Reaching Out

I find this statement to be so true. I mean here we are, empty nesters, and yet life somehow gets too busy to stay connected with friends. It's such a travesty, especially when many of us live in the same town. And some of us in the same neighborhood.

I'll be the first to admit I'm a bad friend that way. Not sure where the time goes and suddenly I wonder how people are doing. It's worse when you learn too late they've been dealing with challenges and heartbreak that you knew nothing about. Because you weren't paying attention!

That's one reason I'm grateful for my Girls Night Out group. I can't recall when or how I got in it, but it's great. They make a point of getting together to go out to eat somewhere once a month. Sometimes there's 6 and nights like tonight, we had 11. I don't always make it, but I've started to be more diligent in trying. 

We all need friendship. Whether it's other couples or girls nights without our hubbies or our sisters. 

If I were to actually make a New Year's resolution with some meaning behind it, it would be to be a better friend. To reach out more. To make and take the time to connect – either virtually or physically. 

I've had enough unexpected losses in my life that I really don't want to have regrets. 

But know that even if you don't hear from me, I really do think of you. And hope God is smiling on you with all the blessings you deserve. He's way better at keeping in touch and in tune to your needs. I will try to follow His lead!

Unconditional Love

So I had to quickly write my column for our church's February newsletter tonight, I thought I'd just share it here since our Monday was just a boring work day!

The Power of Love

We’re all children of God and, of course, children of a human mother and father. As a child – or perhaps slightly rebellious teen – I thought for sure my parents didn’t love me when they punished me for something that, in retrospect, I totally own up to deserving. 

Turn the tables and, as a parent, I get it. 

We realize that like marriage, we love our children in good times and bad… in both mature and poor decisions… and even when they seem to have outgrown us and want nothing to do with us.

In this day and age, the options for communication are right at our fingertips. It’s both a blessing and a curse, isn’t it?

I love that even in the “off hours” of life I can at least text my adult son to check in on him. But then, knowing he carries that smart phone in his pocket and is always connected to it, I am flummoxed when I don’t get an immediate response.

Is he OK? Was he in an accident? Is he hurt? Is he sick? Every possibility runs through my head until 90 minutes later I get a “Hey, Mom. Was just grocery shopping. What’s up?”

Do you think God, our heavenly Father, feels this way? I wouldn’t doubt it. 

Check your spiritual voicemail: “This is God. I’ve been trying to reach you about… NOT YOUR CAR WARRANTY BUT… the many ways I show you I love you – during February, the month of love, and always!”

• Oh, the fact I had a safe commute to work on icy roads? Sorry, God, I meant to say thanks. 
• When a cancer diagnosis was caught early enough to be treatable? Of course, that was you, God. Sorry to be so discouraged! Thank you! 
• When you gave us a 16-color sunset during the dark days of winter? Of course, I KNOW it was you, God. Thanks for reminding us to be grateful.

And thank You that Your love for us has no conditions, is not based on our performance, obedience, worthiness – or attitude – but is a freely given gift. Keep “pinging” us any way You can till we get it.

We, in turn, owe You all the love, praise – and full attention you deserve!

That's it. Definitely let me know by 6 a.m. if there are any typos before I submit it to church!