I believe God will meet you where you are and talk to you in a way that will get your attention. I don't believe you have to be in a fancy church, praying a long prayer using impressive words for God to hear you. I don't believe he only speaks to us through a burning bush or handwriting on the wall. I've never personally encountered either of those things (though it would have been nice a few times). Instead, God talks to me in the midst of my life, usually while I'm having coffee and reading devotion, or while I'm driving, or while I'm cleaning.
I recorded my thoughts on Facebook this morning -
"My eyes and my to-do list tell me I should be cleaning the house. My body says I should be sitting on the couch drinking my coffee. My mind thinks I should go outside or get in the car and just drive. Trying to find a happy medium to satisfy them all."
Turns out there were several ladies having the same thoughts and feelings as me, and they offered words of advice and encouragement. I decided I would do a "quick clean," hit the high spots dusting, run a vacuum over the floor, and wipe down the bathrooms. I figured it wouldn't take more than 30 minutes, then I can be out and on to more fun things. God had other ideas.
For the next two hours, me and God cleaned and talked and listened. He revealed things to me through the vacuuming, the laundry, the dishes, the dusting. I hope you can read past the physical house cleaning and see the spiritual messages He shared with me.
I thought back to years ago and how I always hated to clean. The vacuum didn't pick up that much. The broom and mop were dirty so mopping didn't do much good. The dusting just stirred up more dust, and the dishes and laundry were never-ending. He reminded me how blessed I am now to have the new cleaning tools I don't mind using.
I remembered how much my husband complained when we first got the new carpet. "Why do you have to have so many people over? The carpet's just gonna get ruined quicker." Well, is that not why we got it? What good did it do to expand the living room, get new furniture, new paint, and new carpet if we weren't going to share it with others? The dirt and stains can be cleaned. (That's like buying a new car and not driving it because you're afraid to put miles on it - ???)
When it came time to sweep and mop the kitchen, I thought I would just offer to buy somebody's lunch if they would come do it for me. Sounded like a simple plan to accomplish the one chore still causes me pain and I don't enjoy at all. But God very plainly said, "Um, no. YOU have a huge mess piled in the corner of YOUR kitchen. YOU need to clean up YOUR mess, and YOU need to sweep and mop YOUR own kitchen." Geesh! You'd think he was a parent or something!
I decided to reward myself by taking myself out to lunch. As I sat there savoring my sweet tea, I thought, "With all the options available to me today, with the weather so beautiful, why, WHY did I choose to clean house?!" God gave me a one-word answer, "Peace."
If I had rushed through my chores and out the door, I would have missed my time with Him. I would have wandered around all day, accomplished nothing, dreading the thought of coming home to a dirty house. Instead, I had a calm feeling that, when the time came for me to come home, it would be to a welcoming place. When the sun shines through the windows, I don't have to worry about seeing the dust floating around. When I walk across the floors barefoot, I don't have to worry about stepping on anything or tracking dirt. I don't have to worry about somebody coming over and being embarrassed for them to use the bathroom. I know that the dishes and laundry are done, that my family will have what they need. I know that when I go to bed tonight, I will have clean, crisp sheets to rest in.
Now, I'm not crazy enough to think that the house will stay this way. Life happens, and it can be messy. Dirt will be tracked through, things will be spilled, the garbage will pile up. And the baby will laugh, and friends and family will gather, and we will enjoy our supper, and God will be with us through it all. And next Saturday, we'll clean it all again.
I guess you could say that today I stopped and smelled the Pine-Sol.
Saturday, March 4, 2017
Monday, February 6, 2017
My New Ride (part 2)
I don’t mean to just keep on about this, but God keeps showing me things through this whole car-buying-swapping business. Maybe somebody out there can relate or needs to hear it too. I’m not going to try to put it in a story form, but will just put it out there randomly the way it’s given to me. I also won’t try to explain the spiritual lesson in each one. You may not get the same thing out of it that I did, and I wouldn’t want to stand in your way.
• I went into this asking for God’s guidance, but setting my own limits and putting my own low expectations on what I could get. I never expected to get a brand new vehicle - but I guess God saw what I didn’t. It’s on the higher stretch of what I thought I could afford, and it will require some discipline and planning on my part, but it is do-able.
• I looked at and actually test drove the vehicle I thought I would like. But when we got there, it was dirty. It had not been cleaned up much at all. It was loud; it was a lot bigger than I expected (huge actually), and I knew almost immediately it wasn’t for me. I also drove the vehicle that was my #1 top choice. It was fully-loaded, had all the bells and whistles, all the extras, and cost a pretty penny. When asked how I liked it - I loved it! But it honestly had more features that I would ever use. It was too much for me. As my husband put it, "the more gadgets it's got, the more there is that can go wrong with it."
• “What features are you looking for?” Well, I haven’t had any in so long anything would be a step up. A power seat and a radio would suit me just fine. I want to downsize from the minivan, but also want to keep some room and not feel claustrophobic. Done. (Except I didn’t get a power seat, although it is more adjustable than my old one.)
• All the salespeople at the previous dealers we went to were more concerned about “how much can you spend?" and "let me see what I have that fits that." This guy kept asking me “what do you like/not like about this, and why?” He got personally involved. (I’ve talked to some of the others since buying the Jeep and they have not been friendly.)
• I knew the body style vehicle I wanted. I wanted something LIKE an ABC, but I don’t want an ABC because everybody everywhere drives an ABC. I wanted something different, something that stands out. (Names of the vehicles have been changed to protect the innocent lol.)
• I have always loved to drive. It can be very relaxing. When I’m stressed or it’s been a long day, a drive and some good music usually do the trick. When there are times I need to talk to God, but I can’t clear my mind enough to get a prayer out, driving would help clear the thoughts so God could get through. Lately though, I had not been enjoying the drive. It was just getting from one place to another. It was nothing special, definitely not soothing or relaxing, and possibly causing more anxiety (and some days it even smelled bad). Now I’ve got new car smell, a smooth ride, that handles curves and bumps like a breeze.
• I went into this asking for God’s guidance, but setting my own limits and putting my own low expectations on what I could get. I never expected to get a brand new vehicle - but I guess God saw what I didn’t. It’s on the higher stretch of what I thought I could afford, and it will require some discipline and planning on my part, but it is do-able.
• I looked at and actually test drove the vehicle I thought I would like. But when we got there, it was dirty. It had not been cleaned up much at all. It was loud; it was a lot bigger than I expected (huge actually), and I knew almost immediately it wasn’t for me. I also drove the vehicle that was my #1 top choice. It was fully-loaded, had all the bells and whistles, all the extras, and cost a pretty penny. When asked how I liked it - I loved it! But it honestly had more features that I would ever use. It was too much for me. As my husband put it, "the more gadgets it's got, the more there is that can go wrong with it."
• “What features are you looking for?” Well, I haven’t had any in so long anything would be a step up. A power seat and a radio would suit me just fine. I want to downsize from the minivan, but also want to keep some room and not feel claustrophobic. Done. (Except I didn’t get a power seat, although it is more adjustable than my old one.)
• All the salespeople at the previous dealers we went to were more concerned about “how much can you spend?" and "let me see what I have that fits that." This guy kept asking me “what do you like/not like about this, and why?” He got personally involved. (I’ve talked to some of the others since buying the Jeep and they have not been friendly.)
• I knew the body style vehicle I wanted. I wanted something LIKE an ABC, but I don’t want an ABC because everybody everywhere drives an ABC. I wanted something different, something that stands out. (Names of the vehicles have been changed to protect the innocent lol.)
• I have always loved to drive. It can be very relaxing. When I’m stressed or it’s been a long day, a drive and some good music usually do the trick. When there are times I need to talk to God, but I can’t clear my mind enough to get a prayer out, driving would help clear the thoughts so God could get through. Lately though, I had not been enjoying the drive. It was just getting from one place to another. It was nothing special, definitely not soothing or relaxing, and possibly causing more anxiety (and some days it even smelled bad). Now I’ve got new car smell, a smooth ride, that handles curves and bumps like a breeze.
Sunday, February 5, 2017
My New Ride
My yesterday didn't go quite as planned. I had to say good-bye to an old trusted friend - my minivan. The minivan has been a part of our family since 2005. It has taken us on every family vacation, road trip, visits out of state and local. It has taken us to church and back every week. It has hauled groceries and kids and adults, and even some furniture. It was hard to let it go.
Over the last few years, the minivan has seen a decline in performance. The paint wasn't in real good shape. The radio quit working. The entire electrical system was iffy. It had an oil leak. It made a funny noise. Every time you hit a pothole just right the interior lights would come on. It was losing gas mileage. And as we were driving it yesterday, the brakes started squealing. About the only thing we couldn't complain about was the heat and air conditioning. It was becoming in bad need of repair. But it would still crank and run. It was comfortable. I knew all its quirks and had gotten accustomed to its faults. Still I knew the day would come when I would have to move on to something different.
Yesterday we left home with the intent of just browsing a few car lots, test driving some vehicles to see what I did and didn't like. We knew what we could afford and what overall body style, so we went looking for what was within our limits. For the first time, I prayed for God's guidance in the decision.
We were at the last car lot on my list, test driving the vehicle I had seen online they had available. It was NOT what I was looking for. But the salesman worked with us, letting us test drive other vehicles, asking what I liked and what I didn't like, all while keeping in mind our money situation. That didn't stop him from letting me test drive the car that, if money had not been an issue, I definitely would have taken home. It was LOADED. Even my husband loved it. But we knew there was no way. Still the salesman worked. He asked if we had considered something brand new. "No, we haven't. There's no way we can afford a brand new car." "Let me see what I can do."
Then he drove around the building in a brand new, shiny black, small SUV-type, Jeep. "Just try it." So...three hours later we were the owners of a brand new 2017 Jeep Cherokee Sport. It has a few more perks than we had expected, but it's not fully loaded. It fit perfectly with what I was looking for. At first I thought I would be sick. I haven't had a car payment in six or seven years and, to be honest, it scared me. But I prayed again and got peace. Funny how God cares about such things.
As we went through the usual negotiation process, it was decided we would have to trade in the old minivan. It was not something we had anticipated or even been prepared to do. We had planned to get another vehicle and bring the old one home. I didn't even take time to wash it or clean out all the trash. So, in the end, we left a dirty, floor board covered in junk mail and napkins and takeout cups and half-bottles of water. We only kept what was useful.
This morning, I drove my new vehicle to church. We sang some new songs. And the Lord began to show me some things. As bad as it hurt for me to let go; as scary as it was to have to pay a cost; it was time, and it was needful. Sometimes we get so caught up in the old and comfortable, we don't realize it's still possible for us to have shiny and new again. Everything I had gotten use to being without (a radio, a blinker that turns itself off, lights that work when they are supposed to and only when they are supposed to) was keeping me from enjoying what God had for me. And I had to leave behind things I thought I couldn't do without.
Over the last few years, the minivan has seen a decline in performance. The paint wasn't in real good shape. The radio quit working. The entire electrical system was iffy. It had an oil leak. It made a funny noise. Every time you hit a pothole just right the interior lights would come on. It was losing gas mileage. And as we were driving it yesterday, the brakes started squealing. About the only thing we couldn't complain about was the heat and air conditioning. It was becoming in bad need of repair. But it would still crank and run. It was comfortable. I knew all its quirks and had gotten accustomed to its faults. Still I knew the day would come when I would have to move on to something different.
Yesterday we left home with the intent of just browsing a few car lots, test driving some vehicles to see what I did and didn't like. We knew what we could afford and what overall body style, so we went looking for what was within our limits. For the first time, I prayed for God's guidance in the decision.
We were at the last car lot on my list, test driving the vehicle I had seen online they had available. It was NOT what I was looking for. But the salesman worked with us, letting us test drive other vehicles, asking what I liked and what I didn't like, all while keeping in mind our money situation. That didn't stop him from letting me test drive the car that, if money had not been an issue, I definitely would have taken home. It was LOADED. Even my husband loved it. But we knew there was no way. Still the salesman worked. He asked if we had considered something brand new. "No, we haven't. There's no way we can afford a brand new car." "Let me see what I can do."
Then he drove around the building in a brand new, shiny black, small SUV-type, Jeep. "Just try it." So...three hours later we were the owners of a brand new 2017 Jeep Cherokee Sport. It has a few more perks than we had expected, but it's not fully loaded. It fit perfectly with what I was looking for. At first I thought I would be sick. I haven't had a car payment in six or seven years and, to be honest, it scared me. But I prayed again and got peace. Funny how God cares about such things.
As we went through the usual negotiation process, it was decided we would have to trade in the old minivan. It was not something we had anticipated or even been prepared to do. We had planned to get another vehicle and bring the old one home. I didn't even take time to wash it or clean out all the trash. So, in the end, we left a dirty, floor board covered in junk mail and napkins and takeout cups and half-bottles of water. We only kept what was useful.
This morning, I drove my new vehicle to church. We sang some new songs. And the Lord began to show me some things. As bad as it hurt for me to let go; as scary as it was to have to pay a cost; it was time, and it was needful. Sometimes we get so caught up in the old and comfortable, we don't realize it's still possible for us to have shiny and new again. Everything I had gotten use to being without (a radio, a blinker that turns itself off, lights that work when they are supposed to and only when they are supposed to) was keeping me from enjoying what God had for me. And I had to leave behind things I thought I couldn't do without.
Sunday, October 16, 2016
"Exodus"
I jotted this down a few weeks ago, thought I had lost it, but just found it again. I tried not to edit too much, but maybe it'll make some sense.
I discovered that the "bible app" on my ipad has a feature that will actually read the Bible aloud to you. It’s really cool! The guy with the accent can make it sound a lot better than my voice in my head. I took this as an opportunity to start actually reading the Bible, I mean more than the few scriptures for morning devotion. After much deliberation on where to start, God said "just start in the beginning." So I did - Genesis 1.
Now Genesis is a fascinating book, full of great stories that really hold your interest. The same for Exodus - well, the first half of it anyway. After the children of Israel are led out of Egypt and begin their wandering in the wilderness, God begins to talk to them and teach them the things they will need to know and do when they reach the Promised Land. It may sound interesting, but it’s not an exciting read. I tried to skip it, but God wouldn’t let me. So I read it...all of it. And even though I still couldn’t tell you exactly how the tabernacle was put together, how big it was, or how many curtains were on each side or how many loops were on each curtain, I did learn a few things:
God will provide.
As detailed as His instructions were for building the tabernacle, He had already put people in place to accomplish each part. He didn’t set out all the specifications, then say "oops, sorry, you don’t have anybody who can handle brass, so you’re just left out." He gave them everything they needed.
God wants what He wants - no exceptions.
God set out the details of how the tabernacle was to be built. Never once did He say, "oh that might be too hard" or "just do whatever is easiest for you." No, He wanted it built to His specifications, no cutting corners or slacking in workmanship.
God makes a way.
When setting out how the sacrifices were to be carried out, everyone was to give bulls, rams, lambs, kid goats, etc. "according to their number, after the manner." A few times, though, he said that if a person did not have a certain bigger animal and didn’t have the means to get it, they could bring a smaller animal (like a pigeon). He did not cast out the lowly.
God sees every person, individually.
When counting the numbers of the different tribes, every person was counted and noted. He didn’t estimate and say "the tribe of Ruben has about this many, and the tribe of Benjamin has about this many." He counted each individual person and knew them by name.
God acknowledges every sacrifice.
There were twelve tribes, and they were all to give a specific sacrifice. Even though every sacrifice was the same, each is recorded and written in His Word. Each was special and given for a reason. Everything we do for Him, no matter how repetitious it seems to us, He takes notice.
Don’t get so caught up in the little details that you miss the big picture.
God gave a lot of statutes and commandments and specifications of how to build things and when to do things and who was to sacrifice what, etc., etc. But all the people had to do to get to the land He promised them, was to follow the cloud in the day and the fire at night, stop when it stopped and move when it moved. If they did that, the rest would just fall into place.
God has a purpose for everything.
No matter how boring it seems; no matter how many times the same thing is repeated over and over; no matter how many times you ask him to let you skip this part and move on to something else and He says no - there is a reason. If I had not read all the minute details, I would not have understood the importance of what comes after.
God will see you through.
I have made it slowly through Exodus, Leviticus and Numbers, and am now reading Deuteronomy. So far Chapter 4 is my favorite. I look back now and know that I needed the foundation. I had to go through the rough part to get here. It could not be skipped. And the best is yet to come.
I discovered that the "bible app" on my ipad has a feature that will actually read the Bible aloud to you. It’s really cool! The guy with the accent can make it sound a lot better than my voice in my head. I took this as an opportunity to start actually reading the Bible, I mean more than the few scriptures for morning devotion. After much deliberation on where to start, God said "just start in the beginning." So I did - Genesis 1.
Now Genesis is a fascinating book, full of great stories that really hold your interest. The same for Exodus - well, the first half of it anyway. After the children of Israel are led out of Egypt and begin their wandering in the wilderness, God begins to talk to them and teach them the things they will need to know and do when they reach the Promised Land. It may sound interesting, but it’s not an exciting read. I tried to skip it, but God wouldn’t let me. So I read it...all of it. And even though I still couldn’t tell you exactly how the tabernacle was put together, how big it was, or how many curtains were on each side or how many loops were on each curtain, I did learn a few things:
God will provide.
As detailed as His instructions were for building the tabernacle, He had already put people in place to accomplish each part. He didn’t set out all the specifications, then say "oops, sorry, you don’t have anybody who can handle brass, so you’re just left out." He gave them everything they needed.
God wants what He wants - no exceptions.
God set out the details of how the tabernacle was to be built. Never once did He say, "oh that might be too hard" or "just do whatever is easiest for you." No, He wanted it built to His specifications, no cutting corners or slacking in workmanship.
God makes a way.
When setting out how the sacrifices were to be carried out, everyone was to give bulls, rams, lambs, kid goats, etc. "according to their number, after the manner." A few times, though, he said that if a person did not have a certain bigger animal and didn’t have the means to get it, they could bring a smaller animal (like a pigeon). He did not cast out the lowly.
God sees every person, individually.
When counting the numbers of the different tribes, every person was counted and noted. He didn’t estimate and say "the tribe of Ruben has about this many, and the tribe of Benjamin has about this many." He counted each individual person and knew them by name.
God acknowledges every sacrifice.
There were twelve tribes, and they were all to give a specific sacrifice. Even though every sacrifice was the same, each is recorded and written in His Word. Each was special and given for a reason. Everything we do for Him, no matter how repetitious it seems to us, He takes notice.
Don’t get so caught up in the little details that you miss the big picture.
God gave a lot of statutes and commandments and specifications of how to build things and when to do things and who was to sacrifice what, etc., etc. But all the people had to do to get to the land He promised them, was to follow the cloud in the day and the fire at night, stop when it stopped and move when it moved. If they did that, the rest would just fall into place.
God has a purpose for everything.
No matter how boring it seems; no matter how many times the same thing is repeated over and over; no matter how many times you ask him to let you skip this part and move on to something else and He says no - there is a reason. If I had not read all the minute details, I would not have understood the importance of what comes after.
God will see you through.
I have made it slowly through Exodus, Leviticus and Numbers, and am now reading Deuteronomy. So far Chapter 4 is my favorite. I look back now and know that I needed the foundation. I had to go through the rough part to get here. It could not be skipped. And the best is yet to come.
Saturday, March 26, 2016
Kitchen Sink Revelation
A woman's work is never done. That's what I thought this morning as I sat down and made my to-do list and shopping list for the day. There is always that never-ending cycle of dishes and laundry. Something's always dirty and needing to be washed. Some are clean and just need to be put in their proper place. And it's in the middle of this busyness, God speaks to me and tells me how much folding laundry and washing dishes is so much like my spiritual life.
To me, there is nothing so satisfying as the bottom of the clothes hamper. It's empty! Laundry is done....well, more like caught up...at least for the moment. This is a daily thing. There are things we wear daily that need to be washed often. This is needful and expected. Yes, it can get overwhelming at times. But I've often found that those overwhelming times come when I've not stayed on top of the pile. I've skipped a day or took time to "relax" instead of doing what needed to be done. Oh me.
My weakness, the thing that NEVER seems to be DONE - cleaning the kitchen. I hand-wash some dishes, and some go in the dishwasher. (wow, I just realized there's a whole other message in that.) It hurts me to wash dishes. Just standing there, repetitive motions, gives me a backache. (guess that's what I should use the dishwasher for.) When I start washing, it seems like it will be forever before I'm done. But when I get down to that last pot or skillet, wouldn't you know it - it won't come clean. It needs to soak a while. So I leave it sitting, thinking I'll go sit down and rest a few minutes before I try to tackle it again. Next thing I know, the 10:00 news is on and I've still got a load of laundry to fold and that pot is still soaking...only now it's sitting in nasty, cold, greasy water...and I'm just too tired to deal with it right now. So I leave it, only to pile up the daily breakfast and lunch dishes on top of it the next day, and come supper time...there sits the pot I need to use, dirty. So I wash it, cook, and start the process all over again.
I'm not yet sure why God showed me this. I guess it just seems there is always that one thing (whatever it is) that always stands in the way of my clean kitchen. That dirty pot stands between me and my peace.
To me, there is nothing so satisfying as the bottom of the clothes hamper. It's empty! Laundry is done....well, more like caught up...at least for the moment. This is a daily thing. There are things we wear daily that need to be washed often. This is needful and expected. Yes, it can get overwhelming at times. But I've often found that those overwhelming times come when I've not stayed on top of the pile. I've skipped a day or took time to "relax" instead of doing what needed to be done. Oh me.
My weakness, the thing that NEVER seems to be DONE - cleaning the kitchen. I hand-wash some dishes, and some go in the dishwasher. (wow, I just realized there's a whole other message in that.) It hurts me to wash dishes. Just standing there, repetitive motions, gives me a backache. (guess that's what I should use the dishwasher for.) When I start washing, it seems like it will be forever before I'm done. But when I get down to that last pot or skillet, wouldn't you know it - it won't come clean. It needs to soak a while. So I leave it sitting, thinking I'll go sit down and rest a few minutes before I try to tackle it again. Next thing I know, the 10:00 news is on and I've still got a load of laundry to fold and that pot is still soaking...only now it's sitting in nasty, cold, greasy water...and I'm just too tired to deal with it right now. So I leave it, only to pile up the daily breakfast and lunch dishes on top of it the next day, and come supper time...there sits the pot I need to use, dirty. So I wash it, cook, and start the process all over again.
I'm not yet sure why God showed me this. I guess it just seems there is always that one thing (whatever it is) that always stands in the way of my clean kitchen. That dirty pot stands between me and my peace.
Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Random Thoughts & Happenings of the Day
First thing this morning - bird flew into office window. He sat in the parking lot for quite a while after that. Autumn went to check on him. He appeared fine, just must be stunned. He later flew into another window, this time not as hard, and sat in the window sill for a while before flying off.
I thought the boss had dictated all afternoon yesterday, but when he downloaded this morning, there’s only 24 seconds on the recorder. Not good.
By 9:00, had answered too many phone calls to count. About half either didn’t say anything or hung up; a couple were from the boss; several wrong numbers; a fax; a lady who thought she couldn’t find our office but ended up being in the parking lot; and the rest were random crazy people.
9:10 - email “hit an electrical glitch.”
9:20 - I’m in the copy room when I hear the front door open, so I go to the front to see who it is. A man has come in the lobby, proceeded through the door into the office, and is now wandering around, heading to Autumn’s desk. He tells Autumn, “I’m lost, I’m looking for [name].” She gives him her best “deer in the headlights” look, and I’m behind him not knowing what to do, afraid to say anything that might startle him, and thinking he’s in the wrong office. “---and Zach. My wife had an appointment here.” I show him to Zach’s office, and me and Autumn share our “what the hecks” and bust into laughter.
9:25 - I finish my coffee.
Wow, it’s lunchtime and I’ve actually got a little work done.
11:50 - Autumn is leaving for lunch, backing up in the parking lot, looks in rearview mirror - sees a bald man in a “wife-beater” shirt carrying a bag. In her words, “he looked like a serial killer! ... I think he went to the neighbor’s house.”
Called court clerk to confirm court date.
Immediately following that call, the same client (the one I just confirmed a court date for) calls and makes an appointment for us to help with a custody case. Custody...of children?
2:00 - Since we have heard no gunshots and have seen no other sign of the guy from the parking lot, we assume the neighbors are still alive. “Unless he used a silencer. ... or maybe he used a knife.”
And there’s always that one phone call -
I thought the boss had dictated all afternoon yesterday, but when he downloaded this morning, there’s only 24 seconds on the recorder. Not good.
By 9:00, had answered too many phone calls to count. About half either didn’t say anything or hung up; a couple were from the boss; several wrong numbers; a fax; a lady who thought she couldn’t find our office but ended up being in the parking lot; and the rest were random crazy people.
9:10 - email “hit an electrical glitch.”
9:20 - I’m in the copy room when I hear the front door open, so I go to the front to see who it is. A man has come in the lobby, proceeded through the door into the office, and is now wandering around, heading to Autumn’s desk. He tells Autumn, “I’m lost, I’m looking for [name].” She gives him her best “deer in the headlights” look, and I’m behind him not knowing what to do, afraid to say anything that might startle him, and thinking he’s in the wrong office. “---and Zach. My wife had an appointment here.” I show him to Zach’s office, and me and Autumn share our “what the hecks” and bust into laughter.
9:25 - I finish my coffee.
Wow, it’s lunchtime and I’ve actually got a little work done.
11:50 - Autumn is leaving for lunch, backing up in the parking lot, looks in rearview mirror - sees a bald man in a “wife-beater” shirt carrying a bag. In her words, “he looked like a serial killer! ... I think he went to the neighbor’s house.”
Called court clerk to confirm court date.
- Clerk: “That case is to be dismissed on payment of cost, which he hasn’t paid yet.”
- Me: “So is it set for review?”
- Clerk: “No, that case is not set. The other cases [names off several drug charges, etc.] are set for review on [date].”
- Me: “So, this case we represent him on, he still owes money, but it’s not set any time for review?”
- Clerk: “Yes. It’s set on [same date].”
Immediately following that call, the same client (the one I just confirmed a court date for) calls and makes an appointment for us to help with a custody case. Custody...of children?
2:00 - Since we have heard no gunshots and have seen no other sign of the guy from the parking lot, we assume the neighbors are still alive. “Unless he used a silencer. ... or maybe he used a knife.”
And there’s always that one phone call -
- "Hi, I’m the lady that called earlier."
- "Um, ok."
- "Are you not the person I talked to?
- "Nope." (Standard answer, because even if I did talk to her earlier, I’ve probably talked to a dozen more since then and still won’t remember what she called about.)
Sunday, November 8, 2015
There's Power in....
I felt it today as I was leaving the church parking lot. The need for more. More of what, though, I wasn't sure. On the drive home, the Lord showed me some things. He took what I thought I wanted and gave me a deeper meaning. Hopefully it will make sense to the one out there who needs it:
I drive a black minivan. And, as my son often says, it's hard to look cool in a minivan. But I don't drive a minivan to look cool. I drive it mostly because it's practical. It can haul things and/or people as needed. It's my "grocery-go-getter" and my "kid-picker-upper." When I press on the gas, it goes, usually without much fanfare or noise. It's dirty. It has a loootttt of miles on it, and right now is well overdue for an oil change. It's my steady and reliable mode of transportation.
But....in the garage....behind closed doors...where the dirt and elements don't enter so easily....there is something else. Something most have only heard about and few have really seen. It's a shiny red 1964 Chevelle with a big motor. It's not practical for everyday driving and the day-in/day-out messiness of family life. But on those days when it's brought into the sunlight, I can feel it. I can't quite put my finger on it, but it's a different feeling than when I drive the minivan. When I press the gas, it makes noise - oh that insides-shaking noise - and it goes...it goes like it means business. It has....power.
Maybe that's what I felt I needed more of today - power. Most days I'm just like that ol' minivan. I'm worn and weary, dirty and in need of some TLC. Just going about life, doing what needs to be done and taking care of stuff. Then there are those occasions when I want to be more like the hotrod. When I put things in gear and press the gas, I want there to be movement and noise and a feeling of "oh wow!"
What God has shown me today is that I have the ability and opportunity to be both. I own them both. They are both mine, and they are both part of who I am. It's up to me which one I put the gas in, turn the key, and go in.
I drive a black minivan. And, as my son often says, it's hard to look cool in a minivan. But I don't drive a minivan to look cool. I drive it mostly because it's practical. It can haul things and/or people as needed. It's my "grocery-go-getter" and my "kid-picker-upper." When I press on the gas, it goes, usually without much fanfare or noise. It's dirty. It has a loootttt of miles on it, and right now is well overdue for an oil change. It's my steady and reliable mode of transportation.
But....in the garage....behind closed doors...where the dirt and elements don't enter so easily....there is something else. Something most have only heard about and few have really seen. It's a shiny red 1964 Chevelle with a big motor. It's not practical for everyday driving and the day-in/day-out messiness of family life. But on those days when it's brought into the sunlight, I can feel it. I can't quite put my finger on it, but it's a different feeling than when I drive the minivan. When I press the gas, it makes noise - oh that insides-shaking noise - and it goes...it goes like it means business. It has....power.
Maybe that's what I felt I needed more of today - power. Most days I'm just like that ol' minivan. I'm worn and weary, dirty and in need of some TLC. Just going about life, doing what needs to be done and taking care of stuff. Then there are those occasions when I want to be more like the hotrod. When I put things in gear and press the gas, I want there to be movement and noise and a feeling of "oh wow!"
What God has shown me today is that I have the ability and opportunity to be both. I own them both. They are both mine, and they are both part of who I am. It's up to me which one I put the gas in, turn the key, and go in.
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