My dad has the perfect spot at the dinner table that looks straight out the windows. When we were finishing dinner tonight, he pointed out a family who was taking a walk. The little girl was spinning and dancing. As we watched, the mom started spinning and dancing too. Then the dad started singing. The whole scene was adorable. The family wasn’t in a rush, just enjoying the moment and each other.
I Found God today in an example of family love.
I took my mom to have her hair cut today. The parking lot is very tight and as I pulled into a parking spot, I realized there was a woman slowly making her way down the curb to get into the car next to me. I pulled back out and moved the car over, leaving her plenty of room. The young woman with her was helping best she could and waited patiently as the struggling woman took several minutes to get in the car. When we went in to the building, there was an elderly man at the door and one sitting in the waiting area. The one at the door retrieved his wife – I’m assuming – and left. I took a seat in the waiting area and after a bit, the other man’s wife joined him and sat down. They chatted until they saw their ride pull up. They both had a cane and the man made sure he was helping his wife and holding door. And so went the rest of the time. Almost every person in and out was an elderly person and a caregiver. I enjoyed seeing the interaction between them and thanked God for the many people caring for those who needed help.
I Found God today in many people who care.
The other day, I felt a migraine coming on. I knew I had done it to myself by eating foods that I shouldn’t. I was very careful that day and treated it best I could, expecting to feel better yesterday. However, the headache was still there in the background. I had one more day of doing my best to treat it, but was unsuccessful. Despite going to be early last night, I was awakened just after midnight with a throbbing head. I got up, took some more medication, had some water, put a cold washcloth over my eyes, and tried to go back to sleep. For the next few hours I was in and out of dozing as I prayed. Eventually, I felt the pain subside and was able to get some sleep. When I got up this morning, I was happy that I could open my eyes without feeling that pressure in my head. As the day progressed, I slowly felt better and better. I am so glad to have kicked this migraine and will have to better discipline myself.
I Found God today getting over the pain of a migraine.
I have been trying to read spiritual books, but I get distracted, change books, and have not been very good at disciplining myself. Yesterday at church, an instructor for a Catholic Bible School spoke about a class that will be starting soon. It lit a spark in my heart, but I thought about how much commitment that would be, and would I have time, and what if I can’t make it to the class… etc. I decided to at least go to the informational session tonight to hear more about it, hoping I would receive a clear message if I should sign up for the class or not. The speaker did a sample class and it was great. Then, a woman who had already taken the full course spoke about her experience. She referenced the story of Martha and Mary, saying that it is good to serve like Martha, but in order to do so effectively and with Christ, we must take time aside to be with Him, like Mary. In the scripture, Jesus actually says, “Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part…” Well played, God. I bought my first book before I left the meeting.
I Found God today in a nudge to take time away with Him.
One of the readings at church today was EPH 5:21-32, which is the infamous scripture about how wives should be subordinate to their husbands. But, the other part of that is the instruction for husbands to love their wives as God loves the church. I thought the priest gave some great words of wisdom. He referred to the story of “Fiddler on the Roof”, which is really all about married love. He spoke in particular about the scene in which Τevye asks his wife Golde if she loves him. Their marriage was arranged and the first time they saw each other was on their wedding day, which was 25 years prior. Golde rattles off the list of things she has done for him in that period of time. By the end of the song, they both admit that they suppose they love each other. The priest talked about how people in a marriage have the benefit of learning to love one another through trials and time. He told a story of a couple getting ready to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. They were planning an event at the church and would meet with the priest on a regular basis. Then, the priest challenged them by saying he didn’t feel like they loved each other. They said he was right, but they were still learning to love one another. So, love isn’t just a feeling. It is a choice to desire the best for each other, and humbly serve each other.
I Found God today in a way of thinking about love.
When my mom was young, her grandfather lived with them for a while before he died. This morning my mom remembered when they used to take him to the library to look for German books. She was about 10 years old at the time. When they went, my mom discovered that the library carried books of piano music. So, she would check out one big book at a time, bring it home, and play all the music. Then she would bring it back and get a new one. Instead of reading words, she was reading music. I still get amazed at how music has always just been a part of who she is.
I Found God today realizing the way we are created with beautiful gifts.
I went for a walk and talk with a friend today and she told me a story about having faith. A priest that she knows was driving during a very bad snow storm and was pretty scared. He said all at once he got a deep sense of peace and calm. He “heard” God say “All will be well.” He didn’t know what the outcome would be of his harrowing drive, but he had faith that no matter what happened, all would be well.
I Found God today in another story of having faith.
I took my mom to the rheumatologist today to discuss her options regarding bone density medication. She recommended a shot that my mom would receive once every 6 months and went over the potential side effects. When she asked my mom what she thought, my mom said she was ready to go ahead with it and asked what I thought. I said that if she was ready that was OK. The doctor commented that I didn’t sound very convinced. I told her that I really don’t like the idea of doing things to my mom that could potentially cause problems – especially when things are going well. She proceeded to tell me all about the potential benefits of the medication and that it was tolerated well. Then she said, “or I guess you could wait until something bad happens.” That took me back a bit and I have been thinking about that comment ever since. I mean in life, something bad will happen. It’s inevitable. But what can I do to guard or possibly prevent some of those bad things? Is it worse to be afraid of potential side effects, or worse to be afraid of potential harm due to not acting? All in all, it’s worse just to be afraid. We have done our due diligence in talking with all the doctors and taking the required tests. Now it is time to act and trust that God is working it all out. He got us to this point. Oh, and the decision was made before we left the office. My mom will be getting the shot.
I Found God today in a comment that made me ponder and bring me back to faith.
It was an unusually cool and cloudy day today, but perfect weather for taking a long walk. I made my way up one of the busier streets and came to a set of stairs that led down to the neighborhood. As I reached them, an older woman had just climbed them and we met at the top. We exchanged hellos and I continued on. She was going the same direction as me, and I heard her footsteps behind me keeping time with mine. After a minute or so, she made a comment about the weather. Clearly she was wanting to talk. I slowed so we were next to each other and I realized my mom and I had met her one other time. We had a long conversation with her then. Once side by side, we chatted and walked. She showed me where her house was and talked about her husband’s death. Other people wanted her to sell the big house, but she is still able to maintain it. She said she knows she will have to leave at some point, but why rush it. We came to an intersection and I was going straight while she was turning. We shook hands and she said that next time I’m out for a walk, I should stop by and visit her. I wondered how many people she has said that to. We parted ways, but her strength, perseverance, and loneliness have stuck with me all day.
I Found God today in a strong, yet lonely woman.
Tonight I had dinner with a young woman I met when I worked at a church many years ago. She moved away and got married a year ago. We stayed in touch via texting and social media. She and her husband came to my area for vacation, and I was so happy that we were able to get together. I knew that the young man was taking care of his mother, but I guess I didn’t really know to what extent. He shared that his father had passed away almost 20 years ago, and that he and his older brother promised to take care of his mother who was in poor health. That is what they have been doing and continue to do. We talked for a while about the joys, struggles, and blessings of care giving. I think it is like most life situations in that unless you are living it, it is difficult to explain. But when you talk with someone who is in the same position, there is an instant connection and understanding. The young couple was certainly doing their best to honor the promise made while recognizing the need to nurture their own relationship. I was glad that they were able to get away and spend time alone together. I was so impressed and inspired by their loving commitment.
I Found God today in a loving young couple.
Still Finding God 