Time Flies

Wow...December 4th...Where does time go? Lots to contemplate on this chilly (less than 20 degrees w/ wind chill factored in) winter evening.

Contemplation #1:
Living in the mid-west I have recently had my eyes opened to this less than hidden secret. I will share this with you dear world with the understanding that it go no further than your computer screen; we are never to talk of this again. Well, not never, but the suspense is killing you isn't it?!? Here you go. A woman's social status is partly determined by the number of chitlins she hath birthed. Oh yes, true statement. Since I've been out in the "real world" recently, the subject of babies, kids, grandbabies has come up a lot. I find myself asking about others kids and family as a means of generating conversation out of thin air with patients while they work or take a rest break, which happens very often for some of our more debilitated elderly population. It is interesting; it is a point to hold in high regard. I mean, I couldn't do it right now, those things take time, energy, your sleep, etc, etc. Moms are to be honored, revered even if they are of the kind that raise their children up even when the little monsters are less than tolerable (I speak of myself as a child; I've heard stories) and in high gear 24/7. It is just interesting to be in the age bracket now where I'm "expected" to have a "pregnant uterus" (class joke) sometime soon. I leave it at that and say thank you to all those who do not force the midwest tradition down my throat or even often hint at the same. I thank you mother for enduring the years of my stubborness, well, probably still got some of that, but you did earn the revered title "Mama". I might even have to start calling you that:) As long as it's not prefaced with "Big" huh?:) hehehe.

Contemplation 2:
Country music rocks! It all started on the drive back from Thanksgiving break...and it hasn't stopped. I take that back, it all started back in the younger years riding around with Dad in the truck, "helping him work" in the shed, and on the country roads of yesteryear; it's always a welcome companion in the journey of life. I just find it soothing as I sit here and cheers from Margaritaville drift in and out with the twang of guitars and sweet southern accents. Ahhh...music to my ears, literally.

Contemplation 3:
Be content. Do not plan the future selfishly. - James, paraphrase. Makes me think everytime I read it, everytime God chooses to present it me on a new day as I sit unaware of how my mind needs to be redirected. Or maybe I am aware, just unwilling, or unable to change it myself. Either way, as a friend, JDizzle himself, shared with the congregation yesterday night, live each day in His will. How can i attempt to plan the future, when the future is left up to His leading? Impossible. How can I say in a year I will be here or I want to do that, when I really want to do whatever He wants? No Way Jose! Once again i resolve to surrender, to crawl up on the altar, a living sacrifice. I'm certain to inch my way off slowly, one wandering thought at a time, but I repent. I submit to the fact that I will do my best and rely on Him for the most of it. His power is made perfect in my weakness (good verse, can't tell you the location). I resolve to plan my future by the mantra of "whatever/wherever/however you want God". I give you permission to throw this back at me whenever you hear me talk of selfish ideas that benefit no one but myself. i.e. completing a 70.3 Ironman triathlon. Sure, i can do triathlons, I can train and enjoy the abilities God has gifted me with, but that shall not be my sole focus, my thoughts shall not revolve around those goals. No, my first and foremost is to help others, to venture to the places where i am most able to serve. If God chooses to use me to serve triathletes, you better believe I will be in there with em, but if God chooses to send me to the children of Managua, you better believe I will be in those slums with em.

That's enough contemplating for one night;)
until next time, stay warm