Randoms for Wednesday <3
It is warming up here on the prairie and we are pretty happy about that. So in celebration, here are some randoms to get us through the mid-week.
Random #1
Every now and again, Russ or I will ask the other this question…
Who are “they”?
And by this we mean the other one has just said something about how “they” are building something new along the road we are driving down. Or we will say “they” have changed the size of the cereal boxes but upped the price.
You probably do it too.
“They” determined that my beloved boot cut jeans are out of style and so I must weather the barrel jeans until “they” bring them back in style. My old ones will have to do until that time and then I will be able to refresh my wardrobe.
“They” changed the direction of our one way streets a few years back. “They” created a ton of pick up spots for parking near the store and now have covered the signs so we are open seating again.
Who are “they”?
We don’t know but “they” seem to be very busy all the time.
Random #2
For instance (see Random #1)…this morning I noticed a light was burned out over our kitchen bar area.
As I was changing the light bulb I began pondering how “they” told us a few years ago that the corkscrew bulbs were the way of the future.
And yet now, “they” seem to have stopped manufacturing them. Or at least “they” are not stocking them at our local big box hardware store.
Thus the fixtures over our sinks and vanity in the bathroom have a combination of corkscrew and the traditional bulbs that are now the only option again.
And I don’t think “they” understand how this messes with my day and sense of order.
“They” probably could care less and will change back again before I can get all my lights matching again.
Random #3
Many years ago when Sarah was a sophomore in college and Rachel was newly married, Russ gifted us three a trip to NYC for Spring Break.
It happened to fall over St. Patrick’s Day. This was not really on my radar as I had specific things I wanted the girls to see. As we made our way out the first morning in the Big Apple, I approached a doorman in the lobby of our hotel.
My plan was to ask him the quickest way to get to the ferry for Ellis Island. I barely had the words “quickest way” out of my mouth when he interrupted me. He had the most enormous smile and began to direct me the St. Patrick’s Day parade.
Being hyper focused on trying to get to Ellis Island and beat the crowds, I put my hand up and according to our daughters said, “No,no. We want to AVOID the St. Patrick’s Day parade.”
As legend holds, his round, and likely Irish to the bone, face fell…and he directed me in the opposite direction.
Forever after, this has been brought up and still makes me laugh.
Most recently Sarah was visiting another city and sent a text that said, “Everyone is asking if we are headed to the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, but I say…no, no…we want to AVOID that.”
Ironically…this year, I am the one that suggested we go to the St. Pat’s parade on Saturday.
We had a great time and got lots of candy.
I just hope I haven’t ruined my reputation with our daughters, though.
Random #4
One of the things that struck me at the holocaust museum and was a theme of a difficult book I finished this month is the dehumanization of those who are considered worthless by a group that has power and resources.
I also heard a sermon recently about how culture can devalue people and that we, as Christians must not be in that group. The pastor talked about how culture can have a utilitarian mentality towards people. If they are useful, they are valuable.
Every life bears the image of our Creator and thus is worthy of acknowledging their value in that. If you read yesterday’s post I told about how the family of Eva Kor were the only Jews in a village of 100 people.
They felt safe because they lived remotely and they had the favor of their community.
But when the Nazi’s came, no one stood up and protected them.
Granted from what we know, the soldiers probably would have just killed all of them, but that is not the point. The time to decide if you will do the right thing for a life is not when it is being threatened but before the day arrives for a life or death decision.
The line has to be drawn in the sand long before the opposition comes close enough to wreak havoc.
I think we do that every day by not minimizing others.
I think every time we recognize and acknowledge the value of someone who can do nothing for us, we are fighting the good fight.
Random #5
Russ and I have the blessed opportunity to participate in valuing human life each week. With a team of others we run a small church service in a memory care facility.
We re-introduce ourselves to some week after week. It’s always nice to be met again each time. Others in the facility do remember us and that is so sweet.
We sing and have a lesson with Scripture. We share communion and we pray. We also walk around a lot and just greet and shake hands and make small talk as best we and they can.
This week as I was handing out communion, one of our ladies, who doesn’t really seem able to converse anymore, took my arm and pulled me closer. Then she just gave me a kiss on my cheek like my mom and aunt used to do.
It surprised me but I was so touched as she smiled sweetly. Her eyes conveyed love to me and I rested my cheek against hers in return and gave her a hug.
In the eyes of the world she is not contributing much of value. She can’t work, wouldn’t be able to vote, can’t impart wisdom. But she lifted my spirits and heart in a way that is still carrying me.
I felt like a daughter again that is loved and cherished.
What a gift from one who is also a daughter of the same King.
Let’s make a practice of valuing the people who we pass each day.
Let’s work to keep our hearts tender towards others and determine to stand for what is right, no matter the cost.
Now.
Before we are asked to do it for real.