As For Me and My House

Chris is a new dad!

As mom was watching President Obama give his address last night, she commented, "signs of the times". I had a friend over for her birthday supper,  so to be quite honest, I was waiting with baited breath (lol) to see what all the news commentators would have to say this morning & for at least a week; therefore, I wasn't paying close attention. At promptly 7 p.m., she went to bed as always even though we still had company. You don't change routines/schedules around Em's house.


After she retired & my guest went home,  I was doing my usual pondering as I was sitting in my overstuffed recliner; what a blessing this sad looking chair is unless you are trying to do some low impact exercises while sitting in it.  I am working on improving my health;  one reason that motivates me is a new great granddaughter, Reagan Faye Guiling, courtesy of my second born grandson & his wife, Pam. Move over grandsons, now there are two girls to keep you guys in line! Mom's words popped back into my head & I was musing over the events of this past year - "signs of the time", a phrase that always used to put the fear of God in me at revivals. I lived in fear of the atom bomb, all world leaders except the ones from the US, (another lol), drunks, some of my kin, strangers, etc.  


What are the signs of the times in my life I mused - obviously, I am growing older & slower, yet still attempting to assist with mom who has now exceeded 9 decades of earthly life while looking forward to joining many loved ones & friends in her eternal home. I admit that two women in the same household can be trying at times, yet I rejoice that she is still with us, guiding & praying for the entire clan & she is still able to be in her home, though her steps are slow & guarded. We laughingly say that she interviews us about events in which she can no longer participate.  After returning home from a trip to Columbia to meet Reagan she asked tons of questions beginning with "when is Chris going back to work"?  Her work ethic is deeply ingrained within her personality, & she has never had any patience with someone she considers lazy. She is very proud of her family who are all hard workers/providers. I didn't inherit that part of her DNA; I love retirement, though it doesn't mean one does not work, just on a different schedule & in a different manner. I find myself joining her during her 12-2 p.m. nap time more often as time flies by.  


I wish I could say I have come up with many answers to the questions that arise in this life; actually, new ones arise each day. I do know that many of the things I feared have never taken place (as yet) & even if they should, I know I have an Anchor that holds steadfast & sure. I am heartbroken by the news of the loss of yet another dear heart, wife, mother, lovely lady to the ravages of the terrible "C" word; just received word last night that yet another beautiful lady whom I have known for many years had surgery yesterday for the same disease that has claimed so many beautiful people far too soon. Went to the visitation of the spouse of a dear friend last Sun. evening. I lost my love when he was only 57 years old, yet I thank God for the years together, though they were not always perfect. He deserved better than I sometimes was willing to give. As they say, signs of the times are everywhere, weather patterns, the way we humans behave, etc.  Yet, when I study the Word, so many things remain constant. The love of God remains the same, ever loving & forgiving, blessing us anew each day regardless of our thoughts, actions, behavior.  I absolutely cannot believe how quickly my family is changing in so many ways.  My eldest grandson will be 35 this year, my youngest granddaughter will be 10. I am loving life to the max watching, praying over 4 children, 6 grandchildren, 3 greats & many other family members & friends. I thank God for the gift & power of prayer & it blesses my heart when someone asks me to pray for them.  Mom & I are trying to hold things together at our address in the hometown of my entire life. I usually have something exciting (at least for me) to do each day.  I keep up with many family & friends via FB (speaking of signs of the time) - I really appreciate being able to operate my computer well enough to do this. 


One of my latest activities is singing with the Sr. Citizens Choir in Dexter (did I say senior - how can this be?) I love doing this & the friends acquired within this group. There are no tryouts & you can sing loud while making a joyful noise! The 85 year old pianist is absolutely amazing; she plays like I plan to in Heaven while in the alto section with Vestal Goodman (The Happy Goodmans) & Libbie Stuffle (The Perry's), stellar alto singers in my opinion. 


The signs of the times have proven to me many things including that all of us are empty people without God, searching for meaning after our failures.  Love is what enables us to pick up the pieces of broken hearts & lives & go forward renewed, undeservedly, but steadfastly. I am eternally grateful for His love, & the love of friends & family. I don't know how many miles are ahead of me, but I am enjoying the journey immensely & I am thankful for the signs that help keep me on the right track & all who assist in this process with their prayers & caring deeds of kindness & love.  


To all of those who have gone before during the sad times, I close with words from a song, "Till we Meet at Jesus Feet" & to those still on the joyous journey with me, "God be with You till We Meet Again".   You are all very SIGNificant to me!   Barb