What a full week our family has had! I am considering it a blessing today…even though I’m going on only 4-1/2 hours of sleep from last night…and feel like I’ve been hit by a truck this morning! 🙂
In looking back over the week, I feel like I’ve learned a few very important lessons. These are very random, yet made an impact on me. Sharing them cements them in my mind and heart even stronger…
On Wednesday morning this week, I stopped at Target to quickly pick up a couple of things before BSF. I quickly scanned the clearance rack of clothes as I was finishing up, and found a pair of dress pants that I thought would be perfect. I went to the fitting room area, tried them on (they didn’t look right on me), and returned them to the fitting room attendant who was a different lady than the one who checked me in. I spoke to her kindly, smiled and was intending to have a pleansant interaction with her. But that didn’t happen…she took the pants from me as I explained they didn’t fit. She said thank you, but never once looked me in the eye. I recognized her, as she was an acquaintance of mine from long ago, but she didn’t even look at me to be able recognize me. That lesson taught me that it makes people feel important to look them in the eye, and to notice them. It makes people feel valued and worthy. How many times am I in my own little world, and forget to pay attention to others?
Thursday I was at Mission of Hope. Mike, a volunteer asked me a question at 9:10 that morning that stopped me in my tracks. He asked me, “How has God used you today?” I sadly couldn’t come up with an answer. He said, “He’s already used you this morning. You’re just not recognizing it.” He was right. I wasn’t recognizing how God had used me already that morning…I just kept drawing a blank. “I guess He used me with my children this morning,” was my reply. That lesson taught me to pay attention and to recognize the times when God uses me…even in the little things. Not for my glory, but for His. God uses His children in many circumstances and situations all the time. How sad it is when we don’t recognize that, and miss and opportunity to give Him glory!
Going to bed Thursday night, after a very enjoyable concert at school that evening, my mind kept running through the concert in my mind. It was late, and I couldn’t wind down very well.  I had the fleeting thought once again, “I gotta call Mom tomorrow and tell her about …” It took me by such surprise…I hadn’t had that thought in quite awhile. Tears flowed immediately afterwards. I miss talking to Mom every day. I miss her greatly. That lesson taught me and reminded me of what a wonderful relationship I had with my mom, and to cherish the times I had with her. I want to have that kind of relationship with my daughter.
My uncle (Mom’s brother) had a stroke this week. He lives probably 30 minutes from us. I went to visit him in the hospital yesterday. He once again reminded me of Mom…in many ways, especially after she had her stroke. The way he looked, talked, his mannerisms, etc. He doesn’t have much family in this part of the country…mainly a grandson, and my brothers and I. I spent an hour or so with him, catching up on things and enjoying our conversation. Why has it been so long since I’ve spent time with him? When was the last time I’ve had an hour-long conversation with my uncle, especially when he lives so close? Unacceptable! This lesson taught me once again to take time, and make time, for the peopel in our lives, especially family. If God would have taken my uncle home this week, I would have never had the special conversation we had yesterday. I would have never gotten to hug him and tell him goodbye. I’m thankful I had the opportunity to do those things. We will go in and see him again today.
Another big lesson for me this week is to SLOW DOWN! Life has a tendency to take over for me, and I many things are out of my control. But I can control some things in my life, and I need to do a better job of slowing down and appreciating the little things. To be able to slow down and hear that still, small voice whispering, “Be still and know that I am God.”
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