It was again a busy week, although I did get a few bits of
time to work on a quilt for our granddaughter’s wedding in September. If I keep
at it, I should have it done in time. As this is the 45th
anniversary week here at the park with loads of activities planned to celebrate
it, all normal activities will be suspended (at least most of them). Perhaps I
can carve out a few extra bits of time to work on it.
We went to the islands (South Padre) with friends this past
week – as usual we picked a day that was a bit colder and drearier, but just
being there brightened up things. Karen and I did our annul bird feeding pursuit
of feeding the sea gulls. As we drove into the parking area, they were all clustered
together a few feet away – Karen had not even stepped out of the truck yet and
they flew over to begin their loud begging. We love to do this, as they are
such a neat looking bird – a bit messy as one decided to decorate my jacket! It
was fun and did not take long to finish off a loaf of bread. Next time we will
need to bring 2 loaves. We drove leisurely around the island, as for the next
two weeks it will be spring break time and we would not even be able to get on
the causeway out to the island. After our wonderful lunch at Pelican Station
(fresh shrimp and) we stopped at the outlet mall in Mercedes – I had not
planned on really buying anything, but found the perfect outfit for the wedding
– and only $35.00- hooray. And the best part is that I can wear it elsewhere,
too.
It is hard to believe that it is almost March already and
folks are already leaving the park for their Northern homes – why go back to
the snow and cold??? In just a month or so it will again be only those of us
who spend more time here at the park. I can remember my grandmother telling me
not to wish my time away as it goes faster and faster – boy, was she right. I
think back and wonder where all those years have gone – how in the world did I
ever get this old? It is kind of crazy
as we watch relationships develop – people who have lost spouses seem to
gravitate towards others and son they are going places together. It is all
supposed to be a huge secret but as it is in every small town – everyone else
knows before the couple themselves do! Right now, we know of 3 “secret” relationships.
It is good to see those who were so lonely to find another partner.
The weather has otherwise been warm and beautiful – windy at
times, but so very enjoyable. Just stepping outside and smelling the warm air
and seeing the sun puts a spring in everyone’s step. Lots of people walking,
riding bikes, visiting, fishing, playing with their RC cars and trucks -a real
beehive of activity. The warm weather seems to make people want to clean house
-therefore Children’s Haven and Caring Hearts Ministry are the recipients of
the throwaways – it seems that every time we go outside we see a donation left
on our table. Thank you one and all.
How do you spend your time alone with God? What did Jesus do in His day to day living. Yes,
He spent time teaching in the synagogues, preaching to crowds, healing the
sick, driving out demons, but what did He do when He wanted to be alone in His
quiet time? We need to spend quiet time alone with the Lord, but how do we do
it? It is easier for some of us to be in community with others than to be
alone. Why do we need this alone time with God? Solitude with God takes us away
from our comfort zone, but what does it do for us? A few years ago, we were in
Chaplain’s University in Branson, MO when our instructor told our group to go
out and find a quiet place alone. Not with friend or spouse, but a place where
we could sit in solitude and clear our minds of all worldly things and come
back in 30 minutes. I found a quiet spot, sat quietly and tried to not think of
anything else but God and His creation. I could focus on the birds, the
beautiful flowers, even the bees busy at work. After the exercise, all of us
felt regenerated, at peace, and having a brighter outlook on the day. It was a
wonderful exercise – Jesus went off to deserted areas to be alone, we also need
to find a small quiet space where we can go every day, just to relax in the warmth
of God’s love. Solitude with God can take us in other directions than where we
think we want to go. Spending time in prayer with Jesus is the reason He came –
for us to hear His call in our life.
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