JEV

What a gift the division of time is.  Seasons, years, hours, days – each brings newness.  Think about it. Every 30 days or so brings the start of a new month, every 12 months begins a new year and after 24 hours a new day dawns. 

During our lifetime we have ‘events’ that mark how we remember and keep things in perspective.  You might find us saying “When I was about 5” or “during my senior year” or “the year we moved”.  Sometimes the statements reveal less-than-pleasant times such as “after the divorce”, “the year we lost the house”, “when I received the diagnosis” or “right before he died”.  These are our own personal divisions of time.  Some of them bring smiles and some, anything but.

There is no one who has only pleasant memories.  I doubt very seriously if there is anyone who doesn’t have something they wish they could go back and do differently. Something we wouldn’t say, someone we wouldn’t hurt, a job offer we wouldn’t turn down, a drink we wished we’d never taken, a ride we wish we’d never gone on, an investment we wish we’d never made. Maybe the events aren’t things we had any control over, like the death of someone we love, the betrayal of a friend, a house fire, a car accident or a heart attack. There’s no doubt things will happen that shape the course of our lives even if we are not the ones who set them in motion.  

Here’s where the division of time is such a blessing.  There are lots of opportunities to start fresh. Chances to keep moving. Steps forward to take.  Much as chapters are the divisions in a book, events are the chapters of our life.  One may be full of fun, the next full of hurt, one where we’re the victim only to find a few chapters later we’re the villain.  But, as long as we’re breathing, we can keep turning pages and writing chapters.  Don’t think I am insinuating that’s easy because most of the time it’s definitely not but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible or not worth doing! 

Often we don’t keep writing chapters because it’s painful or we feel guilty or we’re consumed with anger or want to blame someone else.  All very valid emotions but ones you don’t want calling the shots in your life.  Acknowledge them, challenge them, dissect them if necessary,  but don’t let them stop your next chapter.  Believe what God says in Lamentations:  “The faithful love of the Lord never ends!  His mercies never cease.  Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.”*  God gives us new chances every single day. There is forgiveness when we’ve messed up, comfort when we’re overwhelmed, peace when our heart is broken, wisdom when we feel lost.  He invites us to allow Him to write the next chapter with us! His way of writing may throw us a curve ball at times but He’s writing your masterpiece and the end will be amazing.

Allowing events to shape us rather than break us requires effort, trust and love.  Overcoming, saying goodbye, facing our giant, repenting, apologizing, looking forward can all be hard but it’s worth it.  Give yourself time and grace.  Treat yourself with love and kindness and when necessary, employ a good swift kick in the seat of your britches! There’s life to be lived, people to help, friends to make, adventures to enjoy, things to learn.  Hold close your good memories for they are precious but keep making new ones and continue marking your seasons of life.  

Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death?….. No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.   Romans 8:35 & 37

(Love you, Handsome.  So grateful you are part of my story!)

*Lamentations 3:22-23

Recently some friends and I were chatting about a book we plan to read in which the premise is that each person in the story would learn approximately how long their lifespan would be.  An interesting concept, indeed.  Would you want to know?  Would you open the box and find out if yours was to be a long or short life?  Do you think you would have answered that question any differently 10+ years ago?  If you were (or are) young and just jumping into all things adult, would you want to know how many years you were going to have to enjoy it all? 

This week marks 15 years since Eric started the next part of his journey.  I say it like that because we are truly spiritual beings on a human journey rather than just human beings on a spiritual one.  What we see around us is not our last stop on the journey! Thinking about the above mentioned book, there were definitely times I wished I could know when the grief journey would end.  Or even IF it would end.  There were times 15 days into the future seemed far away and 15 years was too far down the road to even fathom.  But, now we’re here.  

Lots of things have happened in 15 years. Some very difficult things and some unexpected pleasures. Some confusing things. The world is not the same as it was in 2008 and in many ways might be almost unrecognizable to those who haven’t been around since then.  But what I’m thinking about this week is how much I am enjoying life. Not just tolerating it, or enduring the days, or living in the past more than the present.  Fifteen years ago I wasn’t sure I would ever be able to say it but ….. I’m happy.  

Life is way different than I expected it to be as that “young person just jumping into all things adult”. I’M different since 2008 and there’s still an empty place in my heart but heartache and grief had to give way to life and joy.  For those not as far along in their grief journey as I am, be encouraged – it can get better!  I say ‘can’ because time doesn’t heal all wounds (as we often hear) if we dig in our heals and stay put.  Moving forward won’t happen if we’re constantly looking backward.  Mourning will not turn into joy if we convince ourselves it’s wrong to be joyful.  We can do it!  We can still be happy and vibrant useful members of the human race!  It doesn’t happen at the flip of a switch, but it happens.  It should happen.  We will always hold those we love close to our heart and being happy without them does not mean we didn’t love them or they no longer matter.  It means we are still alive and have a purpose and we don’t want to squander our time!

On Sunday as my heart was reminiscing, I listened as our entire church enthusiastically sang:  You turn mourning to dancing, You give beauty for ashes, You turn graves into gardens, You’re the only one who can. (Isaiah 61:3) 

Fifteen years ago I could not have sung those words joyfully.  I did not feel them.  I knew the truth of them, but had no heart to declare them.  Today I do.  True to His promise, Jesus didn’t leave me to flounder on my own, He has been with me every step of the way.  He has been my dance partner while I wept, pointed out the beauty that is simply hidden by ash and shown me good things can grow in some very unlikely places.  I am so grateful!  

Grief is normal.  It is even good.  It’s just not meant to be a permanent place to stay.  Walking out of grief is a minute-by-minute process and everyone’s climb out is different.  But you don’t have to do it alone.  You, too, have a dancing partner in your mourning who can show you beauty in the ashes and help you grow a lively garden!

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3:5-6

   

This date 11 years ago was Eric’s last day on earth. It was obviously not an easy day since we were dealing with the ravages of cancer, but at least he woke up. He said, “Good morning. I love you.” for the very last time.  Less than 24 hours later he was healed, happy, dancing on streets of gold and being greeted by people he loved who had made that journey before him.  And he no doubt received a ‘welcome home’ from Jesus!

As I look back over the years since I last heard him pray or laugh or preach, several thoughts pop to my mind quickly.  The first one is that I am blessed. Oh, so blessed. The ache, the tears, the sadness and the hardships cannot overshadow that truth. God’s faithfulness and patience seem to know no bounds-for which I’m grateful!  I have made so many mistakes these last 11 years.  I’ve done things wrong, messed things up, jumped too soon or hesitated too long. I’ve said the wrong things, neglected to say the right ones and spent my time unwisely.  Yet God has lovingly helped me pick up the pieces and redirect my thoughts and my steps each time. I’m still accepted and loved. That has made this season of life bearable and most importantly, it’s even made it enjoyable. 

Yes, I said enjoyable. Eleven years ago I wasn’t sure my heart would ever feel joy again, but it does. I didn’t know if there would ever be a good ‘belly laugh’ or genuine peace in my thoughts but there has been. Life did not stop, although it felt like it would, and happiness did return.  That’s not to say I don’t have sad moments or times when I desperately wish I could have a long conversation with Eric  (and maybe get a kiss or two!)  There are moments when things seem hollow and the fact that part of me is missing screams loudly in my heart but those times are now fewer and the joyful ones more abundant. 

Then there are the people. My people. What would I have become without my people?  The people who let me cry, who send cards, who push me forward, who trust me to lead. The ones that hug me at church, treat me special at the coffee shop, greet me like I’m important, compliment me, challenge me, encourage me and make me laugh.  What would I do without those people?  My heart has healed because of your love and prayers. I’m beyond grateful. 

My children have walked through their loss and my respect and love for them has only grown. They are wonderful human beings and I couldn’t be more excited to have a front row seat in their life.  Kids-those I birthed and those they have married (and those they have birthed!)-I love you deeply and am grateful you have loved me well.  My parents, my siblings and their families; I’m sorry for everyone else because you all got cheated-mine are the best!  Saying goodbye to Eric, mom and Carol has been hard but we’ve done it together and that’s made it easier. Spending time with you is high on my list of good times.  

So, the thing I’d like you to remember most from these ramblings of mine is IT’S THE PEOPLE. That’s what’s most important. That’s where you need to expend your energy. That’s what needs to be the underlying factor in your decisions, your plans and your purpose. Goodness, Jesus left heaven to come to earth for all people, certainly your people should be equally as important to you!  And once we have our own people in the proper place of importance, let’s not forget those we don’t know. The ones with whom we can share a casual smile, a kind word, some type of a hand-up. The world is a big place and you have a lot to offer, probably more than you realize. Invest in people.  

Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor.  For if they fall, one will lift up his companion.   Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

Handsome, That’s one more year accomplished!  I’m no longer upset that you reached your goal and got your prize so much earlier than I wanted.  But I sure do miss you.  

It’s funny how time seems different according to the situation. A ten minute massage is totally inadequate but ten minutes of a migraine seems never-ending. When waiting for the doctor to call with your test results, five days feels like an eternity but five days at the beach pass by in a flash. Nine months of being pregnant pass so slowly (especially the last two!) but that baby’s first year is over before you know it. We count it in minutes, hours, days, weeks, months and years but time is relative in so many ways.

Ten years ago today a heart stopped beating and for a while time stood still for our family. When we finally took a breath again, time was marching on and we needed to march with it. It is said time heals all wounds but no one says how quickly or how easily or how completely this will happen. I think that’s because, like time, it’s all relative. We each react, respond and rejuvenate in different ways.

It’s been ten years since my Handsome has said my name or laughed with me (or at me!) or encouraged me, prayed with me, challenged me, hugged me, bought me a gift, written me a love note, celebrated with me or woke up beside me. Ten years ago I could not imagine living ten years without him. Heck, thinking about the next day without him was sometimes to much to bear.

But it’s been ten years and I’m ok. I’m even a little better than ok. And I love life. I love MY life. I have a wonderful family, terrific friends, hopes and dreams for my future and reasons to smile every day. I’m not the same person I was ten years ago and I admit I sometimes miss that girl but I doubt if any of you are the same as you were ten years ago either! Breath means life and life means change. Oh, there’s still an empty part of my heart but it’s not the largest part. There are memories that make me cry but many more make me laugh. I have survived and I’m on my way to thriving!

Eric has missed so many things in the past ten years; the birth of four grandchildren and the opportunity to watch all eight of them grow, marriages, graduations, a church plant, a thriving new business, career choices, new homes, and some fun vacations. His first great-grandchild will be born in August. All of these I wish we could have enjoyed together. But I have enjoyed them and am grateful for God’s faithfulness and patience as my heart has healed. It’s a slow process. But God has given me encouragers, friends that stick like glue (super glue!) who allowed me to cry whenever I needed (they still do!) to talk as much as I wanted and to be alone when it was necessary. Friends who have prayed. A lot!! My family has been a healing balm. It’s because of all this that I can say-ten years later- I’M OK!

Last year a family I love said goodbye to their mom/wife/grandmother. In the last few weeks my mom went to heaven, a long-time friend joined her not long after, a family I attend church with had a heart-breaking loss and a Florida school just suffered a terrible tragedy. Death is a constant. It’s awful, painful, gut-wrenching and leaves us lonely. But God is a constant as well. And He understands our emotions-all of them. He’s not upset when we’re angry with Him. He’s patient with our questions. It’s ok with Him when tears are our only prayers. He has already tapped others in our lives that will walk with us until we can focus and function. He’s so loving through it all.

My mom has seen Eric! She’s seen our child and she’s no doubt talked with friends and family that have been in Glory longer than she has! I’m jealous! We miss her. My friend misses his wife. A fellow Believer misses her daughter and a whole slew of families are just beginning the walk down this road where time seems hard to define. God is with us all on this road allowing each of us to travel at our own pace even if that means going backward sometimes. We do not travel alone. Even those who don’t believe or realize He’s there don’t travel alone. But that’s a discussion for a different blog ☺️

So, as we have reached this ten year milestone please allow me to say thank you to friends old and new who have loved us beyond what we are worth. You have been a beacon of love that has made me feel safe. My life is so enriched because of you. To my family – what would I do without you? Even as I write, your love and care make me cry. I definitely won the family lottery (sorry about your luck though!!) To those family members I say are grafted in by love-you are a joy; thank you for staying grafted when you didn’t have to. To my kids (including my precious daughters-in-law) -I’m sorry you lost your dad so early. I wish it wasn’t so. But I promise you the prayers he has prayed for you will ring into eternity and death does not stop God from answering them. I am proud of you and love you all deeply. You are the best part of my life.

And so, Handsome Man, I love you. I miss you. I think of you daily. But I’m ok. I’m really ok.

“Trust in Him at all times, you people;
Pour out your heart before Him;
God is a refuge for us. Selah”
Psalms 62:8 NKJV

I had the blessing of watching the sun rise over the ocean this morning. Slowly but surely, to the music of the crashing waves and the noisy gulls, the light came and the horizon became bright, the sun warmed my skin and peace prevailed.

Up and down the coast thousands of people were witnessing the same event I was. From different locations and with varying degrees of time to enjoy it, we were being blessed with a beautiful beginning to our day. From where I sat we were all experiencing it differently; some were sinking their toes in the wet sand along the shore, others paddling their surfboards out to meet the waves, some walking dogs, joggers following their morning routine and others heading off to work. I was among those blessed enough to sit still and soak it in.

My heart heard, “I’d do it even if you were the only one watching.” A smile took over my face as I accepted that hug from God! He would allow the beauty just to bless me. I know there are scientific reasons for the need of sunrise and sunset, but God could have made them bland and He didn’t. He could have made them happen in an instant instead of slowly so we could enjoy them. The colors could be dull. Instead He made something necessary beautiful and enjoyable. And He would do it even if you were the only one able to watch!

Each of us is important and special to God. We have not been created and forgotten about. He knows us. That’s hard to take in but He’s God….He spoke it all into existence and His love is everlasting! His love for YOU is everlasting. Today is fresh. This minute is new. He doesn’t mind when we ‘start over’. If yesterday was awful-if you made it awful-talk to Him and start fresh today. If the last five minutes was a mess, take a breath, talk to Him and start over. He’s much more patient, forgiving and accepting than we are so don’t gage Him by human tendencies. Truth-be-told, He’s your biggest cheerleader!

Today, find beauty. Find time to talk with Jesus. Find ways to represent Him well. Remember that even in the sea of humanity He knows and loves YOU. His beauty is for your blessing!

And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness.  God called the light “day,” and the darkness he called “night.”  And there was evening, and there was morning-the first day.    Genesis 1:3-5

“Shop Local” has become a mantra in our area and it’s becoming easier to make that happen because of the growth in our downtown. We have more shops, restaurants, street vendors and creativity than I can ever remember and it’s such fun! It’s a great place to look for unique items and things made by local craftsmen and we get the benefit of people following their passion as they open a store or studio to share their talents and knowledge with those of us who are shopping or exploring. I’m totally enjoying “doing local” especially when I know my friends and neighbors are benefitting!

There’s another local aspect I would love to see become more popular and that’s the idea of “Give Local”. Knowing that each area of the country is different and yet the same, I’m sure this opportunity exists everywhere. It’s the joy of being able to help someone by connecting with a group that is focusing on a specialized need right in your own area.

It’s easy to find ways to give to large organizations; we all see the TV commercials, receive the letters or come across advertisements on our social media pages. They are good causes, well run, doing great things and they definitely need our support. But there are many local groups that need our help as well.

In Ross County we have the chance to partner with free medical clinics, teen mentoring programs, homeless shelters, rehab groups, clothing banks, food kitchens and pantries, pregnancy centers, childcare agencies, backpack programs for school, backpacks for weekend food during the school year, necessity closets in local schools, summer lunches for kids, building with Habitat for Humanity, art programs for kids, a children’s museum and the list goes on. Opportunities are boundless.

If you have a social concern that grabs your heart, why not find a local group and give them some support? You may not have money but you have time or maybe you have the money but less time…..they won’t turn down either! It’s extremely rewarding to know that your resources are helping right in your own community. The homeless problem, the drug issue, the educational concerns can all be better in your home town because you found a way to support those who are devoted to a cause. Perhaps a student will graduate because of the encouragement of a dedicated mentor, or a child down the street from you will not be hungry this weekend, or a medical clinic will be able to stop a problem before it becomes an issue because you and your neighbors looked around to see what needs were right in your own backyard.

If you’re not sure where to start, a local church with a community outreach mindset would be a great launching pad; they often have a good pulse on current needs. Our county has a Social Service Council that’s full of resources and information. Maybe you can’t help on a regular basis but you’ll see groups hosting fund raising events during the year; jump in and support that event! Getting a car washed by a youth group, enjoying a spaghetti dinner to support drug rehab, donating to a 5K that benefits a local shelter or attending a holiday event that will make the local park safer are all good investments in the people where you live, work and play. And there’s really no better investment than people! Every group will tell you they only thrive when the community gets involved and your help, no matter how small you may think it is, really does make a difference.

What if there isn’t a group servicing a cause that close to your heart? Guess what that probably means?! You just might be the next person to start on the journey of a lifetime by getting that group started.

Why not challenge yourself to find a way to Give Local within the next 10 days. Then challenge yourself to Give Local at least three times a year. (Caution: it will be addictive!) You’ll be surprised how much more aware of your community you will become and how much more you will enjoy the small, sweet successes it experiences!

Luke 10:30-37

I’d like to share a short story with you.

A few months ago I was shopping in the aisle where dairy products are displayed when an elderly gentleman approached and asked if I could help him locate the whipping cream. He held a list given him by his wife and was unsuccessfully trying to find this item. Together we found the cream that needed to be whipped at home but he wasn’t sure that was correct. He thought she probably wanted the kind in the spray can however, he picked up what he saw and placed it in his cart.

A store employee came around the corner so I asked if what the gentleman wanted might be in the back. As any good worker would, he offered to check. The elderly man continued down the aisle and I picked up the few things I needed. As I neared the end of the row the store employee came by and handed the needed spray can of whipping cream to me. I thanked him and looked around for the man who had requested it. Seeing him several feet away I walked over and handed it to him with a smile and spoke a quote used often in our family; “Happy Wife. Happy Life”.

He looked at me and said, “You sure have that right. I’ve been married 54 years and don’t know why I ever got married in the first place.” I’m pretty sure my heart stopped beating for a second. I was stunned. I was so sad. I was perfectly still and quiet right there in the middle of the store. It just shouldn’t be that after 54 years of marriage all you have to say to a stranger is “I don’t know why I ever got married.” It must be sad to regret 54 years of living. It ought not to be so.

Marriage is work. Marriage is teamwork. Even Cinderella and Prince Charming had to overcome obstacles! After meeting THE one, having butterflies in your stomach, spending endless hours on the phone, enjoying dates that you wanted to never end, finally a wedding and the joy of moving in together, there’s still the daily process of learning to live with and wholly love another human being. It is a never ending process because human beings are always growing, changing, having new experiences and learning new things. No matter how much you love the person you marry, in a matter of years they will be a slightly different person. You must love them continually, purposely. Embrace and celebrate the growth the years will bring. Rejoice that at 50 you are not the same as you were at 20. Allow them freedom to be all that God has intended.

My family has a wonderful legacy in that my parents will celebrate their 58th wedding anniversary in a few months. My siblings and I have benefited from their tenacity in making marriage work and family life enjoyable. I know it’s not common anymore and I realize most people reading this will either have parents who are divorced or be divorced themselves; sometimes it’s unavoidable. That doesn’t mean you can’t begin to create a wonderful legacy of love for your family. Love is a wonderfully, unexplainable emotion that can be oh so fulfilling and make you a better person. Do all you can to not only find the right person but to be the right person for your spouse.

My dad has had cancer for several years. It’s a type that will never really go into remission but has been kept at bay with treatments and we are grateful. My mom is a breast cancer survivor and was recently diagnosed with peritoneal cancer. These two have been through lots of ups and downs; recently more downs that ups! But they are facing them together. Their love is more than a feeling or even more than a habit. It’s commitment as well. It’s beautiful.

Nine years ago today my Handsome left earth and our dreams of growing old together and facing the challenges and changes of life as a team will never be a reality. As is typical, when reminiscing it’s usually about the good times and the rough ones fade into the background and I’m glad it’s like that. Not because pretending the bad times weren’t real makes things better but because it shows the good times were more abundant, more normal, more us. I would love to know how things would be for us now; empty nesters, retirement looming closer, more grandkids. What vacations would we take? Would we still live in the same house? What new hobbies would we have? What would make us laugh? I would love the opportunity to begin and end every day with a kiss and be excited when his phone number showed up on my cell. To hear his car pull in the garage and know the best part of the day was about to begin would be a treasure. I hope if you are married, happily or struggling, you find pleasure in things like that because, trust me, they are indicators of the health of your relationship. Don’t live 54 years in regret.

Miss you, Eric. Thanks for 28 wonderful years of learning, living and loving! You influence me still. You have my heart.

January is almost over and if statistics are correct, almost everyone who made a New Year’s resolution has already broken it. 25% of us broke them even before the first week ended. Good thing they aren’t binding contracts!

 
As there are still 48 weeks left in the year, why don’t we take a different approach to making improvements? What if we simply determined to count our blessings? If that phrase conjures pictures of Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney in a Vermont inn close to a beautiful fireplace, then you’re probably familiar with White Christmas and the Irving Berlin song Count Your Blessings. Maybe you can even sing parts-or all-of it. But, are you doing it? Counting your blessings I mean, not singing the song!

 
To count your blessings you don’t have to join a gym, quit eating carbs, learn to be on time, swear less, drink more water, drive slower, spend less time on your devices, curb your spending, eat out less often, quit yelling or give up TV. You can count your blessings without promising to do anything differently all year long. All you have to do is start.

 
Almost every day there is something to be grateful for. Some days you may have to look a little harder than others and sometimes the blessings are disguised because we are programed to think of them as ‘normal’. Not everyone is sleeping in a house tonight. Not everyone has the opportunity to walk to a refrigerator or pantry any time they want. Not everyone has a job to go to-not even one they thoroughly dislike. Those ‘normal’ things are blessings.

 
There are blessings around us daily; train yourself to be aware of them. Intentionally look for the good instead of the bad. Allow the positive to become a greater influence than the negative. A lower electric bill than you expected, sunshine breaking through a cloudy day, a neighbor lending a helping hand just when you need it, a short line at the grocery, a pat on the back for a job well done….there are any number of things that happen around us all day that, when focused on, can help us become more positive, more peaceful, more loving. Some people keep a journal and write one good thing about every day. Others write their blessings on slips of paper then place them in a jar and watch it get fuller as at the year goes on. Keeping a record of your blessings can help on those days when it seems like everything is going wrong; just pull out the journal or read the papers and let them encourage you.

 

You may not have to change to begin counting your blessings, but counting your blessings will change you!

I will tell of the kindnesses of the Lord,
the deeds for which he is to be praised,
according to all the Lord has done for us….
Isaiah 63:7

Things have been interesting around here lately and I realized that last week was multi-generational for me. Being from a family that actually enjoys spending time together and that lives in rather close proximity to one another, the multi-generational thing isn’t really all that unusual but the way it played out was.

I got to spend an extended amount of time with three of my youngest grandchildren while their parents enjoyed an anniversary celebration far away from anything but each other (now that’s an anniversary!). For several days it was Grams and the kids and we had a great time. Not that everything was peachy – we had our issues but they were minor and at the end of the week the kids still loved me!

My dad, who is 82, experienced what it is like to fall twice within a 10 day period which is not exactly an experience everyone looks forward to. Along with those other wonderful family members I mentioned earlier, I spent several hours in an emergency room and we have spent several more trying to help dad understand the meaning of the words ‘rest’ and ‘very limited activity’.  Not an easy task!

Then my twenty-something daughter was in a car accident. Her car was totaled but thankfully she and the two passengers in the other vehicle walked away with minor injuries. Another trip to the emergency room!

From the old to the young there were changes and adjustments. There was sadness from some missing their parents (or maybe it was just because they didn’t get their way!), from age making itself known in a harsh way and from the realization that accidents happen very quickly. But there was also joy when serious injury could have taken place and didn’t, when a fall didn’t mean a hospital admission and when Grams let the rules be broken since mom and dad weren’t around to know about it!

I feel blessed to have shared these experiences with those I love so much. I have fond memories of my own childhood and am grateful my grandchildren will have the same. I love my children more than I can even begin to express and to be there for them when they need me is a reward. My parents have supported me always and it’s a privilege to do the same for them now.

As I look back on my week of multi-generational care giving, I realize anew how fast the stages pass. I’m sure it was just weeks ago that my children were the age of my grandchildren and I was the young twenty-something. I turned around once and my parents were great-grandparents and I know this to be so because somehow I’m the grandparent! When? How? Watching my grandchildren play reminds me that childhood innocence is a treasure and shouldn’t be rare or rushed. Being with my grown children gives me hope that dreams can become reality and pushing through hardship has rewards. Watching my parents age with grace teaches me that you can still be joyful, kind and thankful even when being launched into unknown territory.

And me….at my current stage? Well, that reminds me that I need to remember to do more than just take up space. I need to look for the good, share the best, spread the joy and thank God that He is with me in every stage and through every experience – the happy and the hard. I want to be carefree and laugh like a child, dream and experience like I’m in my prime and be full of peace when my strength is failing. I want to live for more than just myself, to experience the best of every stage and hear “Well done*” when the time is right. I may not hit every mark but I most definitely will enjoy trying!

O God, You have taught me from my youth;
And to this day I declare Your wondrous works.
Psalm 71:17

Hey Handsome, the only thing missing is growing old with you.
You are in my heart!

*Matthew 25:21

In just a few days Ohio will be casting their ballot for, among other things, their choice for a potential President who will guide our nation for the next four years. Needless to say, preparing for this particular election has been a bit different than usual! More candidates to weed through, more diverse personalities and the climate in our country have created some unique perspectives.

Whether you live in Ohio or not, when placing your vote you are not only deciding who will sit in the White House or Congress, you are deciding what kind of America you want in the years to come. Do you want government more involved in individual choices or less involved? Do you want open borders or more accountability for immigrants? What about taxes…should there be more to help with government programs or more left in your paycheck? How do you want your tax dollars spent? What about military, education, environment and international trade? Why do you feel your opinion is correct? Sometimes we have to make choices that will be better for the country as a whole rather than what will make us more comfortable for the moment.

It can be so easy to choose or oppose a candidate based on their personality or the good/bad press. When making such an important decision we need to do our homework and not rely on what our friends, family or coworkers think. It can be difficult to wade through the rhetoric and we most likely won’t find a candidate that agrees with us on everything but maybe we can come close. There are internet sites that will allow you to do a side-by-side comparison of all the top candidates and even allow you to answer questions then see who your closest match is. When you take hype out of the equation, it might be interesting to see who leans the same way you do. Embrace the challenge of finding out!

I encourage you to spend time truly thinking about why you are casting a vote and who it is you are giving it to. Every time someone is elected we give them the right to speak for us; make sure you like what is being said.
As with a lot of things we are used to, the act of voting may not seem overly important….until we are no longer allowed to do it. Research, pray, vote and trust God to watch over America so we as a nation can be a shining light of hope.

Pray for rulers and for all who have authority
so that we can have quiet and peaceful lives
full of worship and respect for God.
1 Timothy 2:2