Where everybody knows your name

     "Sometimes you wanna go, where everybody knows your name. And they're always glad you came. You wanna be where you can see, the troubles are all the same. You wanna be where everybody knows your name."

 

     This was the Cheers theme song from the American sitcom T.V. series that ran 11 seasons, from 1982 to 1993. Set in a neighbourhood bar in Boston, a group of locals, regular customers, met, to drink, relax and socialize, and... where everybody knows your name.
  
     




     
     To me, that epitomized "community," which I feel, seems to be lacking at times in our busy, demanding society. 
     I have never lived in a small town or village, but I've often wondered what it would be like to walk down the street and meet folk who would actually call me by name. There are those I am sure, who meet 'face to face' with friends in varied situations and do experience 'community' firsthand. 
     However, now, in this electronic age, many do seem constantly connected to their friends by their 'hand-held gadgets' or, by sharing brief messages on facebook, etc., as to their ongoing activities, and to them, this is experiencing 'community' in a different way.

 
     Wikipedia explains 'community' as... "a society of people linked together by shared interests or common conditions of life, beliefs, etc." 
     My recollection of growing up in a country situation, was truly the epitome of community for me, as with our neighbours, we seemed to experience common life situations, needing each other's support. 
     Now, attending some of our larger churches, seeking a small group to find your identity, is a must. 
     Surprisingly enough, I have found a place 'where everybody knows my name' — my weekly visit to my hair salon (where I have been a client for several years.) The interaction that takes place between the young operators and older folk like me, is in itself, a rare type of community. 
     Whether it's Olivia, Kaitlen, or Jasmine, they all welcome me by name, always pleased to greet me. 
     

     At the close of my recent week holidaying at the lake, I felt I observed 'community in action'... Friday Night Live at Scotch Creek — an open-air concert performance of various visiting bands.

     

   
     The large crowd consisted of children and adults of varying ages, with their lawn chairs, a few had their dog, and no doubt visiting campers like our group swelled the crowd — all participating in this summertime community event and, finding pleasure together!  
     









     I believe it is easy for us to become self-centred and self-sufficient, preoccupied with our own little world, feeling little need of becoming a part of those around us.

     Yet, I think it was our Creator's intent for us to reach out, encouraging each other along the oft' bumpy highway of life.
     That, then, becomes 'community' at its best. Beware of the barrenness of a busy life. 
Keep Open House. 
     Be generous with your lives.

— beulah

We are family

     

     "The family is our refuge and springboard — our link to the past, our bridge to the future."

     
     Often with our busy schedules, we feel pulled in different directions, with responsibilities competing with each other. Because of our fast paced lives, it is necessary that we schedule a "time-out" to restore, renew and revive ourselves, both physically and spiritually. 
     Even Jesus reminded his friends to... "Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest awhile." 

 — Mark 6:31   

     

     This was the desire of our family as we just ended a week together at the beautiful Little Shuswap Lake. 
     Some came and went throughout the week due to various ongoing commitments, but, a sense of family togetherness was evident. 

     

     "It has been said, 'nature engages a part of the brain that involves involuntary attention, not requiring intense focusing, thus helping us to completely relax our minds.'" 

     


     
     How invigorating, to let the beauty of God's creation fill up our senses!  

     Whether relaxing in the hammock while reading a good book; suntanning while lying on the wharf, mesmerized by the cadence of the waves below; having a quiet conversation with a family member while sipping coffee on the spacious deck,

as eyes feasted on the tranquil lake; listening to the honking of a family of geese; witnessing a majestic eagle flying over-head; be awed by a colourful hummingbird, lighting on the potted flowers;

the scurry of a delightful, little chipmunk sending our dog Hailey, into a frenzy; the two otters we named, Oliver and Beatrice, who came almost daily to sun themselves on our neighbour's wharf;

the laid-back games of Scrabble or Frustration; and, the combined effort producing the varied and delicious meals; all of which, helped make our week beautifully restful and serene. 
     

     Yet, best of all, was the time spent interacting with family members — siblings, aunties, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews — and for me, my delightful great-granddaughter.    

     

     
     Today — as never before — we need to purpose to hold our families together.   
     Sometimes, life's storms 
rip through our lives, often tearing families apart. But, it is within families, that forgiveness, encouragement, and unconditional love should be modelled. 

     

     

     "Family should always be a place where we are cared for, loved and protected, accepted and treasured for who we are. "  

Family Ties  

Family ties are precious things, woven through the years; 

of memories of togetherness, of laughter, love and tears. 

Family ties are cherished things 

Forged in childhood days, 

By love of parents deep and true, 

By tradition, by family ways. 

Family ties are treasured things and far though we may roam, 

The tender bonds with those we love, 

still pull our hearts toward home.     

— Author Unknown    

     "Families are like fudge... mostly sweet with a few nuts."


     A couple drove down a country road for several miles, not saying a word. An earlier discussion had led to an argument and neither of them wanted to concede their position.   
     Passing a barnyard of mules, goats and pigs, the wife asked sarcastically, 
"Relatives of yours?"  
"Yep," he replied, "in-laws."     


— beulah

... Because, your life touched mine

 "Grow old along with me, the best is yet to be, 

The last of life, for which the first was made."

 

— Robert Browning

     
     Browning's immortalized poem reminds me of how fortunate I was to "grow old" with my chosen life's mate of 55 years, by my side. 
     

     Last week, with the passing of another wedding anniversary (it would have been our 61st), I found it difficult keeping all kinds of memories from swirling about. To only pick one moment, to cherish, save and keep — I've gathered a heap, embedded in my heart. 

     Good feelings last a lifetime, and unfortunately bad feelings sometimes do too. Though, I was blessed many times over and left with mostly good memories, we would be naive to think any marriage is the perfect one. We are too human for that!  
     Nels, you were in my life for so many seasons — and reasons. As two people travelling together through life, we shared our dreams — the good times and the bad. 
     Thanks for the moments when you picked me up, when the road was hard to climb. When you left, a piece of my heart was lost. But, the healing of the heart takes place over time and we begin to embrace the wonder of life again. 
     I have learned that, 
"...tomorrow the sun will rise again."  

     "I sent the following poem to you during our two long years of courtship. It still reminds me of the 'special stranger' that entered my life so long ago, and whose memory still inspires me to keep climbing ever upward."

— Beulah Eagles  

Because Your Life Touched Mine 

 

We met as casual strangers, and in the usual way 

We said," I'm pleased to meet you," for want of more to say. 

But, soon there came a feeling that something mighty fine 

Within my soul was growing, because your life touched mine. 

So, as the passing moments developed into days 

I found myself reflecting, upon your kindly ways. 

And all the time this feeling, that something mighty fine 

Within my soul was growing, because your life touched mine. 

Your life of true devotion, and your determined will 

Shall be my inspiration, to climb the steepest hill, 

To fight the hardest battle, to keep myself in line, 

And be a loyal Christian, because your life touched mine.   

     

     What do I miss?  I miss your touch, your loving smile, and mischievous grin. I miss hearing "I love you," which, you told me often. 
     
     I miss the quiet, comfortable moments of just being together. I miss your strong, protective presence and wise counsel, as together we made decisions. 
     

     I miss the companionship we enjoyed over the years, especially in the twilight season of our lives. 
     

     And, I especially miss those quiet moments at end of day, as together, we rehearsed the day's events, reminding each other of God's goodness to two of His children. 

     
     Before our eyes closed in slumber, you would often quote, what became our life's prayer, the following: 

     

     "Our times are in your hands, O Lord, we wish them there; our lives, our all, we leave entirely to your care. Our lives are in your hands, why should we doubt or fear, our Father's hand will never cause His child to shed a needless tear."  

In quiet thoughts I live again 
The days that used to be. 
How rich in kindness, love and care, 
How dear you were to me.  

     

     Nels, our "love affair" shall never end. May all who read this, "Cherish the relationships you have with those you love."

— beulah

     P.S. Here's an added bonus for you. It's the story of our wedding day, as published in my autobiography, "Seeds of Love: one woman's story of her life, love and legacy." Enjoy.

Rhythms of life

           "Don't let aging get you down. It's too hard to get back up."  

     Old people are beautiful. It is the old apple trees that are decked with the loveliest blossoms. It is the ancient redwoods that rise to majestic heights.

     It is the old violins that produce the richest tones. It is the aged wine that tastes the sweetest. It is the ancient coins, stamps and furniture that people seek. It is the old friends that are loved the best. 

I believe that statement rings true.  

     The T.V., newspapers and magazines are chock-full of suggestions as to how we might reverse the clock on life, and unlock the secrets of anti-aging. When will they accept the fact "it is a natural rhythm of life?"   
     

     "Though my hair has turned all white, and my skin no longer fits, on the inside, I'm the same old me,  just the outside's changed a bit."

     

     Having just returned from a weekend away visiting some of my longtime, cherished friends, I realize I need to face the fact that, I, too, fit somewhere under that title, "Old People." 

     Of course, it is also a matter of perspective. I was again reminded of the role each of these dear people had throughout the different seasons of my life. 

     

     Marjorie, whose 90th birthday I went to celebrate, was the good friend who helped me adjust to west coast living, during those early months and years of marriage.      

     Margaret, a once loving, caring individual whose only mandate in life was seeking the good of others, now lies helpless, her body over-taken by a stroke. What a spiritual mentor and godly influence she has been in my life. 
     

     

     Gladys, with her musical talent, became an eager participant and encourager in helping make our O.K. Valley Singers' ministry so successful. 
     

     Florence, with her Okanagan hospitality, greeted us with a willingness to help make those years of our ministry to seniors, so worthwhile. Though all these folk are no longer nearby, they will always be, my forever friends. 
     
     Now, I try to pass along to others, the friendship blessings I have had and still enjoy. I try to keep my eyes wide open for that lonely individual who may cross my path — that someone who may just need a friendly smile and a caring touch. 

     "The perfect age is... somewhere between old enough to know better, and too young to care."  

 
     "Eventually you will reach a point when you stop lying about your age and start bragging about it."

— beulah