Zoom, zoom: Time to stop and re-fuel

      

     I believe, I have always had this mindset, “No matter how you feel — get up, dress up and show up!”

     But lately, as I wake up and look into the mirror I see an image looking like my driver’s licence picture. Aghast, I say out loud, “Who in the world is that? I didn’t invite her to my home, did I?” 

     Then the full-length mirror, which seems to always reveal absolute truth, gets in my way! 

     You see, the last three weeks my system has been dealing with an ugly and difficult throat virus, and so I haven’t felt or looked like my usual self. 

     

     I'm grateful that I have had to deal with few colds or sicknesses over the years, which I attribute to my strong immune system. Thanks to my years of imbibing Xango — a mangosteen juice supplement — and Juice Plus, my fruit and vegetable supplements, along with being aware of proper eating habits. 

     But sometimes, in spite of all that, a hard lesson comes our way— like constant use of our trusty vehicle without stopping for reinforcements, likewise our body can react the same way, with a warning — time to stop and re-fuel. 

     My aging body began to rebel after at least 10 consecutive, busy days filled with non-stop activity and responsibilities. 

     It may be that at times I just prefer to ignore, or even forget, the season of life which I’m now in. 

     So, I’ve been wondering…"What if any wisdom have I acquired after ‘doing life’ this long?” 

     Could it be: 

• Remembering to frame every so-called disaster with these words, “In two years, will this even matter?”  

• Remembering I’ve had a lifetime of seeing God provide for me.

• Knowing I’m not afraid of tomorrow — because I know God is already there. 

• Needing to feel the peace in my soul, as I sit back feeling loved by family and friends, and aware that I am His. 

• Aware that I am planting seeds of love, respect and faith — leaving a worthwhile legacy.   

     A few weeks ago while taking my sister to her doctor’s appointment, we encountered two individuals who we learned were facing different but equally difficult and trying health concerns. 

     

Merle Robertson

 Upon exiting the elevator, we noticed an older gentleman in a motorized wheelchair awaiting a taxicab. 

     Merle, (my only living and very dear sister) has always found it easy to be a friend to all — including strangers.  

     Asking how his day was going, the man's immediate reply was, “Terrible!” 

     Merle’s kind response was, “Then you need a hug,” which she respectfully delivered.  

     The stalwart appearance of this gent caused me to feel that an army general could have been his profession. 
     He offered, “These darn strokes are terrible!” 

     Leaving him with our farewell greeting and our silent prayers, we saw a once vibrant life, now imprisoned in a body with a new dependence on others to fulfill his next need. 

     We moved on, meeting our friend Yolanda at MacDonald’s — one of our favourite coffee joints. Friendly conversations soon began with a nice, young man nearby.  

     We discovered he'd recently had a brain (cancer) operation, and had just returned from a chemo session. Being a young father — probably in his 30s — with two young children, he seemed to be “facing life straight on.” 

     His proclaimed faith and future outlook was refreshing. Willingly sharing his concerns, he shared that he felt it was a “God thing” that he met up with these three praying grannies — as he asked us to keep him in our prayers. 

          Kevin left us, but not before giving a special hug to his three, new friends which he called, “the golden girls.” 

Popular sitcom The Golden Girls, portrayed four previously married women living together in Miami, sharing their experiences and enjoying themselves despite hard times.

     Continuing through life, I am learning there are no ordinary people. We were all created to be unique. 

     I am also learning that when we help or hurt one another, the One who loves us takes it personally. 

     “… I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!”  

—Matthew 25:40 

     I am also learning there are consequences for our words.  

     Here's an interesting excerpt from Our Daily Bread.

     "On a crowded London commuter train, an early morning rider shoved and insulted a fellow passenger who got in his way. 
It was the kind of unfortunate and mindless moment that usually remains unresolved. 
But later that day, the unexpected happened. 
A business manager sent a quick message to his social media friends, 'Guess who just showed up for a job interview.' 
When his explanation appeared on the internet, people all over the world winced and smiled. 
Imagine walking into a job interview only to discover that the person who greets you is the one you had shoved and sworn at earlier that day."    

     

     “Set a guard over my mouth O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.”   

— Psalm 141:3

— beulah