Connecting with clan

      Author Jane Howard wrote, “Call it a clan, call it a tribe, call it a family. Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one.” 

     As I often remind myself, I am blessed with a loving family. 

     Some of them live nearby, others within reasonable distances so as to be able to visit me from time to time. What a joy to anticipate those out-of-town visits. 

     I feel sad when I hear of someone, for various reasons, without kith or kin. 

     Is God lonely when He is separated from those He loves? 

     As actor, Michael J. Fox pointed out, “Family is not an important thing. It is everything!” 

     This week, as it was the spring break from school, granddaughter Krista with my great-grands, Evelyn (6 yrs.), and Melissa, (3-1/2 yrs.), came from Richmond to visit Papa and Grandma, (James and Karen). 

     

Krista (left), Evelyn and Karen.

     I was invited to be a part of a “girl’s time out” — to be pampered, which for me was truly a serendipity! 

     Great-grandma Beulah, grandma Karen, grand-daughter Krista, and great-grand Evelyn all found their comfortable chairs at Angelina’s — each ready for a lovely pedicure. 

     Soon we were walking away feeling light-footed and beautiful! 
    

     It was unfortunate that Melissa couldn’t join us, as she was recovering from a slight tummy upset, possibly a reaction from an earlier Easter egg hunt that grandma Karen had organized with the neighbourhood kids. 

     The calendar says spring has arrived, but we keep waiting for sunshine and warmer days. 

     Spring is a beautiful time of re-birth in many ways. Often, spring awakens more than dormant plant-life. 

     My neighbour telephoned me the other day, asking if I had any left-over insect repellent. She had discovered a line of ants that were taking over a portion of her garage. 

     What busy little creatures they are — another of God’s marvels! 

     

     But maybe these insignificant little insects have a valuable lesson for us. 

     When God created the animal and insect kingdoms, He made each species unique with amazing abilities and sense. 

     My thoughts then lead me to my Bible and to the book of Proverbs that often has statements expressing truths about human behaviour. 

     I read, “Go to the ant, you sluggard, consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest,” (Proverbs 6:6-8). 

     We know ants are highly social, living in colonies where each has a special job, keeping things running efficiently. They have an exemplary work ethic, respectfully considering the good of all. When there’s a need, each can be relied upon for the colony’s success, such as “springing into action” should the top of their ant hill get knocked off. 

     As this verse suggests, the sluggard considers only the here and now, while the ant plans ahead for the good of all.  

     

     I wonder, do I look beyond my self-interests, have respect and feel responsibility for the greater good of the colony of which I am a part — my community or my church?     

     Do you worry about the future? 
People have always done it. 

     Even in ancient Greece, 500 years before Christ, concern about what was to come caused the playwright Aeschylus to comment on it. 

     “The future you shall know when it comes," he wrote. Until then — forget about it!”   

— beulah   

A weekend of celebrations

     Last weekend was one of celebrations! I so enjoyed my visit with family in Kamloops. 

     

     My son Dave’s, mother-in-law, Marian, having reached that wonderful age — all of 90 years, was honoured with a beautiful celebration tastefully put together by her family and the aid of some faithful friends. 

     Nearly 300 people attended, with four local choirs joyfully performing at the Sunday afternoon event.

     

     Having her two sisters and brother attend, all the way from Ontario, and the huge response of friends from the community, I’m sure caused Marian to feel very honoured and blessed. 

     

     As it was son, Roger’s birthday that weekend also, his brother, Dave, gave us, a family of ten, a time to also celebrate his life. 

     

     The delicious roast beef dinner with all the fixings, served to us as we gathered around his large, dining table, made for a happy, interchange of fun and conversation. 

      I have felt blessed of late, as I have been able to reach out in tangible ways of encouragement, helping my elderly neighbour. 

     Lending a hand along the way — taking her to hospital when needed, to the doctor, for blood work, or helping with her grocery shopping. Unfortunately, she has no family member living within the city, all being at a great distance. 

     I’m also learning that one of the best ways to love others, is to pray for them. 

     Another neighbour has needed my prayers as well, because of recurring heart problems. I think wherever we find ourselves, we need to be ready to give a hand and keep pulling together every day. 

     Not knowing when it might be “our turn” to need help. Hebrews 10:24-25 reminds us — “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, …let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”  

     Today, I had the privilege of attending a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party at our local church, sponsored by a ladies’ Bible study group. 

     Based on the theme, Alice in Wonderland, fun was had discussing the Mad Hatter’s world — a world of sense but often nonsense. In many ways so typical of our own mad world we find ourselves in. The theme carried out in their unique decorations, the unusual hats many of the ladies wore, freshly-baked scones accompanied with cream cheese, jam, fruit and of course, tea served in china cups and saucers — all evident of much thought, creativeness and hard work. 

     The speaker, Lorraine Richmond, from Habitat for Humanity, spoke on the theme, Defining Who I Am.  

     

     We may sometimes say, “I knew who I was this morning, but I’ve changed a few times since then.” Richmond says, “Our quality of life depends on the story I tell myself of who I am.” 


     How am I choosing to live? We can find ourselves in a fear-based place instead of moving forward with high trust. We need to remember…“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is — His good, pleasing and perfect will.”   

— Romans 12:2

— beulah