Ah…the benefits of having an open window or two is the ability to hear all the various sounds from the neighborhood. We live on a paved road that is the route for big and small trucks, vehicles of all makes and sizes, farm tractors, as well as motorcyclists. With each new day comes the roar and hum of those various engines as people begin a new day of work or other activities. Unknown to the passers by, each sound I hear brings an attached memory with it.

Right now, although there is a lot of noise coming through my open windows, one in particular is missing. I cannot hear any children playing outside. While I admit that our current neighbors don’t consist of many small children it’s still strange not to hear the laughter and arguments that make up child’s play. Are they inside playing instead? Are they on overnight trips? Whatever the reason I miss the noise that kids make.  My own two children are now young adults, each living in their respective residences and have taken their childhood memories with them. Their childhood friends are now grown as well; many have moved far away and have young families of their own now. As I drift back to those summers when all the kids were small I remember the long, warm week that I suffered through having the mumps. All I could do for the majority of each day was stand at the kitchen window and watch as my friends were outside playing. I remember begging my mother numerous times ‘why can’t I go outside too?” Seeing all the fun made it hard to endure the loneliness and healing time required for mumps to pass.

Also missing from the budding days of summer is the hum of the school bus engine as it makes it turn down our side road to pickup the kids. I always knew the approximate time of morning it was if I lingered under the covers–either 7 or 8 am–depending on the arrival of the bus for each route. The busses are parked for the summer, hopefully replaced with wheels on bikes and trikes for the kids to ride.

Above I can hear a piloted small plane doing maneuvers in the beautiful blue sky complete with small puffy white clouds. As I ponder the pilot’s flight plan I am able to recall with great fondness the number of times that an airplane carried me to a distant place to visit family and friends, or to discover the beauties of our world. We live near two small airports so the enjoyment of seeing small planes in route on their flight plans has become very common.

Down the road someone is mowing their lawn. The buzz of the lawnmower tells me it’s a fairly good size yard–they’ve been at work for awhile now. My dad didn’t own a power mower for a long time. He had a push mower, the kind that the blades rotated and cut the blades of grass. He was the ‘power’ and as years called for, my two older brothers assumed the ‘power’. We lived on a corner city lot so our yard was a bit larger than the average lawn in our block. Dad is gone now. That old push mower of dad’s is now home with me and rests in the backyard flower bed, free of its duties and purpose.

True to their nature the birds are in constant song and communication. I find it amazing that I can hear their distinct voices above the drone of the cars passing by the house…and the person still mowing! As I hung laundry on the line to dry, I was privy to hear a couple of crows raise their voices at ‘something’ that disturbed them and I thought to myself….I wonder if my raised voice towards my children years ago wafted through the air to the ears of neighbors….

Next door the neighbor’s dog does a good job of announcing that ‘someone’ or ‘something’ has wandered into his territory. Most of the time he enjoys his large fenced yard but doesn’t hesitate with warning barks when he deems appropriate. His nature to do so causes me to miss our own dog Russ who lived to be 14 years old, had his own fenced yard to run,  play and protect until age called him to be laid to rest. I miss his ‘barks’ when someone pulled into our driveway. Now I have to relay on sight and the sound of tires on gravel to know that someone has arrived to our home.

Yes, my open window offers many advantages to a cool summer morning, afternoon, and evening. As the sun rises to usher in a brand, new day my open window is the entrance to a cacophony of noises that come either in solo or chorus style, all that serve to create a continued atmosphere of joy and contentment, or allow me to travel back to a treasured place in time where I can camp out for but a brief moment and relish the memory. When the sun sets and nightfall overshadows the sun’s previous light, my window will allow me to hear the various bugs and insects that fill the air, fly and bump into the screens or glass. I will await the chorus of the frogs to begin and serenade me to sleep, all in the comfort of a gentle breeze and occasional passing of an early morning commuter on the breaking of a new day.

Encouragement = The expression of approval and support

When I take inventory of my talents I like to believe that I am a natural encourager. Part of my overall personality is being a positive person. I much prefer to look for the bright side in most circumstances and remind myself that troubled situations will not take up permanent residency on the timeline of life. Quite the opposite, the sooner I  recognize that most unfortunate happenings in a day, a week, a month, or even a year, will pass with each turn of the calendar page  or the ticking away of the minutes by our beautiful clock that hangs on a living room wall.

Now, I’m not saying that I don’t find myself getting ‘stuck’ sporting a bad attitude or entertaining depressed thoughts on occasion. I’d be a liar if I personified that to you. What I have discovered is when I take full ‘ownership’ of how I’m feeling or thinking and deal with those emotions properly, what follows is a release of the ‘bad’ promptly replaced by the ‘good’. How do I accomplish this? How can you be more successful with your emotions too? Be an encourager, to yourself and to someone else in your circle of influence.

My ‘go-to’ source for all knowledge and counsel is the Holy Bible. In 1 Thessalonians 4:18 it says “Therefore comfort one another with these words”. This chapter speaks about the second coming of Christ and gives a description of that triumphant day which is a day full of  great anticipation and hope for all Christian believers. So it is fitting that verse 18 sums up that short portion of scripture reminding us to find comfort and to offer the same to others.

With a grateful heart I can look back and recall with joy the number of times that someone took the time and energy to encourage me. Among those hidden treasures was a phone call that came at the exact moment of need…..a letter…..a stack of cards when my parents died, mom in 1999 and dad in 2012….flowers from my husband for no reason other than to express his love and commitment to me…..cards from my kids on Mother’s Day…..a text message from one of the kids saying “hi Mom, I love you”…..my treasure chest for gifts of encouragement from others is quite full.

When I need a little pick-me-up I like to go for a walk or run, enjoy a cup of hot tea, curl up with a good book, or soak in a hot bath. Doing one of these (and there are other things as well) most always changes my outlook on the moment or the day. I also like to send a short letter on pretty stationery to someone in my circle of friends. I have a wonderful friend who is the master at this particular practice. She has nicknamed her passion as “mailbox sunshine” and most often a card from her always arrives on a day that requires a bit of much needed approval and support.

For my friends and family who are going through a struggle my main objective in helping is always to pray. I  also love to send handwritten notes. And, because we live in a techo-savvy culture, on occasion I will send a short text message expressing my love, my concern, and my support for someone I love very deeply. I even have the advantage of including cute little clip art in my text messages that help define my sentences. Who can resist a goofy smiley face, a string of hearts, or musical notes?

I remember hearing many years ago the saying that it takes more muscles to frown than to smile. While I don’t have the science to back this statement, I’d like to believe that it’s true. By no means am I a perfect person, but I much prefer to live a daily life of exerting a positive attitude versus dwelling and living in negativity. Being optimistic far outweighs the agony associated with accepting defeat in the smallest or largest of life’s challenges.

One of my life verses comes from 1 Corinthians 15. Verse 57 states: “But thanks be to God, Who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ”. These are powerful words to  teach and remind me (us) that no matter what we are facing, the victory…the end result of a particular setback…is a ‘done deal’. God has it. He accomplished winning my (yours) battles through His Son Jesus Christ. If Christ could endure the cross, and He most certainly did, I continue to encourage myself that I can navigate through a difficult moment or day and along the way stop to be a source of hope, approval and support to someone standing on the sidelines of life. And, do it all  with a ‘smile’.

Since leaving my last job earlier this month, I have set out on a new adventure that is akin to being in training for a marathon. Going from two paychecks to one has catapulted me to finding new ways to save money, whether it’s at the grocery store or in the utilities it takes to run our home. In my quest to discover tips and ideas, I am astounded at the number of web sites, articles, blogs, and Facebook pages that are able to feed my new venture until I go into brain overload. Hmmm…make a note how to organize those pages.

I have “Liked” numerous pages on Facebook, however, I have discovered that I am forgetting to go back and see what it was that intrigued me in the first place. Consequently, if you were to look at my Facebook profile, it would appear that I have accomplished a lot when in reality I haven’t. I’m still seeking the best method to be better organized when it comes to retrieving information.

I’ve always been a coupon user, especially at the grocery store, but I know there’s a lot more to save financially if I would pursue a discount offer for restaurants, major department stores, or for online shopping–a code. Hmmm….more information to store. Make a note of that.

I’ve networked with other women on how they save money. It’s amazing what some families do to accomplish their goals, especially when raising small children. But I’m past that stage. It’s just me and my hubby. I’m still trying to figure out how to cook for two without having leftovers in the fridge beyond a week. Even cutting a recipe in half isn’t the perfect answer. On a perfect day I take time to package, label and freeze leftovers, store them neatly in my freezer compartment and then forget I have them. Hmmm…make a note of how to correct that oversight.

With the wonderful addition of Pinterest to our world, I have discovered how to make my own hand soap, laundry detergent, household cleaners….the list is endless but remember I’m a newbie at this stuff. So, thus far, I’ve made the soaps but nothing else. I’m still using up what I had on hand in my pantry, so I guess I’m exercising frugality by not overbuying. Hmmm….make a note of that–a step of success!

In the energy department I’m planning my laundry based on the weather. If It’s a sunny day, my laundry will be on the line. If it’s raining, well let’s hope we have enough clean clothes until the next nice day. Hmmm…make a note to take inventory of necessary clothing.

I’m also trying not to turn on lights in the house until absolutely necessary.

As this week unfolds I am walking around with heaviness in my heart in reaction to the devastation that took place in Moore, Oklahoma due to the most horrific tornado those townspeople have experienced in the history of their weather conditions. Seeing the images on the news programs only tells part of their stories and further fuels my inability to fully comprehend their anguish and despair. In trying to emphasize and relate to their loss I am finding I am at a loss to dig into my own memories and pull something out to use as a measuring stick.

Whenever a great tragedy hits that makes the news it’s a quick reminder for me of how life is fragile, fleeting, and above all–precious. I am becoming aware that when horrible circumstances fall on someone I immediately look for the believers in the situation. Where are the people of faith? Is God sustaining them right now? Hebrews 12:2 says …”looking to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith”….. I’m searching faces on the camera lens, and words being recorded. Is faith rising to the surface among the piles of debris and is it present in the question some are having to ask ‘is my loved one alive?’ Is hope outweighing the agony of defeat?

Several days ago I posted on my social media wall that I will never tire of waking in the morning to the songs of birds and the laughter of children as they walk to the school bus. Being able to enjoy these two simple pleasures of life is an indication of my safe and unsuspecting mornings but  my  serene early hours pale in comparison to the mornings the good people of Moore have endured since the destruction of their community. I wonder: Are there still trees for the birds to find a resting place to launch into song? Is the laughter of children on the way to school  now replaced by the drone of heavy equipment moving debris, sifting through rubble, and rescue workers breathing deeply each time a layer of a demolished wall is moved in anticipation of finding someone’s lost child? I

And yet, even though the unspeakable has happened, the loss of life and property, life has resumed for the families in Moore. In the reality of  each passing day, the immediate responses of compassion and countless helping hands will ebb and flow, much like the tides of the oceans. Days will melt into weeks giving way to passing months and the tragedy of Moore, Oklahoma will become but a fleeting memory in the hearts and minds of a watchful nation. Only those who lived through the destructive forces and the robber of precious human life will mark that moment in time in the caverns of their hearts and minds.

So, in an effort to join them in marking this eventful day, my prayer for all the affected families is that one morning they will be able to echo the words of King David in Psalm 144:9 “I will sing a new song to You, O God; on a harp of ten strings I will sing praises to You…”

Have you ever found yourself doing something you never thought possible? or attainable? That is the realization that has settled upon me recently. Years ago I was diagnosed several allergies and asthma was among the list due to: rabbits, deer, horses, and dogs. The news came when I was 21 years old and I found my life altered, mainly in the category of avoiding huge shedding dogs or puppy dander. I also thought that having allergies would limit the amount of heavy cleaning or yard work I’d be able to do as part of life’s chores as a homeowner. Woven into the mix of limitations was the thought or attempts at exercise that caused exertion (isn’t that the idea?)…

Quite a few years have passed since my original diagnosis and with the help of good medicines and improved lifestyle I have found that my tolerance for dog dander has diminished greatly but more so I have become very successful in the exercise department of life! In October of 2011 I began working with a personal trainer for strength conditioning. I’ve pushed my body to limits on various leg presses, arm machines, and ab workouts that have made me cringe under the stress of the weight and yet I have walked out of the training facility feeling victorious. Before hiring my trainer, I had begun my own routine with early morning rotations of walking, riding a bike outside, and to my surprise—jogging, all the while expecting to be limited due to having asthma. Can you imagine the euphoria I felt when I found that I COULD run and breathe without complications? Don’t get me wrong, there are days I’ve had a bit of a struggle but they are far and few between the times as I jog along the roadside enjoying a leisurely pace, or traveling into town to run on the local park’s walking track. Imagine the pride I felt when my trainer once remarked to me ‘you are an athlete…you’re in better shape than some of my younger clients that work with me.’

I’m not out to be the “best”. Rather, I’m “in it” for me. In retrospect and true humility, many ‘tomorrows’ have come and gone. You know what I mean. We’ve all said at lease once “I will begin an exercise program tomorrow…” I like to believe that in 2011 my ‘tomorrow’ arrived and although there have been obstacles along the way, in 2012 I was able to maintain a course of exercise that consisted mostly of weight training. Last summer’s extreme heat and humidity conditions upset my schedule. Happily, 2013 is giving me some beautiful spring days to enjoy being outdoors in between sessions with my trainer.

Beyond the benefits of feeling more physically healthy, is the attitude of my mind. Whether I’m pushing myself during the challenge of a new weight or telling my legs to run a little bit further, it’s my mind that is experiencing a wonderful explosion of satisfaction and accomplishment. I’m winning the battle against the lies that come with living with allergies or the challenges of growing older.

Will you see me in a marathon? Realistically, that isn’t one of my goals. But, you will see me  in July participating in a 5K, a feat I would never have undertaken in recent years. Having good people in my life to encourage me has been key in a changed minset,  the kind of friends I can go to for advice and share ideas.

What is that one thing that has become your ‘tomorrow’? I identified mine, I’ve embraced it and now I’m ‘doing’ instead of merely ‘daydreaming’. Look for me to continue on my personal athletic journey. I will gladly look for you and try not to leave you in my dust as I continue my training program.

When I made the decision to begin writing a weekly blog (article) it was my full intention to do so every Tuesday. So far I’ve been able to keep that commitment with the exception of last week (April 30) when I was asked to fill in at the office where I’ve been employed for the past 10 years. I let working that day and other activities from last week get in the way of meeting my obligation. But, not to be discouraged or distracted, here I am, back behind my keyboard with the hopes of putting together something for you to read that is charming, uplifting, humorous, or encouraging. No matter what strikes your fancy concerning my written thoughts, I am fulfilling a purpose that is deep inside of my soul. I love words, I love to talk, listen, laugh, observe, and then relay all of these memories to you.

My initial post described how I was anticipating a ‘new beginning’ in life. While that is still very true a new dimension has been added. On May 2 I worked my last day at a job that I’ve had for 10 years. When I look back on those years, I realize that I didn’t pursue the position. I kind of ‘fell’ into it and then found myself clinging onto it even when I knew at different times my departure was becoming more and more evident. I don’t have regrets for having stayed those years. The work wasn’t difficult. The joy and laughter created by serving the general public far outweighed the routine of my duties. I won’t miss the hours of typing for processing email for articles or advertising, but I will miss the surge of garage sale ads in the spring, Mr. K selling his chickens every year, Randy and his hay/straw ads–he’s a man right out of a Beverly Hillbillies episode, celebrating with young parents announcing the birth of a child, or giving a much needed hug to a family who needed extra copies of a loved one’s obituary. I will also miss the antics of the local funeral home director who upon my answering the telephone would ask in hushed tones “World Headquarters?” and then assure me he felt safer because I was on duty.

I won’t miss trying to reason with the mom who doesn’t understand why her kid’s honor roll isn’t in the paper the week she expects it regardless of other worthy news or the homeowner who is upset week after week that their ‘free’ paper wasn’t delivered on time. No, I have arrived to a place where it’s someone else’s turn to be the peacemaker.

The decision to leave this position has been long overdue quite honestly and now that it has arrived I intend to fully embrace this ‘new chapter’ in my life. With a bit of certainty I know many exciting opportunities lie in waiting for me whether they spring forth from the lives of my children, the church family that is dear to my heart and spiritual purpose, or the needs of my husband and home.

For now, there has and continues to be spring yard work to tackle, rearranging my daily schedule, and making better use of my monthly calendar. There is a sweet fragrance in the air and it has the aroma of ‘new’, of ‘fresh’ and ‘exciting’….and ‘wonder’. This newfound position of being home is akin to being first married; there is an excitement inside of me as I ponder being back in my home full-time. I have a dear friend who coined the phrase ‘being in charge of my choices’. That’s a phrase that will definitely be a guideline for me as I open my calendar each day and enjoy the luxury of choosing what gets plugged into the various activities of my life. And while I may not always know what will fill the calendar, one thing will hopefully remain constant. Hopefully you will find me at this keyboard each Tuesday, pounding out that week’s collection of words, phrases, and sentences that give you another peek into my heart, spirit, and mind.

From Greek elpis = “favorable and confident expectation”

Do you have a favorite word or emotion? When I was a child and enjoyed reading a novel I liked the word suddenly because I knew it indicated a surprising shift in the story line was coming. I like surprises. I like a mystery that is cleverly woven together with word pictures only to have the final answers to the mystery disclosed in the last few pages of a good book.

I’m not a child any more and while I still enjoy a good surprise, my focus has shifted to holding onto hope. Why? Because when I look past the boundaries of my loving and secure home, I am sensitive and aware of the chaos taking place in our nation, our world, and even within the limits of the small community that I have called home for 24 years. I admit that I’m finding it difficult not to get caught up in the anxiousness and worry brought about by the seemingly endless reports of attacks against people (big or small) or the moral decline in the lives of individuals who are worthy of a headline in a daily or weekly newspaper. It seems that I can’t turn on the television and not be bombarded with yet ‘another’ act of evil or indiscretion.

So, what do you do when you hear and read the news coming across the waves? Do you react or respond in any manner? My response is twofold. 1) I am aware that my prayer list need to grow longer and 2) I need to hang onto ‘hope’ with great fervency.  If I don’t my mind can slip down the slippery slope of despair which leads to an abiding fear and robs me of my confidence and trust that everything in my ‘world’ is okay. Another aspect of losing hope is daydreaming the ‘what ifs’ of the future that are beyond my control such as the economy, safety in my home and in our nation, and abroad, etc. For me, giving permission to the wrong daydreams is an invitation to feed my despair rather than taking action to nurture the hope and peace that I desire. My daydreams also take me back to the little girl who grew up in a home with very loving parents that made me feel safe. I’m  also able to conjure memories from those years that formed my ability to feel loved and secure and even believe that my dad was some kind of superhero who could protect me from anything. Those young years of childhood are a distant memory now which have  yielded to adulthood making it my turn now to take ownership of my own sense of protection. To find that level of secure  protection I  chose to embrace my Christian faith as the solid rock that was once my earthly father’s role. In other words, I’ve exchanged my trust in a father to that of a Father. I’m grateful for a father who instructed me in the knowledge, wisdom, and promises of my Heavenly Father. Thankful is my heart that also has sweet, precious memories of a mother who was a prayer warrior in her own right as well. Foundations of early instruction in the ways of the Lord built strong walls of faith in my inner spirit that rise up against the sadness and unexplained choices of others that create and lead to destruction all around my otherwise ‘normal’ world.

In the course of today, all kinds of people will be making choices and decisions. Many of those choices will be rooted in fear, speculation, worry, greed, jealously, manipulation, pride, evil….the list is endless. What will I choose today? What will you choose today? As I choose I know this: I may not be on the front lines of influence, however, this will not stop me from choosing hope. 

As today unfolds, followed by numerous tomorrows to come, I am clinging to hope, doing so with full confidence that my Heavenly Father, who sees all and knows all, is watching over me, a Father Who possesses a strong arm of protection that is not too short to grab me, reel me away from thoughts of despair and return me to my circle of hope.

Since establishing that Tuesday of each week would become my assigned day to write a new blog, I have hoped up to this point to be able to write  from the gifts of humor, goodness, and deep abiding faith that are part of who I am as an individual. Due to the events in the City of Boston on Monday, April 15 this will not be the underlying outline for the aches and pangs of my heart. Although those three ingredients are still very much a part of me this morning, the deeper part of me which digs into the core of my belief system is rising to surface of my soul much like cream that floats to the top of a fresh can of raw milk.

Like you, my emotions are running rampant across the stability and reasoning of this roller coaster we call life. Since seeing and hearing the various news reports coming out of Boston I admit to anger, outrage, grief, and thoughts of revenge even though no one has been arrested in connection with the two bombings. The reports we are hearing are taking us back to Sept. 11 and most recently Newtown. Comparisons are being made and I’m certain old wounds have been reopened in the lives of those affected from those two attacks with the reality of this new development. The level of fear, anger, outrage, and disbelief are present in all of these attacks and unfortunately are not new to us as a nation or as part of a global society. I am intrigued by those who ponder ‘how can this happen on American soil’ when in reality, why do we think we are immune to acts of evil? We have brothers and sisters around the world living under levels of fear that far outweigh this attack, with the exception of Sept. 11. which I believe is the “Pearl Harbor” for our current generation. I wasn’t born yet when the attack on Pearl Harbor took place, but I do remember my father telling me about that fateful day and how he believed that America never fully healed from that horrible moment in our history.

So, in the aftermath of Boston where do we go from here? I know where I’m going and that’s on my knees with more fervency asking God to root out evil and change the hearts and minds of men and women. I will not blame Him and I won’t ask “where were you God?” I already know the answer to the latter question and from that I will draw comfort as I always do in the midst of darkness. I believe He is still on the throne, He is still sovereign, He is in control, and I believe He is grieving more than you and I can comprehend. I will remember that He is the author and finisher of life and that He does not make puppets out of the very people that He created–He is allowing us to exercise free will. Anytime freedom is present, there is also the opposing force of evil.

So, in response to this horrific day, you will find me putting on my ‘knee pads’ and interceding for my community, my state, my nation, and my world. In reality I know that my prayers may not win the war, but I take great joy in winning numerous battles and taking back territory previously claimed by evil. I will also take inventory of my own life and determine where I need a larger portion of God’s wisdom, compassion, mercy, and love in order to be a life changer and not an impotent member of society. Life is precious and priceless. Knee pads, on the contrary, are inexpensive; will you join me?

I have what we jokingly refer to in my household as “label issues”. At least once a month I am guilty of not properly reading the label on a grocery item or two and I bring home an incorrect product.Yet, we are always able to use my oops purchases  in spite of my misguided intentions. I try to be careful, I really do! It’s just that when I’m shopping I don’t like the hassle of putting my reading glasses on and off as I cruise the aisles while I checkoff items on my list.

Recently a current “project” has been the painting of several rooms, all being accomplished by my husband. The living room is the last of his intended ‘putting on a fresh coat of paint or two’ which has left me the task of cleaning the drapery that adorns our window in that room. Now mind you, I paid a hefty price for those draperies and the complimentary sash that makes our window look very classy so you can bet I made sure to read the labels that are sewn into the crevices of their beauty. I didn’t want the nightmare of wrinkles, shrinkage, you-name-your-own terrible outcome! No sir, I got out my reading glasses for that chore of laundering and proper drying.  So, after exercising that bit of wisdom on my part our beautiful set of drapes are now line drying, patiently waiting for paint to dry and be rehung. i

Have you noticed that everything we purchase comes with a label? Labels are important. They give instructions. They tell us the content of a garment or the ingredients in a can of food or a  household cleaner. There’s only one thing that I can think of that doesn’t come with a label and that’s a newborn baby. We welcome our newborn into the world and it’s up to as parents to “name” the child. Greater than choosing a name for our precious gift is the responsibility to train this innocent, unbiased, unconditional lover into a person that the world will receive with respect, love, acceptance…well the list goes on doesn’t it?

But how often in the midst of our well intentions do we as mere human beings get off track and begin to react to the behavior and antics of our child and begin to ‘label’? You know what I mean. We begin using descriptive words such as “you’re lazy”, “you’re so slow”, “if only you could be like (fill in the blank)”, “you’ll never amount to much”. Unfortunately this is an exhaustive list.

This past week someone I respect very much coined this phrase: “Refuse to be defined by others”. I have made serious note of those six words. Those few words brought back a flood of memories growing up, raising my own two children, and now my daily choice of words  in every relationship that is dear to me. I want my words to encourage, not tear down. I want my words to build up, not destroy. I want my words to express love, not judgement. I want my words to convey truth, not a crafty lie to smooth over delicate circumstances.

While I joke and struggle with minor label issues, I grieve deeply when I hear some of the labels coming from the lips of those in media, national leadership, education, business, the family–just a few major categories where words are vital to the health of a person and a society. Why, I wonder, have we evolved to the level of name calling, blame shifting, speaking filth or spew insults with as much ease as it takes to spit out a watermelon seed? Furthermore, as hurtful are the ones speaking with such disdain, is the pain of many individuals allowing it to proliferate.

On Monday evening I heard a very profound statement: “I am a black man, I am not an African American. Call me an American”. I also heard: “I am a man, call me that”. Why have we labeled people on the color of their skin or their country of origin? Is it really necessary? When I tell my friends about another friend, am I required to include color of skin, hair, eyes, or how tall they are? No!

One of my favorite verses in the Bible tells me that my tongue “holds blessings and curses” which interprets that if not careful I may ‘label’ someone that doesn’t deserve the stupidity of my thought processes. Oh that everyone who truly wants our world to be a kinder and more gentle dwelling place would heed this command. Think how that could bring about good change!

Unfortunately, I cannot give ample space to express the deepest thoughts I have on this subject. Perhaps that’s a series of writings for another day. And, it isn’t my intention to get so serious that I can’t find humor in this struggle of mine. Let me leave you with a couple of labels that our children wore for awhile and how they were innocent words from childhood that followed them as they grew into their teens and beyond.

When Sarah was about 8 she began giving stuff away to friends when they came to our home. Very soon one of the little boys from our church who had been a recipient of her generousity started calling her “Sarah the Giver”. Indeed, as years passed she often exhibited a ‘giving’ spirit and remains true to that description today.

When Dan was a toddler his babysitter gave him the nickname “Mr. Fingers” because he was curious, often  stretching to grab something out of his reach. In high school he played football, was a wide receiver who needed to “grab” hold of the football when it passed to him during a key play. Today he is a successful college student, grasping the knowledge from textbooks and the structure of a work day.

Lest I end on a negative not I must state that not all labels are bad. Remember, warning labels do serve a vital purpose. But, also remember, our precious babies don’t come with a label. If they did here’s what I’d like to imagine the description to read.  “Warning: One Size Does Not Fit All. Precious gift from God. Do not Drop. Do not Speak Harshly.  Love,  Feed, Water, Clothe, Nurture, Encourage,  Train According to Bible. Allow to Explore. Allow to Fail. Celebrate Success. IMPORTANT: Unreturnable. 

Today (April 2) should be a most enjoyable day. Already the sun is shining through the window as I sit and write. Birds are helping to announce the birth of a new day. The promise of another spring season is upon us.
I am enjoying fresh brewed coffee and making plans for this glorious day.

A lunch date with a dear friend is one of my highlights of the day. Our girls are now young women, one with two children of her own now. It seems so trite to say ‘where does the time go?’ but I cannot coin a phrase of my own to describe the passing of the years. I can reach back into the caverns of memories and recall when these two little girls were happy playing with Barbies, making plans for overnight stays, walking to the party store for candy, discussing who likes who….those childhood and adolescent days are now in the rear view mirror of life.

Graduations from high school and university have been achieved, weddings planned and now the life of marriage is the current theme for these women. Hurts and disappointments entered that mix, yet healing has come and the promise of new love has settled on the horizon of being cherished. The deep bond found in a good friendship sustained the pain and celebrated the long awaited joy that comes in the morning, those times in life when ‘beauty comes from ashes’.

Having and cherishing a best friend is a gift. Sometimes one may have more than one ‘bestie’ (today’s new term) but I believe we all need at least one best friend, the kind of friend that accepts you with all of your quirks and flaws, a friend who will get in the pit of despair with you, roll around in the dirt and hurt of life and not complain the entire time–the kind of friend who will laugh with you over absolute nonsense until tears roll down cheeks, or during life’s most serious moments, offers a hug and a simple, warm profound ‘I love you’.

Yes, today, I will spend time with a bestie along with her daughter, her two grandchildren, and my daughter. We will talk about the years that have gone by, we will laugh in the moment and we will share our dreams and thoughts for the future. We won’t attempt to solve the problems in the world because we know that isn’t the definition and purpose for our grand friendships. However, if conversation does turn to current events and what lies ahead we will encourage one another with the truth and true basis of our close knit connection, that God is in control and that we give Him thanks and praise for being our Heavenly Father, for His care, protection, provision, guidance, and love. After that we will return to the simplicity and silliness of being each other’s bestie and enjoying the short time we have together today, knowing that we will soon part for the day with the hope and promise of enjoying another girls only lunch date.