One more trip around the sun…

Two days and counting… Lilly sleeps by my side as I write tonight. We are both grateful for the peace and comfort of a ‘mother’s care’. It has been good to share these days with Mom in her home.

More boxes, last minutes details – one more visit to doctors and veterinarians, a quick run to get a hair cut and meeting with friends to drop off gifts, share a glass of wine and hold them tight enough to seal our love beyond this change of address.

The mountains call and wouldn’t it figure, Jimmy Buffett re-appears. While in seminary, my friends would tease me, saying that Buffett’s lyrics were really at the heart of my theology (politics withstanding). When his music begins to echo in my home, I know time has once again expanded.

Tonight, I thank a friend who while celebrating a birthday today, shared this song and video. The words resonant with my own experience of the past year. With all that I thought I was ‘organizing’ I could never have seen what was coming. A move, a place to go where I can be comfortable and a closer view of the night sky! Plans can go so many directions from where we might expect. Makes life feel like a carnival ride at times.

Today, I am quite certain that this song’s lyrics work best as my mantra (though a bit long) during this transition and beyond, ‘I’m just hanging on while this ole world keeps spinning and it’s good to know its out of my control. If there one thing that I’ve learned from all this living, is that it would not change a thing if I let go.’

So, I plan to enjoy this ride…

 

The gift of grace…

One week left – moving van reserved, boxes filling, and copious calls being made. No matter how organized I had hoped to be, at this moment the list grows and time shortens. The retirement community has been gracious. No charge for the guest apartment! My friends can stay in a beautiful apartment down the hall from my new home. This means they will be more than comfortable – a good thing because they will have driven six hours, helped unload and put up with me (a ball of emotion).

There is a moment in any large project I undertake when I am humbled by the people who surround me to support and assist. The exchange between myself and those who catch my vision or rally to my aid is often filled with grace and humor. The most difficult part for me? To SIT and watch as my directions are taken. I cannot touch any of the objects being unwrapped and placed in drawers, cabinets or hung on walls. When my directions begin to sound like demands I know it is time to stop, to take a break for a walk outside or to share a glass of wine. May I have the insight to know when those moments are needed.

The last days are here. This time next week Lilly and I will be sleeping in our new apartment and waking to the sun’s light as it crests over the mountains. There have been more unexpected challenges than I thought possible. Yet, with family and dear friends, what seemed impossible has been accomplished.

Surrounded by grace – I continue to give thanks.

 

Valentine’s Inspiration

“The greatest happiness of life is the conviction that we are loved – loved for ourselves, or rather, loved in spite of ourselves.” ~ Victor Hugo.

The choices we make during seasons of the year touch people’s lives in so many ways. This entry in the blog, ‘I Have A Dream’, speaks to the importance of “choice” in life and the result of our inability to choose. It is a telling of one person’s Valentine gift given to a group of people unique among us – who so need to be remembered and loved.

Take time to read the piece below and, (if you have not already) meet the author, Michael. His reflections will enrich and inspire you.

‘What I DId This Valentine’s Day’

 

A Valentine to share…

For several years this song has held a special place in my heart. It speaks of memories – a time past yet ever bright. Many have sung this beautiful song – Eva Cassidy weaves the lyrics through an amazing melody.

May it offer a gentle moment on this Valentine Day –

FIELDS OF GOLD