God Knows Who You Are

Yesterday, I was waiting to get my oil changed. I was the first customer to arrive in the parking lot. Since I was early I sat in my car drinking my cup of coffee. At first I was thinking to myself this is crazy getting here so early. Soon my view changed, I started watching the people go by. I saw young and old going to the bank across the street. Some were in a hurry, they didn't turn off their car and park it, they just pulled up next to the curb to stop and jumped out to get their cash. Others were in no hurry, they pulled up to the bank and sat for several minutes. Some of the young guys were driving their pick up trucks, and a old guy was driving his sports car. A lady walked down the street, she looked tanned from the summer heat. She was carry a bag of groceries. Not much later a homeless man walked by the bank pointing his finger at someone (invisible to me) who was irritating him. Another man walked by looking tired, he was carrying a large trash bag with his empty cans from the night before. He stopped at every trash can along his path to see if anyone had left him any more. A young couple in their matching t-shirts and shorts jogged down the street. As I sat in my car I couldn't help being amazed at all the different types of people that were out. Each of us unaware of those around us and yet God knows where each of us is at every moment of the day and night. He knows our thoughts and feelings, He knows the length of our days. Later in the morning Manny called me to say my friend was trying to reach me. It was Mary, she had news about the death of a friend. At first I couldn't reach her, and I kept wondering who could have died? Finally, she called back, I couldn't believe what she was telling me. Our friend Judy, a Pastor's wife had been killed in a head on collision. Evidently her and Frank were on their way to a conference where he was to be a speaker. Another car came over the hill and she was killed instantly. How tragic for us, to lose such a good friend. Frank said he was jealous because she got to see Jesus first, that
is the kind of people they are. I have been emotional about her death, she was one person that was full of wisdom. She only gave good advice to those around her and always extended grace to those of us that needed it most.:) Her family and church will miss her and this world has lost one of the kindness women I ever ever met. I remember a note she wrote to me to encourage me to continue on during the darkest days of my life. In that note she reminded me that God had a special plan for my life and not to give up. My heart is sad to know she is gone, but my soul rejoices that I will see her again. I want to live each day as if it could be my last and to love those around me and bring hope to those who have none. Selah

When World's Collide

Today I walked into the office and saw a friend from many years ago. I couldn't believe my eyes. There was Zoe Ann talking to Betty,(Usually I have a problem remembering names) as I greeted her she smiled at me. It was one of those horrible moments when you should remember the person but you are trying to rack your brain so you don't look like you don't know them:). Fortunately, it was Zoe that was trying to place me. I could read her mind, she was thinking "I know her, but where do I know her from?" So Betty tried to rescue her by saying "you know Susan?" There was still a look on Zoe's face of "I should know her... "maybe she is one of my former students from the college?". Finally, I said "Zoe, it's me Sue!". With a look of relief on her face and a rush of memory... "Oh, why didn't you say Sue? Since when did you start going by Susan?" I laughed! We talked for quite awhile and she reminded me of days I wanted to forget. After several minutes she encouraged me. She said that I looked so much happier than the last time we saw each other. She brought back the memory of the pain and hurt of my divorce and the sad days of the past. But then, she reminded me that with God we have for a bright future. Just because life doesn't go as planned doesn't mean it can't get better. When I left the office I still felt the sadness of the mistakes of my past, but the assurance of God's grace and mercy that has flooded my life. I also I thought about the friends in days gone by that walked through my darkest hours with me. During my lunch I went outside and called one of them to thank them for being there for me when I needed them.

Make Each Day Count

I love to write down the thoughts in my head because later on I wonder what was I thinking? LOL Actually, Life takes so many twists and turns sometimes it is hard to keep track of what is going on. I find as I journal my thoughts and feelings I get a clearer picture of reality. Through out the years I have written letters to loved ones that tell them how I feel about them. I get a real sense of pleasure when I take a thought and turn it into something on paper.

Recently my Mother passed away and I found some pieces of paper that I had written my love and appreciation to her. It caused me to reflect how I can show others my love and concern for them. In some little way I want to brighten up their day. It also reminded me that it doesn't have to be a card from Hallmark but it can be scribbled on a piece of paper laying around the house.

My Mom had kept journals for years, in fact on her birthday and special occasions I would give her one as a gift. As I was going through her belongings I read of few of her thoughts. It reminded me how friends and loved ones had been close to her. It also showed the selfishness of us as human beings. She had written during the difficult times of life when people said hurtful things to her and made her cry.

I walked way from her house that day considering my actions in a new light. How would my friends and loved ones write about me? Would they write about the funny things I said, the jokes I tried to tell but couldn't remember the ending? Or would they write about the foolish things that came out of my mouth during a heated discussion about politics or religion?

Hopefully, I have many years in this life to live a life that would cause those around me to remember me as a woman that loved God, stood for integrity, loved my family and my country! That is how I remember my Mom. She was the most gracious woman I have ever known. In all the years of good and bad times she always loved me unconditionally. In the last weeks of her life she showed so much grace to all those around her I can only hope to follow her example in the way I live out my life.

(This is a picture of the last time she came to our house. We had such a wonderful week of working in the yard, visiting with the kids and just enjoying being together! This picture shows her in one of her funny moments!)