I saw a video today about several players on the Eagles football team who were baptized in the team pool a few months ago. A bit unconventional perhaps. I thought was a beautiful story.
Knew My Father-In-Law
When my mom attends her Parkinson’s exercise class, I usually visit with the other caregivers. As we were talking today, one of the men mentioned that he was a retired police officer in the city. My ex-husband’s father was also a city police officer. I asked the man when he was on the force and if he knew my father-in-law. It turns out that he knew him pretty well. He told me a couple of stories about him and said he would think of more. My father-in-law died about 24 years ago. Even though he was a strong, tough cop, to me he was like a big teddy bear and I valued our relationship. Occasionally I think I see him in a passing stranger and remember him. It was nice to remember him through this man and I look forward to hearing more about him.
I Found God today in a relational connection.
Faith on Display
Today I watched the amazing game that was the Super Bowl. I didn’t have a vested interest in either team, but I do always root for the underdog. Incredibly, they won. I thought they played the game with unity, courage, strength, and fortitude. Characteristics that make up a winning team. At the end, the 3 men from the Eagles who spoke at the podium all thanked God for their opportunity. Clearly their faith was on display on and off the playing field.
I Found God today in a winning team who showed their faith.
Fly Fishing
I got a message this morning from a friend telling me that her son was going to be on TV. I met the young man when he was in high school. Like all teenagers, he had his share of struggles. But he was determined not to let that rule his life. He made some tough decisions to chase his dream. He always enjoyed fishing and was very good at it. As he followed his passion for the sport, he made his way north to Alaska where he eventually landed a job as a guide. People from all around the world visit Alaska during the infamous salmon run. This young man became an expert in the field and brings tourists into the Alaskan wilderness to fish the rivers. When Jeff Corwin and crew came to the area, the young man was chosen to bring them fly fishing. He was featured on the show, “Ocean Treks with Jeff Corwin: Sitka: Talons, Tails, and Fins”. My parents and I watched the program this morning. It was exciting to see the young man in his element. I could see how much love and respect he had for nature. By the end of his segment, I was in tears. I called his mom and we talked about what a blessing it is that he never gave up. He overcame many hurdles and persevered in following his dream. Now he is able to share his knowledge and joy with many people.
I Found God today seeing the result of a persevering young man.
The Whistler
Tonight I went to dinner with a friend. When I got home, I had barely walked in the door when my mom said she found something that she just had to show me. She turned off the TV, puckered up her lips, and whistled. She hasn’t been able to whistle for years. She was overjoyed. My dad came in the room and shared in the celebration. It is amazing how these seemingly small tasks can be so meaningful.
I Found God today in another accomplishment by my mom.
Prayers From Friends
This morning I got an unexpected message from someone who said they were praying for me and my family. That helped me to start my day with peace. Then this afternoon, I received a card in the mail from a far away friend who said she was praying for me and my family. That also warmed my heart. It was humbling and comforting to know that others were thinking of me and praying for me. It also encouraged me to keep others in my prayers.
I Found God today in prayers from friends.
Super Occurence
Yesterday, my dad and I headed up to the cabin hoping to get a good view of the moon. It was cloudy when we arrived and the forecast called for more high clouds. So, I was praying that the sky would clear for just a little while. When I got up in the morning, the large moon was surrounded by a halo and hovering above the cliffs in the West. There was a thin layer of clouds covering the moon and the stars. As time went on, the clouds dissipated. The stars became visible and the moon was bright. My dad and I were elated and got our camera equipment ready as we enjoyed the show. I did my best to get some good pictures. My dad tried a time lapse video. As the sky lightened and the moon disappeared, we watched the sunrise. Knowing that I would be more tired as the day progressed, we decided to head home early. We packed up all our equipment and headed home, stopping in the nearby town for breakfast. When we left, we made our way down the winding mountain road. There was some sporadic construction on the road, so we had to wait a couple times as traffic could only proceed on one lane. A car had been behind us from the time we left the town. During the last stop, I saw the driver get out of his car. He came to our bumper and then up to the window. He was holding my dad’s mini-tripod. Evidently, the tripod was set or rolled on to the bumper as we were packing up. The man saw it and retrieved it for us. We couldn’t believe it rode there for such a long time – and on a bumpy dirt road along with this windy road. We thanked the man profusely and were grateful that he made that effort.
I Found God today in a beautiful scene in nature and a helpful man.
Enjoying Learning
When I heard about the lunar eclipse, I wanted to try to get some pictures with my new camera. I read through more of the instruction manual and tried out some new settings on the sunset. When the moon was in view, my dad and I took some more shots. Being the photographer, my dad has lots of handy tips. I have had a lot of fun getting to know more about my camera. I have learned quite a bit more and look forward to trying my skills in the wee hours of the morning.
I Found God today enjoying learning.
Energizing Love
When my mom is at her exercise class, I have an opportunity to visit with the other caregivers who have brought their loved ones to the class. We share stories, concerns, recipes, and ways to take care of ourselves. Today, one of the older ladies had the front of her gray hair dyed purple. She said it was done at her granddaughter’s five-year old birthday party. She had to have fun and fit in with the group. The woman said that spending a couple of hours playing with her granddaughter recharges and revitalizes her for a couple of days. I could see that she was energized just talking about their relationship. That positive energy was contagious.
I Found God today seeing how a woman’s love for her granddaughter energized her and those around her.
Like Normal
My mom’s health has been improving little by little over the past year. She has been committed to her exercise classes, playing the piano, taking long walks, and riding her exercise bike. She even does the Wii on occasion. She gets out with others, does more around the house, and sings in church. She has more energy and is functioning better than she has since I moved in with them 3 years ago. This morning she said she woke up and felt almost like “normal” – like she used to feel. That was very good news that has been a long time in coming and we are all very grateful. It is a testimony to the hard work she does every day.
I Found God today in my mom’s improvement.
