TV

 This is Memorial Day weekend, 2023. I have been watching Viet Nam tv programs and have learned more by watching it than living during that time when my friends and classmates were being drafted in the 60's and 70's.

A few years ago I was talking with a friend about these programs.  He said, "I don't watch them; I was there!" He was in the Tet Offensive which meant nothing to me...until I watched a historical clip.  Oh, my!!!

I know there were protests during that time; my best friend led some of them and is on the FBI books. I know the soldiers did not get a good sendoff, and a worse,  painful return home. 

As I "get educated" by watching these programs my sensitivity grows.  My last conversation with my soldier friend a few months ago I was able to share with him just what I am writing here.  

I then apologized for my lack of awareness and education about his chapter in history, then thanking him for all he went through.  He was very appreciative, even at this late stage, that I recognized his service. He continues to deal with trauma from that time, as he explained a few gruesome details.

So, let us not forget those who served, sacrificed, fought, and lost their lives for our freedom. Thank them for their service, too...and not just the Viet Nam vets...any vet you see!  Maybe watching tv might be an educational eye-opener.  It was for me!

Enjoy your Memorial Day weekend;  our freedom cannot be taken for granted. Thank those who have fought for us. 

Lists

Have you ever had to prepare for an event, large or small, and had lists of what needed to be done before that time? I'm sure you have.  It seems I have lists going for nearly anything and when I look at them, I am prone to waiting till the last minute to get them all signed off.

Maybe I'm just prioritizing, like waiting until I go upstairs to bring some things down that need to be down!  So, my living room floor and steps are decorated with reminder slips for when I go. Why the slips? This helps keep the mind clutter free and avoids forgetting details of what needs to be done. 

This is also the first event I am preparing for without my husband.  It's different to say the least.  Friends are certainly helpful and available but it's not the same as having another family member right under the same roof. 

Why do I write about this?  How do we take care of ourselves when decisions have to be made, when we're alone? It does no good to get into a heap of fear or tears. One day at a time, one task at a time, check off each item of the list and before we know it, it's done! voila!

So, the next time there's so much to prepare for, make a list, check it twice, and get going!  Don't forget, too, to take care of yourself by enjoying something enjoyable, like a good movie and a meal with a friend!  Some of those other things can wait! 

Little Chat

Yesterday something happened that was amazing!  While in church in the morning I had a little chat with God.  If you recall other posts, I often have these chats, especially asking, "what am I  to do?" OK, go to 2pm yesterday.

The phone rings.  A familiar name and voice, in distress on the other end, cries, "I need help!" The details don't matter but within 40 minutes we were at the emergency room getting what she needed.

Often during the next 5 hrs. waiting for labs, phone connections, etc. etc. etc. she encouraged me to go home.  Her disposition for care was not definite yet and no way was I leaving until I knew what was what.

So, to make five hours short, I finally left, knowing the plan until she got admitted. Sometimes sitting in an emergency room is about like watching grass grow! (Of course, there are times when it's too exciting!!)

As I was leaving a huge wave of gratitude came over me, giving thanks to God for my past both personal and professional; to think I was on the other end of that phone when she called. 

Again, I have mentioned "coincidence" in the past but in this case I know it really was God's way of remaining anonymous.  She will tell you, too, that the idea to "call Molly" popped into her head.  Wonder where that thought came from?  Especially after she had prayed to Jesus to know what she should do!  Hmmm.  I sure have no doubt. What about you?  

What happens after you have a little chat with God?  Or do you?  Might try it if not. 

Courtesy of Pixabay

Peacock Feathers

 While in Baltimore this past week my sister showed me three peacock feathers.  Her neighbors have peacocks so this was a treat to see. I don't know if you have ever seen them close up but the design on each of them was similar but different. 

Courtesy of Pixabay

She then showed me a picture on her bedroom wall of a strong, muscular hand and finger reaching out to a limp, weak one, not touching yet.  

Courtesy of Pixabay

Well, her inspiration is that each of us are so alike, yet all different.  Of course, we all know this but how often do we get upset when another disagrees with us, or we reel when a person of color comes to live in our neighborhood (or comes to the door or into the driveway by mistake)?

There are so many ways we fight the differences in our everyday transactions. Ask however, how many ways our Creator tries to reach out to us, to touch us and lift us up?  It could be a kind word, a phone call or a generous gesture. 

How often do we let that gesture "touch" us, to smile, receive it and say "thank you" knowing that the love that came was not a coincidence but a power beyond trying to connect with us. 

So, the peacock feathers now remind me that we are more alike than not but each an individual; the differences make this world a beautiful place to live, if we could simply realize it.

That strong connection, care and love is there reaching for each person more often than we might realize. Maybe it's time to see things with our heart instead of our eyes. How is your God trying to connect with you?