Monthly Archives: July 2026

LESSONS GAINED WITH EXERCISING PERSPECTIVE

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“A little perspective, like a little humor, goes a long way.” (Allen Klein)

I’m an extrovert. I love meeting new people. I listen to conversations. I observe who and what is going on around me constantly. Secretly, I’m hoping to engage in interesting conversation whether whoever is nearby is a longtime friend or a complete stranger. Years of living like this has allowed me endless conversations and quiet observations as fond memories or life lessons. Such is the case as I reflect on another aspect of our recent trip to Alaska via plane and cruise ship.

  • Downloading the airline’s app to my phone doesn’t necessarily mean check ins at the airport will go off without a hitch. I watch other travelers around me use the kiosk with great ease, while I struggle and eventually ask for assistance. Struggles like this cause me to wonder “when did we go from the desk agent doing all the check in procedures to having some of those responsibilities fall on my shoulders?
  • More and more travelers are taking small dogs with them on their flights. Years ago I only saw service dogs in the terminal, now the barks and yips of pocket size pups are no longer a rarity. Last year a woman was traveling with her cat. I’m an animal lover, don’t get me wrong, merely an observation of one small change regarding love for pets.
  • Security has really tightened, with no argument from me. Maybe it was my comfortable cargo style pants I was wearing for our 5:30 am flight. I found myself being asked to step aside from the body scanner to earn a gentle pat down by a very pleasant female TSA agent. At least I was able to keep my shoes on this time, a welcome change from previous years.
  • Snacks on our flights sure have changed. No more food items with peanuts. Someone might be allergic. Never mind those little dogs and cats on board who are also allergens to some (myself included) but hey, when I emailed a carrier last year expressing my concern the response favored our furry friends, not my exposure to an asthma trigger.
  • People who work on cruise ships are a group of the most friendly, kind, humble hard workers I’ve been around! Most of them are working in the dining areas, bars, and housekeeping. They appear happy, proud of their work and do so with great integrity. Our servers learned our names, remembered what we liked to drink, greeted us warmly every morning or evening, wished us a wonderful day or a good night’s rest. I took some time to research information on crew members, finding out on average they sign a 7 month contract which means they are away from their native homes and families. Depending on their level of employment the pay range could be $1,300 to $3,000 per month. Room and board is included, yet these men and women are away from husbands, wives, children, parents. I never heard any complaints. These wonderful people are constantly on the move.
  • Complete strangers are less inhibited on cruise ships. Whenever we sat down in a lounge area, ate lunch in the cafe or fine dining, or walked the deck, people were quick to engage in conversation. Not so in the waiting areas of our airports. Everyone was back to their phones or laptops, maybe a book or magazine. 
  • Sadly, on our last flight home at 3:30 in the morning, worn out from being awake since 6:30 am Canadian time, sitting in the last row of our small plane home to Detroit, I could overhear our three stewardesses chatting it up during the almost 50 minutes of flight. I wish I could say they were laughing and sharing about their families but unfortunately it was a gripe session encased with work schedules, pay, and some dislike towards pilots who they perceived “got more from the company although we do all the work”.

As I listened, I thought hmmmmm…quite the contrast from the week I just enjoyed, being “served” and entertained by individuals performing quite differently towards their duties. In full disclosure, I didn’t say anything to the women when we got off the plane. I thanked each one as I passed by, however, after being home for a couple of days I sent an email to the carrier’s headquarters to describe the experience. I know I could have ignored the situation but because I believe integrity is important in the workplace, I followed through. 

So, glancing back and reviewing our week away, I can see where perspective plays an important role to the unseen eye. Maybe having travelers take on more responsibility does speed up wait time in lines. Does it save the carriers money? I have no clue, knowing that fees are in place for things that were free years ago.

Perhaps leaving one’s country to pursue earning a good income comes with great sacrifice and humility, knowing the time away will be temporary but with lasting results to change the future in a family. Add in the ability to perform these duties day in and day out with thousands of people every year and you’ve built a successful crew. Since being home, I have noticed more keenly “help wanted” signs around the communities I go to for groceries, gas, etc. I wonder why “these” jobs can’t be filled when I’ve witnessed people from the Phillipines, Indonesia, Honduras, Madagascar…far away places I haven’t visited…choose to join a workforce that distances them from all they love and hope to return. Their sacrifices caused me not to bemoan missing our kids and grandkids for a week.

I don’t know the ins and outs of our flight attendant’s woes either. In contrasting their dissatisfaction to that of our joyful cruise crew, my conclusion is that our crew was able to give us a wonderful experience, knowing when we left the ship about 3,000 new people would arrive and they would “do everything all over again” as though for the first time. Based on my perspective, they did so with beautiful smiles, endless energy, and endless offers of “what can I do for you” and “are you enjoying your day?” That takes endurance. It takes hard work. It may take a little bit of acting when you’ve repeated the same corny joke over and over and over….it’s what causes a desire to book another cruise–if possible–and appreciating everyone who’s part of the journey, even those we scratch our heads about. Because relying on perspective doesn’t tell the whole story about a person or what’s going on in their day. Additionally, humility and grace lend greatly to not jumping to negative conclusions.

That’s why we need more comfy chairs in the places we shop or do business.  O that we could all slow down, look up, take in our surroundings whether in a crowded terminal or standing in line at a checkout. And not be too uptight, shy, or afraid to interrupt silence by merely asking “how’s your day doing?”

MOUNTAINS THAT FILL MY HEART

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“For the mountains may move and the hills disappear, but even then my faithful love for you will remain. My covenant of blessing will never be broken,” says the Lord, who has mercy on you.” (Isaiah 54:10 New Living Translation)

Growing up in Saginaw as I did, mountains were a part of creation I did not comprehend until adulthood when opportunities to travel to other states became part of vacationing. As if mountains are not enough to tantalize my spirit, put me near a body of water whether it be a lake or an ocean, and I’m a very happy person, one who feels the depth and awe of this world God created from the work of His hands inspired by an imagination beyond my comprehension.

Last week, while many of you were living under brown skies due to wildfires–for which I truly was saddened and drove me to prayer–my husband and I were aboard a cruise ship to enjoy the inside passage of Alaska from Vancouver’s port up to Juneau and back. In the week leading up to our departure, our weather app was showing a week of rain and cool temperatures for almost every day of our trip. Warm clothes and rain gear were packed. But God! As it turns out we had one windy misty day while on board, every other day was in the high 70s with sunshine, especially in Juneau when we enjoyed our whale watching tour. Even our wilderness expert commented about the unusual sunshine, further explaining that Juneau had enjoyed a mere five days of sunshine thus far in the year. Clear skies and calm waters allowed us to see about six whales, sea lions, and bald eagles. In the distance as we returned to the harbor our pilot took us to an area to view Mendenhall Glacier. Although this 13.6 mile long glacier is 12 miles from downtown Juneau, I could still soak in its beauty, snow and ice against the backdrop of blue skies, its caps covered in snow. This was quite the contrast when comparing how mountains on the shores of the passage were often hidden by fog in the morning hours, magically appearing when the mists left, revealing their true appearance.

The Bible has numerous scriptures about mountains which also have great significance in their purpose. Abraham was invited up a mountain to offer his son Issac as a sacrifice. King David established a city on a tall hill. Moses met God on Mount Horeb and also Mount Sinai to receive the 10 Commandments. Elijah fled to Mount Horeb. Jesus ascended Mount Tabor for the Transfiguration. Mountains emphasize liminal space where the divine and the human realms intersect.

I don’t know what secrets or creatures inhabit all the beautiful mountains I saw from Vancouver to Juneau. Trees and rocks covered their terrain. Fog and snow adorned their peaks. Much was left to my imagination last week as I realized there remains acres and miles of terrain untouched or unseen by humans. These majestic creations are home to a tree cover that looks like a blanket, hiding birds and wild animals under perfect protection.

No matter the mysteries our passage’s  mountains may be holding, I’m very grateful for the scenery and powerful reminders that God created a world for all of us to enjoy, exposing beauty with a lack of words to describe, ability to take in the height and depth of these magnificent rock formations peeking out under fog or shining brightly under sunshine. 

“The mountains quake before him and the hills melt away. The earth trembles at his presence, the world and all who live in it.” (Nahum 1:5)

Mendenhall Glacier courtesy online source.

HOW DOES YOUR GARDEN GROW?

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My novice gardening skills teach me a lot about life in general and when I reflect into a deeper spiritual aspect of daily circumstances, I gain further insight.

This morning, in the coolness of early temperatures under beautiful sunshine and blue skies, I watered a variety of plants on the west side of our home as they are still under shade until the sun moves and lights up the area. We’ve got a few shrubs, some perennials, ground cover and annuals across the front of the house. As I watered I could see where heat damaged a few of the plants. Some are missing flower buds thanks to a bunny or deer. Missing potential blooms makes me sad. Afterall, the reason for planting them was to add color to our home and for personal enjoyment. The shrubs are a bit misshapen due to deer munching on their branches. A couple annuals appear pushed up from level ground, maybe a mole or chipmunk. The butterfly bush always appears unscathed and has a perfect shape as its branches climb higher; our own pruning each year seems to be a key care factor!

Not to be ignored, are the perennial “weeds” that always show up each year. There’s plenty of wild carrots scattered among the plants. Poison ivy is relentless and pops up unexpectedly each summer. Thankfully, my husband has a keen eye for this unwanted vine and takes great care to rid it from our yard.

In John 15 beginning with verse one we read “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardner. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful”. Who is the true vine? It’s Jesus. In this parable He refers to the Father as the “gardner”, the one who tends to the branches on the vine. In application to you and me, God tends to our lives, too.

He desires for you and me to live and grow enjoying an abundant life. To accomplish this, He offers protection from the evils of the world by surrounding us with a hedge. He feeds and waters our spirits when we read scripture on a daily basis. When we begin to grow tired, spindly instead of well rounded fullness, He comes gently to prune away “dead” things that hinder healthy growth. Before “someone” or “something” can come along to snatch our joy, destroy what’s about to bloom in our lives, He offers protection. When we walk on unlevel ground, He’s quick to come alongside and gently nudge us back on a good path.

I’ve lost some plants this year. Some annuals didn’t make it either by my own doing, weather, or critters. Others, like the tomato and cucumber plants appear to be thriving, covered with blooms that will turn into luscious fruits in the coming weeks. Their ability to grow and flourish makes me happy. Periodic watering along with checking for bugs who enjoy eating vegetable leaves, is crucial to their success.

Staying connected to God is vital for you and me. This is why reading and studying scripture regularly is important and although doing so enriches us personally, what we read and learn is the task of telling others about Christ. Research shows that almost 57% of Americans do not attend church on a regular basis. While I might assume that our pastors would love seeing every pew or chair filled every Sunday, the greater desire is that more and more people come into a relationship with Christ. Each believer becomes a number in man’s eyes, but to God every person walking in salvation has their name written in the Book of Life. (Revelation 20:15) God’s goal isn’t to fill churches with people merely to offer bragging rights regarding attendance; His desire is far greater with the filling of His Kingdom with redeemed souls.

Plants suffer fate due to a variety of conditions. Some bloom even though they’ve gone through stress. Some fight for space among unwanted weeds or other overgrowth. Others display damaged leaves from being munched on. Most will survive and offer vibrant colorful blooms until their season comes to an end. People are resilient, too. Many of us have lived through tough seasons, losses of family or jobs, unexpected attacks when our guard is down. This is why we all need Christ. We all need His Father. Both offer a world where we can choose to be connected with them and reap the benefits of being cared for by a faithful shepherd. 

Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners–of whom I am the worst. (1 Timothy 1: 15)

Who are the sinners? Every person from time’s beginning, present, and future. In God’s math that’s 100%, yet according to man’s statistics, over half of Americans have or continue to reject Christ. That’s a loss that bears attention and great care no matter the cost.

4TH OF JULY, A LETTER 

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Dear Dad:

In our great nation of 50 states–America–we will celebrate 250 years of “freedom”, commemorating the American War of Independence many years ago in pursuit of being released from British rule. It seems being taxed heavily without having a ‘voice’ regarding its revenue rubbed early inhabitants of our beautiful country the wrong way. Many hard and gruesome battles were waged, yet strong and determined men–many of them mere teenagers–fought valiantly and in harsh conditions to gain victory for a passion woven by deep threads of unity in their hearts, minds, and souls. Much has changed in a young country established as a sovereign nation who founded herself with a Declaration of Independence penned by a committee of five men and later signed by 56. Thus, America was birthed and began further growth and establishment among great nations of the world at that time … .and much has changed.

Today, I’m imagining writing a letter to my dad whose been gone since 2012. At age 90 he lived through his own hard years, the Depression Era, World War II and the Korean Conflict. Either of those events could have claimed his life. Thankfully he escaped severe sickness and even death. Reflecting on his life–and the life of America–has me wondering the depth of conversation we’d have regarding his experiences in America compared to these mere past 13 years he’s been gone, where admittedly, indeed much has changed and in full disclosure–not everything has been in a positive direction.

As July 4 rolls around for the 250th time since the first celebration of being severed from British rule, although parades and fireworks abound from coast to coast, is it possible that hot dogs in backyard barbeques, sparklers in the waving hands of children, businesses open as usual on this grand holiday detract from the significance of this day that I believe was a miracle in the making? 56 men embraced being courageous by signing a document that resulted in them being designated as “treasonists” by the British Crown,  with most of them ending up living in poverty from having their property and estates destroyed during the conflict.

Dad, I fondly remember how you loved singing all the great patriotic songs that have been composed about America. “America the Beautiful” was one of your favorites. I remember being taught this song in grade school, too. This and songs like it were a major part of our music curriculum. Until today, I did not know it was originally a poem written in 1893 by Kathleen Lee Bates after she had taken a trip to Colorado and had climbed Pikes Peak. Imagine her awe and wonder as she gazed across such beauty. Thankfully, her verses tell us of the majesty and beauty captured by her eyes. Sadly, dad, I’m not sure these patriotic songs are being taught in music classes now. 

And how about our national anthem, dad? Written in 1812 by Francis Scott Key as a poem after his witness of a 25 hour bombardment against Fort McHenry by the British, he saw our flag still flying amidst the ashes of battle. It’s a song that has been sung with many variations at all kinds of events, remains revered by most Americans, yet within a few recent years, deeply disrespected as though honoring the legacy of America’s history outweighs freedoms July 4th ushered in for all fortunate to be alive….Sadly, dad, I’m not sure our children know all the words to our anthem.

I can still see you when your hand was placed over your heart when the anthem was part of an important event. In addition, there’s memories of learning the Pledge of Allegiance that I recited every morning in grade school. By junior high this practice disappeared. Until today, dad, I didn’t recall that the pledge we now recite originated in 1892, composed by a Baptist minister, Francis Bellamy.  Go figure, dad, a ‘man of the cloth’, who was trained and educated to serve one God and one kingdom, penned words in support of being in full support of America. The pledge had a few revisions to it, and in 1954 President Dwight Eisenhower encouraged Congress to include “under God” in the wording. Wow, dad, I was one year old when he did that. Now, at age 72, I wonder if all our school children are being taught the pledge let alone reciting it to jumpstart a new school day.

As you can see and read, I’d have a lot to talk to my dad about regarding July 4. By no means am I an adequate student of American history. Thank goodness for easy access to online research using internet resources to revisit topics and facts that have long escaped my memory from all teachers tasked with instructing me on American history, leaning heavily on emphasising tremendous dangers and sacrifices by brave men and women to give us a great nation–not perfect by any means–yet still a country that people from other parts of the world still want to come for a chance to thrive and live in a style of “freedom” that once was foreign to many and now at great cost by those who take advantage of its benefits.

But, dad, as much as you and our family enjoyed many 4th of July celebrations together, there is but one kind of “freedom” that overshadows that which was gained by over 25,000 American deaths. With One death, about 2,000 years ago, One man crucified on a cross, gave His life with shedding of blood that dripped down a beaten and tortured body, so that mankind could be “free” from sin’s penalty. He didn’t choose to enter the battle. He did so under great pain of obedience. He accomplished a promise and new covenant spoken by His Father. 

Thousands of hymns and songs have been written honoring His accomplishment. For many years churches, schools, universities, military choirs have sung these great compositions. Sadly, dad, our halls of great learning are becoming a different kind of quiet as the secular approach to instruction has pushed God out of daily instruction. Is it possible, dad, that our “one nation under God” can prevail? I wish you were here to encourage me that it can, if we were to humble ourselves before Almighty God and seek Him rather than the desires of our own selfish motives, we stand a chance of prevailing.

Dad, thank you, for teaching me about being a patriot, loving an imperfect country, but above all, surrendering my life to an ALL PERFECT God, the One Who had His eyes on brave men and women 250 years ago….the One Who watched as His Only Son carried out your plan of salvation for mankind. Even when I don’t understand what I see and hear in today’s headlines regarding America, I still have hope. Even when I don’t comprehend what I perceive as God’s silence in all of our struggles, I am grateful for my freedom…first and foremost that which comes from God…and secondly from a 250 year old concept birthed in the minds of brave men and women.

Dad, part of me longs for my childhood days when I sat on your lap, ears covered, to be shielded from the loud fireworks display we enjoyed as a family. Now, I long for the day we will be united in heaven where we will sing worship songs together, honoring Christ. Hopefully we’ll get to belt out a rendition of “America the Beautiful”, too. Somehow I don’t think God will mind…