Be still

For the first time in probably 20 years I had the house completely to myself. Okay, not completely, I shared it with 4 dogs, a bird and the fish in the pond, but there were no other humans talking back to me.

I loved it. Listening to the sounds of the house, the creaks and groans that usually go unnoticed because of all the activity that transmits from this house. I stayed up late and cleaned closets, vacuumed spiderwebs, washed woodwork, and then stayed up a little later to read myself to sleep. At the crack of dawn, Brody was ready to begin his day, but I was able to pet his head and massage his eyes into a few more minutes of sleep. But even getting up to let the dogs out was delightful, as the morning sun filtered through the fog and gently warmed the day.

My morning coffee was consumed either in "Little Italy" in our backyard, or as I watched Nora and Brody leap through the fields from the front porch.

Other than a few "good dog, bad dog" words, I probably only spoke to a handful of people. Interesting point, our house phone has been on the blinks for several months, so I didn't deal with any telemarketers or annoying calls.

As these quiet days were coming to an end, I realized how good it is to be still. To be where you want to be and to know that in these moments of solitude, God stirs. He reminded me of His presence through the whispers of the trees, through the puppy dog eyes that followed me, through the flowers that lighten to the morning sun. Be still and know that I am God.

Upgraded

It's amazing what that word implies.  It makes me think that there is something better although I was perfectly satisfied with what I had.  

I try to contain myself when I go to pick up my rental car and the counter-person informs me that I have been upgraded from a compact to a economy at no charge.  The shrivers run down my leg with that word... I'm getting something that I did not pay for.  Whoohoo!  Even though I notice that all of the cars are economy models and there never were any compacts, I'm thrilled to receive an "upgrade." ( but the truth of the matter... the rental car is a Ford Focus ... not a BMW.)

But better yet is to hear that word at an airport check-in.   I'm  a seasoned traveler and have a fairly good understanding of seat selection on most airplanes.  It's only taken me 14 years to unravel the code of the airlines.  ( You know, the secret codes that represent the rules of the airlines.  i.e.  If you purchase a Y class on Tuesday and want to travel to Toledo, the fare may be $350.  But if you purchase a K class on Tuesday you may travel to Toledo and Chicago for just $99, but you must return through Dallas before 5:00 PM on Saturday or you will be penalized.)  After figuring out the best possible route and fare the challenge begins as I attempt to claim one of the coveted "exit-row" seats.  I'm not going to tell you what seat number that is f because then I'll be competing with you too.  

I've confirmed my seat and can now I rest knowing that I will be able to get on and off the airplane in the early boarding group.  ( Why you ask?  I'm not sure.... it has something to do with the rush of it all!)

And then it happens.  A minute before boarding my name is paged. Oh dear.  I hope and pray that there isn't a family emergency, but that always crosses my mind.  I bravely walk to the ticket counter and identify myself.  "Mrs. Sorrels, we have a seat for you in business class, but it is not an aisle seat.  Would you like this upgrade?"   I can feel my legs begin to wobble but I constrain myself trying desperately to act as if this is an everyday occurrence. "Sure, that would be great. Thanks,"  But inside, I can feel the cheer begin.  I won!  I get something better. Something that I didn't pay for.   I won't need to cram into that old exit row seat, I'll lounge in a "pod."  I won't be eating just airplane food, I'll be served better than average airplane food.

 Although it's free... it really isn't.  I've flown over a million miles to get this free upgrade.  Once.   

 Jesus asked me if I wanted an upgrade.  "Would you like forever-lasting life, along with grace, goodness, kindness, peace and righteousness?  It doesn't take a million miles and it is available to everyone.   Would you like this upgrade? "   "I tell you the truth, anyone who believes (in Him) has eternal life.  Yes, I am the bread of life!"  John 6:46-48   I constrain myself, yet the cheer has begun!

Happy in Hawaii

I've said it for years to Anna and JT...  When I get old (okay, older) and unable to make rational decisions, just drop me off in Kauai along with my uniform and a few pairs of reefs.  Now I'll add a few things to that list.  Don't forget my dogs and my Toyota 4Runner.  I guess I'll need a little money for gas and dog food too.    

I do love Kauai. The pace is slower here, but that probably has a lot to do with the fact that I'm on vacation.  My favorite spot on the island is Tunnels Beach on the North Shore.  Tunnels is a favorite spot for the locals to surf and scuba dive and is one of the few places in the Hawaiian islands where one could find a "Hawaiian Sunsrise" seashell and the tiny puka shells.  On my very first visit to Kauai, I remember an older Hawaiian woman sitting on the shore sifting sand through her hands in search for tiny puka shells.  At the time, I wondered how anyone could sit for such a time gathering shells, but over the year, shelling has become one of my favorite "sports" of Kauai.  And someday I will find that perfect little Hawaiian Sunrise.

Today we stopped for lunch at the famous Bubba Burgers.  There are two of these hamburger joints on Kauai and almost every tourist to Kauai visits Bubba's at least once.  To be perfectly honest, the burgers are okay, the service is slow, and the french fries are always cold, yet a vacation on Kauai isn't complete without a visit to Bubba's... where they relish your  buns.

 We've learned the secrets of Hawaiian souvenir shopping.  No, it's not Hilo Hattie, the Store of Hawaii, but Wal-Mart, the store of America.  Jim and I usually make Wal-Mart one of our first stops on the island so we can pick up a fresh bottle of sunscreen, a few postcards, and a handful of gifts that we can lavish on our friends.  What we don't find at Wal-Mart, we're almost sure to find at our second stop... Costco.  

So when I get older... drop me off in Kauai...  but don't forget to give me my Costco card!

In like a lion... out like a lamb.  It's March, yet in Southern California we welcomed the month with summer-like weather.    

My brother and sister-in-law from Colorado(coloooradooo) are here for a few days. If there every was a person who lives life for each beautiful moment... Todd is it.  Out of 4 brothers, he is most like my dad.  Todd savors the simplicity of life, even though the life journey he has taken has not been simple.  He has a deep love for Carole, his wife of 25 years. They truly smile at each other and find pure joy.  And he has the cutest little grandson this side of the Rockies.  (I can say that now, because I don't have any grandchildren... just grand dogs!)  

So back to the perfect California weather.  Todd arrived sometime during the dark early hours on Saturday morning after spending the day and evening hiking around Lake Mead.   

After a few cups of coffee and a couple hours of catching up, we packed the cars and headed to the beach for a day of kayaking and hiking.  JT met us along the way, so Todd had a paddling buddy.  Carole and I walked the beach for about 3 hours, re-discovering the tide pools, sea urchins, shells, sand dollars and even a few star fish.  It really was a perfect day.

Sunday morning plans were to visit the "famous Kolby's swap meet" and then the beach. Todd and JT didn't have much interest in bargain shopping so they loaded the car again - this time adding a bike, unicycle, and a little sunscreen.  

Carole carefully picked out a few California t-shirts and a couple Mexican bobbing-headed turtles to bring home to family. The bargain of the day  was a skim board for Todd.  Just another toy to add to his already full car.

We met Todd and JT at LaJolla shores ... actually just JT. Todd was off surfing!  He always wanted to learn to surf, so he found a surfboard rental shop and took to the waves.  JT enjoyed paddling up and down the California coast as he avoided playful seals swimming by.

I wish each day could be so perfect, yet maybe they are.  Through the eyes of the beholder...  I hope to start each day with a word or two of thanks and praise to God, my creator. I hope to take the time to notice how blessed I am to wake with few aches and pains, and be able to stand strongly on my own.  And as my "perfect" day unwinds, I pray that I will be an instrument of God's hands.  Loving and giving in His name for His glory.  

 

  

Sunday afternoons

I usually grab every moment and fill it with something.  But not today.  It could be a bit of jet lag that I need to shake or a case of the sniffles that is fogging my mind, regardless of what caused it, I did nothing today. 

 I lounged in the lounge chair and soaked up a few rays of warmth from the sun while thoughts blew through my mind with the gentle outdoor breeze.  At one point I woke wondering if God sorrows when He sees people in pain.  Is it difficult for Him to watch, although we know that nothing is too difficult for God, but does His compassion lead Him to reach down and fix it?  I don't know.   

Another wakening brought  the question, why do boys like to talk, dream, think, and consume themselves in cars?  What gene triggers the moving vehicle sensation?  

There were too many random thoughts blowing through my mind today, so I decided enough of this laid back Sunday.  It's time to do something to keep my mind off of nothing.