Psalm 46:1-2

VICTIM MENTALITY

My friend, Cindi, posted a GREAT blog yesterday here.  She is a talented writer and I have no higher praise than to say SHE inspired today's post-she started the wheels turning--IMMEDIATELY!

There is a laughing joke between my older brother and I about our childhood.  He says I would yell, "MOMMA!" just to get him in trouble when he was doing nothing.  Now SOMEWHERE in this tale is the truth---perhaps I might have made a preemptive strike a time or two-KNOWING he was going to hit me if we were in the same room for longer than 5 minutes.   I have always laughed and said when I have bone cancer in my arm, it was caused from him punching me every time we passed.  SOMEHOW we survived our childhood--I survived the punches--no cancer--and he survived Momma.  I got the easy end of that equation.

Our nation has become a nation of victims.  We shirk our responsibility for our own actions and blame any and all possible causes.  Why we even explain away mass murder with bad childhoods.  We look to the sins of generations past to give us a pass on our own poor behavior and failure to thrive today.  A long litany of excusing our failures come to mind --

POOR GRADES--my parents never helped me study

POOR DRIVING--I drive just like my dad

POOR MANNERS--no one ever taught me

POOR SPEECH--I talk like those around me

And THOSE are the more innocent examples.  The more serious ones include-

PREJUDICE--Learned at the feet of my forefathers

FAILURE TO SUCCEED-Our people are never given a chance

SORRY PARENTING--I parent like I was parented

MASS MURDER--I was bullied my entire life.

NOW---our past circumstances certainly affect our current behavior--UNLESS--we redeem those circumstances and refuse to play the victim.


In my own life, I have played the victim and savored the righteous indignation of others for my poor treatment.  The truth of the matter is there are always two sides to every story---AND---my perception of truth may not be another's.  Until I tire of victim status and claim the crown of victor, I will be exactly where Cindi described--STUCK!  No forward motion --no movement beyond being a victim--no hope for a better day while stuck in the victim mentality.

How are things redeemed?  How do we move forward?  The first step is the acknowledgement of where we are---STUCK.  The next step is recognizing we can not only move past our circumstance, but we can redeem them by changing our course of action.  Put the past behind, by refusing to play the role of victim any longer and take charge of moving forward.  I promise you---it is not one simple act---it is a day to day process.  I made a conscious effort to parent better than I was parented.  AND then there were those days I found myself acting exactly the way I abhorred during my childhood.  My choice was the victim claim of my childhood or start again the redemption process.  I could be stuck in the victim mode or move forward and claim the prize of doing better.  

I am not a victim---I am a victor---How about you?


37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
Romans 8:37








ROMANCE

I am a romantic and love to be romanced-

Flowers from my Lover—glorious flowers of every color—covering every surface—with the fragrance which only comes with flowers growing wild and free.



Songs of love and romance—lilting and soaring all around me—a bird’s song, the sounds of the night, the whisper of the breeze—the trickle of the water—all touching my heart and soul.




Dancing--the enjoyment of moving to the rhythm of the music-hands and feet swirling and all for our good pleasure



Love Letters—full of beauty, hope, and a reminder of how special I am—how much I am loved---cared for—sought after—pursued—desired.


Whispers of love—as the night breeze caresses my cheek, as the golden sun kisses with warmth, and the green grass tickles my feet—I hear those whispers of how I am adored.


Warm embraces—delivered by those He uses, soft kisses by those He has given me, and the sweet touch of a little hand while walking—touching and reminding me of His nearness.




I desire romance---I need romance---and romance is showered upon me—by the One who loves me best.


Zephaniah 3:17 The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.




CLINGING TO THE SIDE

The little grands have been ducks since their earliest introduction to the water.  No fear would be an understatement when it comes to their approach to the swimming pool.  The two year old is still required to wear a puddle jumper, but for his own protection.  There is nothing he will not try, once he has seen the brothers do it.  He saw his mother stand on her hands in the pool and immediately tried to do the same.  It looked like a duck’s tail sticking out of the water to see his feet in the air while still floating.  Their early and consistent exposure to the pool has made for good swimmers who are comfortable in the water.

Photo Credit:Allyson Abril

My daddy built a swimming pool when I was in early elementary school.  The nearest swimming pool was 20 minutes from the small town I grew up in which limited our exposure to swimming.  Most of the swimming in those days took place in ponds and rivers, which you shared with the water moccasins.  Needless to say, Momma was not thrilled with the muddy water or the snakes, so I had limited swimming exposure.

After the pool was built that was remedied.  Unfortunately, I had already learned a healthy fear of the water.  I spent my swimming time in the shallow end or clinging to the side in the deep end.  I missed out on a lot of the fun because I was afraid and unable to swim.

Daddy gave me some time, and watched me as I played in the water.  The day finally came when he threw me in the deep end and it was sink or swim.  In his defense, the pool was probably only about 20 feet wide and 7 feet deep.  He was standing right there, and would not let me drown.  There is nothing like the shock of no concrete under your feet to teach you how to swim.  I made it to the side, and thus began my lifelong love of swimming.

While thinking over how I learned to swim, I wondered how often we are clinging to the safety of the side in life.  Hesitant to take a leap into the unknown, and clinging to the safety of the edge of living, what are we missing?  When we allow fear to rule our hearts and forget to trust our Life Guard, what life changing experiences are we missing?  Relationships are not pursued, service opportunities missed, moments of worship are passed over, and mission trips avoided—because we remain in our comfort zones.

There is no need for this spirit of fear.  God has given us the ability to conquer our fears and live life abundantly.  All it takes is turning to Him and admitting our weakness and allowing His Holy Spirit to fill us with courage.  I am reminding myself—do not miss out—instead step out—and live life to the fullest.

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
II Timothy 1:7

A PAT DOWN!

An anonymous blog commenter recently gave me an ear full about the comments on the blog and on Facebook after most of my posts.  They are almost always positive.  Perhaps due to the fact that most people do not read words they do not agree with.  The comment also talked about our "Mutual Admiration Society".  Well now-first of all--thank you very much for sticking this song in my head for days now!




A flash back to my childhood--it is a catchy song and has a good beat--though it might be difficult to dance to. (Showing my age--quote from "American Bandstand")

Fodder for my writing!!!

Yes, it is true, we tend to encourage one another in the blogging world.  In fact, most of the comments are encouraging, again, perhaps due to the fact that those who enjoy my musing read the blog.  When I began thinking it over, I realized I only leave positive comments on other blogs, unless I disagree, and then I use the power of the mouse to pass on to the next one. 



What might I ask is wrong with encouraging one another---admiring the work of others---giving a verbal pat on the back for a job well done?  While tutoring and mentoring, while Luluing with the grands, while being a friend, while being a mother, well in all aspects of life, encouragement has always been the most effective tool for spurring others on.  I willingly admit, I probably would have stopped writing LONG ago, except for the pats on the back.  THANK YOU for all who have encouraged me!

As I thought this over, I realized it is VERY Biblical to encourage one another!


 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. 
I Thessalonians 5:11

I found pages of scripture in The Word--Old and New Testaments "encouraging us to encourage one another".  

So THAT is all I need---and YES, we are a Mutual Admiration Society--THANK THE GOOD LORD!  




WHAT LOVE REALLY MEANS

THIS MY DEAR FRIENDS

THRILLS MY VERY HEART

AND WARMS MY SOUL

HE LOVES ME

FOR ME





BLESSED SABBATH,

DEAR FRIENDS

AND HAPPY FATHER'S DAY

TO ALL MY MALE READERS

MEANWHILE HERE IN THE HOOD

This is the week for the annual Camp Lulu.
All the grands--except for the eldest have been together and we have played all week.



THE TRAMPOLINE PARK


SWAM THREE TIMES AT MEMAW & DUDE'S
THE LITTLE GRANDS OTHER GRANDPARENTS
THEY GENEROUSLY SHARE THEIR POOL & HOME


WENT TO THE FOOD TRUCK PARK
FOR DINNER



VISITED PUMP IT UP
THE TOP PICTURE IS THE OLDEST
THE NEXT IS THE TWO YEAR OLD
HE THINKS HE IS AS BIG AS THE BIG BOYS
LOOK ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE SLIDE



VIEWING THE TRINITY RIVER
WHILE AT THE FOOD TRUCK PARK


AND DO NOT FORGET
TAKING THE OLDEST ONLY
TO SEE "JURASSIC WORLD"
I WILL NEVER VIEW LIZARDS
IN THE SAME WAY AGAIN!


AND POOR BABY
YOU NAP WHEN YOU CAN
WHEN IN MOTION
ALL WEEK!

BUSY week here in the Hood!  I am certain things have been hopping around the hood, but who has time to check.  As soon as I get back from The Rest Home, I will catch up!  

AND WE HAVE NOT FLOATED AWAY YET---BUT HAVE COME CLOSE!  I thought Texas was supposed to be dry heat!




A GLORIOUS MESS


Having a huge streak of OCD right through the middle of my id—I love a clean-neat and orderly house.  Everything has a place—and therefore belongs in its place.  There is not one thing wrong with neatness and order—except it comes at a price.
When the grands come over, we play—we pull out almost every toy in the house, and then we pull out those things not meant as toys—but fun to play with.  There is a carpet of little people, cars, blocks, toy guns, puzzles, and various other forms of amusement from the front door to the back. There are half full glasses, dirty plates, and ground in food on the floor.   It is a MESS!  A HUGE GLORIOUS MESS!

It will all get picked up and cleaned up, when I am once again here alone.  But quiet and neatness come at a price.  The cost is missing all the fun!  I laugh, I tickle, I wrestle, and I just play with those little wonders.  We go to the park, we walk around the block, we play with trucks in the yard, and we live in every square inch of my bungalow. 

One of my friends told me my home looked “lived in” and “comfortable”.  I took it as a huge compliment.  Anyone can have a show place—a museum—or perhaps the best description is a mausoleum.  I prefer a home—where you are free to live and live not richly—but abundantly.  My home is not sacred, but my relationship with those entering my home is.  It is frequently a glorious mess.

So goes my relationship with The Lord.  It is a glorious mess at times.  I laugh at the messes He allows me to make in my life, I cringe thinking of how He has allowed me to question Him, and I turn away in embarrassment thinking of the choices He has allowed me to make.  He has allowed me to make a royal mess of things more times than I care to remember.  Still He stays with me—in the midst of the mess—He is right here with me.  He takes that mess—He wipes it all clean—and loves me in spite of the mess my life can be.  In spite of it all, He loves me and my glorious mess---PRAISE HIM!

For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.
Isaiah 41:13


NO NEED TO GET WET

A regular blog reader emailed me yesterday about one of the comments made on a post.  Concerned about the tone of the comment, they suggested blocking the anonymous commenter from reading or commenting on my blogs.  My response, in a public forum, you take the negative along with the positive as the normal course of events. 

There is capability of blocking all anonymous comments, but I have anonymous commenter's who are supportive and encouraging.  There is the capability of reviewing all comments before publishing.  Unless the comments become obscene or use vulgar language, I prefer to air all sides of the topic.  If the comments become obscene or vulgar, I have the capability of deleting them after the fact.

I do choose whether I reply to comments, though.  Normally I reply to all named commenter's.  I will not reply to the negative anonymous comments.  A war of words is not the purpose of this blog and I do not intend to defend MY opinions.  You never argue anyone into changing their point of view.



The thing about a spitting contest---everyone gets wet. I have a rain jacket, but do not intend to wear it while writing.  My goal is to post what God is placing upon my heart.  If I am off track, the readers will pull me up short.  If I am being a “truth teller”, there is no need to defend the truth.  God is more than capable of defending Himself.

So let the comments fall where they may, unless God instructs me to stop---the words will continue to fly.  The thing to keep in mind, even negative criticism is flattering---since they obviously are still reading what I am writing.

Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”

Romans 12:19

DON'T FENCE ME IN

I seem to have a love-hate relationship with fences.  Love those fences which keep away the nuisances, but do not like to be fenced in--in any form or fashion.  Oh—I love the beauty of a long wooden rail fence-it seems to tug at my poetic heart strings. I am not speaking of the fences in the physical world, but instead the unseen-yet visibly present fences we call boundaries.

Our lessons in boundaries begins as soon as we become mobile.  Important lessons---all usually prefaced with-NO!  You know life lessons such as-do not stick your finger in the plug; do not play with sharp things; do not stick your hand in the fire—the do not’s which are intended to keep us safe.



The next step in our boundary lessons involve others—when we reach the age of fair play among our peers.  Do not push your brother down the stairs; do not snatch toys from others; do not throw hard things at your friends—the do not’s which teach us civility in relationships.

The day we step into the world of teens—the do not’s take a more serious tone.  Do not smoke—tobacco or dope; do not drink alcohol while underage; do not have sex; do not speed while driving; do not run with the wrong crowd- the do not’s meant to keep us alive and from making lasting mistakes during those turbulent years leading to adulthood.

At last we become an adult and all fences-boundaries are removed-are so it seems.  We are our own boss and the only boundaries are those self-imposed.  Thrown into the world of grownups, we are the masters of our fate.  No need for boundaries---or perhaps the greatest need for boundaries?

I have placed boundaries around myself—boundaries for self-protection.  Do not over-eat; do not smoke (tobacco or otherwise); do not lie (it is easier to tell the truth than keep track of the lies); do not cheat; do not steal (even good blogs); do not forget to exercise; the do not’s meant to navigate a life well lived.

All of this came bubbling to the surface when I was thinking of another form of boundaries in our lives.  The boundaries dealing with relationships.  Occasionally there comes a time when we must install these invisible fences called boundaries to protect yourself in a relationship.  What is that old saying, “Fool me once shame on you; fool me twice shame on me.”  There comes a time in some relationships when we must back off or even cut off any interaction.  Volatile relationships; relationships where we begin to resemble the door mat; relationships where the truth never seems to surface; relationships that beat us down—the do not’s of how we allow someone to treat us.  There comes a time when it is best to step back and walk away—when more harm is guaranteed by staying.  Relationships are built on honesty and mutual give and take.  God desires for us to love one another—turn the other cheek—but He does not require for us to be beaten to the ground.  There are times—for our own well-being—we put up a boundary and stay on our side of the street.

Yes—fences are good—they make for good neighbors, and boundaries are necessary.  The right boundaries keep us strong, safe, and emotionally healthy.  A fence to protect our heart provides a boundary which allows us to enjoy the blessing of all the good relationships and leave the destructive behind the fence.

He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will suffer harm. 
Proverbs 13:20



A FOOT IN TWO WORLDS

One of my favorite television shows, way back in the day, was “The Twilight Zone”.  Each episode began with an explanation of alternative worlds beyond what we see day to day.  The star always experienced a transport to the bizarre world beyond his home and even his imagination. 

I recently passed through Ruston, my home for 47 years, for a very brief visit.  It is always wonderful to see old friends and family, but I have only made 4 visits back since my move two years ago and that includes this pass through visit.  Initially, in the beginning months after my move, I was very homesick and thought I should give Fort Worth a chance before running back to the familiar.  In the past year, the busyness of babies and moves have kept me close to Fort Worth. 

The discovery I made while in Ruston is it does not feel so much like home anymore.  Oh for certain, the family and friends have not changed—and we can pick up where we left off and not miss a beat.  The change seems to be in the feeling of living in community which comes with living life together.  No longer involved in community activities, nor sharing life in the community, the bond of hometown is beginning to fade.  A brief ride up and down a handful of streets confirmed Ruston has gone on and I have become a memory of the past.


Contrast this with two years in Fort Worth.  It is a dramatic difference in living in the “Big City”.  My endeavors to become involved have led to pockets of community, but the city is too large to become known in this brief period of time.  So my home is in Fort Worth, but Fort Worth does not feel like home yet.  What 47 years accomplished in Ruston, will not be copied in 2 years in Fort Worth. 
So I have the feeling of having a foot in two different worlds, and neither foot is firmly planted.  I am living in the Limbo Land of No Real Home.  Oh, Fort Worth will become home, if I continue to take steps to become planted and live long enough to see the growth of community.  At this time, I am quickly moving away from the home in Louisiana, and slowly building the home in Texas.  Bottom line—I still have a foot in two worlds.


It brings to mind my spiritual home.  I have two feet firmly planted in the physical spiritual world, but my heart and soul long for the eternal home of Heaven.  Oh, I love life and all I have been blessed with, but I long to see Jesus.  To become a full time citizen of the Heavenly home of my Savior and Almighty God-to know the joy and contentment which will wash over me when I step through the threshold into my heavenly home.  Until then, I will remain here—in my earthly home—and continue to seek His presence as I walk the path to my promised eternal home.  A foot in two worlds--—with the earthly foot always ready to push me into the heavenly home—at His call.  In a moment’s notice, I will truly be Home. 

Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling,
II Corinthians 5:3

HOMEWARD BOUND

One of the ways I entertain myself when driving back to Ruston or to Austin is by timing my trips.  I am always on a quest to better my time-even by a minute.  If the stars line up right, the traffic cooperates, and my bladder control is extensive, there is always the possibility of a better time.  Don’t judge—I am easily entertained!

On my recent trip home from Ruston, everything was perfect to have the best time EVER and by several minutes.  I was rocking & rolling and already gloating to myself over the new “Best”! 
Already in the “DFW Zone”, I was in the home stretch when I topped a hill and DRAT, cars are braking in all lanes and things seem to be coming to a stop. All four lanes of traffic are at a crawl and the game was on for which lane would move me the fastest.


Inching forward, I come to a sign the left lane would close ahead.  We all begin the merging game.  Another mile and another sign the left lane would again close.  A repeat of the pattern until we are down to two lanes—then finally one.  A sign appears---

ALL TRAFFIC MUST EXIT THE FREEWAY

Seriously---they had closed down the entire interstate---just south of Dallas—both ways---all lanes!  As we slowly creeped forward, I wanted to jump out of the car and demand to see the person in authority.  Pulling myself up to my most intimidating 5’5” and 120 pounds, demanding to know “WHO THOUGHT THIS WAS A GOOD IDEA?”  When I turn my stink eye on you and stand up tall, I really can be quite intimidating!

Somehow we finally get four lanes of traffic down to one and we all are herded off unto another interstate.  Approximately 2 miles down the road, there is another sign---all detoured traffic is required to exit—in a single lane again, and take a single lane road which will eventually get you back unto the interstate.  OH—BUT I have a BETTER idea—instead of going as directed—I will continue on to Dallas and take the interstate that runs two blocks from my house. 

BRILLIANT---until I get to downtown Dallas and discover three interstates all merge together at this point and AGAIN traffic is at a crawl.  Once again, I end up in a single line of traffic which is crawling.  What else is there to do, but stay in line—be patient-and eventually I will get home.  By this point in time, all hope of a smooth path leading to a new best time, are shattered—I am just praying to get home without being smooched into a grease spot between two 18 wheelers! 

Eventually I get out of Dallas---all the interstates have gone their separate ways and I am headed to Fort Worth!  HAPPY- HAPPY!  And THEN I get to Arlington, famous for its amusement parks, Ranger’s Stadium, and various and other forms of entertainment.  It seems every parent and child in a three state area has decided this day is THE day to go to Arlington.  Once again—traffic is crawling!

Eventually I get home---THANK YOU, LORD!  NO new record—no smooth sailing, but I am home in one piece and there is truly no place like home.  The day has been spent receiving and extending grace as all of us road warriors work together as we merge and converge on the path home.


Reminds me of the path of life—unexpected detours---receiving grace—extending grace—lots of patience required—accepting where the path leads—and knowing eventually we will be home.  Knowing even though the path does not look like we planned—our Guide knows the best route---and the best road---WILL lead us home.  

Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.
I Peter 1:13