Some Randoms for your mid-week <3

I think we should celebrate  returning to normal life this week with some Randoms. It’s been a while. 

Here we go, off the top of my head, in no particular order.

Random #1

So I didn’t watch the Grammy’s. 

First off, I wouldn’t know a single song nominated and second, I am over the whole celebrity world. I find it doesn’t bring me joy and adds nothing to the value of my life so it’s an easy pass. 

However, I have definitely had a front row seat to some of the high and low lights of the evening thanks to social media. 

Of course, as a follower of Christ, I have enjoyed the emotional testimony of Mr. Jelly Roll. I have no idea who he is or what he sings, writes or does, but good for him for sharing joyfully that Christ changed his life. 

I have cringed but mostly laughed at the atrocious garb of some of the women. 

I know I should be shocked, but as I said before…the excesses of celebrities has accelerated to the point that I am beyond shock. I just scratch my head wondering what on earth. 

The ridiculousness of some of the outfits paled in comparison to watching them try to walk in what they had selected for the event. 

One looked like she had tied a tight rubber band around her knees as she teetered on her extremely high heels to get in position for her moment in the spotlight. They looked uncomfortable and joyless and I hope whatever attention they garnered made it worth the effort. 

All that to say, I definitely am not concerned about marking my calendar for any future awards shows. 

Too painful to watch. 

Random #2

Thanks to two back to back tugs on an already damaged shoulder, I have been doing some physical therapy around this lovely flu thing. 

At home I have to do five different stretches for double sets of ten each, twice a day. 

I dislike it almost as much as the Grammy’s. 

What is about having to do boring stretches? I know I need to do them and, in reality, they don’t take that long to finish. But every time I have to pep talk myself into them. 

I think it’s because it takes discipline. All exercise does. 

It’s not fun and it doesn’t produce immediate results. 

But by doing them twice daily, over time, I will get better. 

Do you struggle with exercise and counting reps and all of that? 

Random #3

Our Graham has succumbed to the virus that is rampant everywhere these days. I don’t think he got it from me. I was never around him when I was sick. 

Several of his friends and teammates have had or are in same situation as he is. 

Yesterday we went up to sit with him. Russ went first while I finished a few chores around here. I headed up around noon and took over sitting by him while Russ went to an appointment. 

I was rubbing his feet while we watched Dude Perfect, but he turned the TV off and moved to put his head on my lap. It’s like I said yesterday, this thing takes the joy out of all things so that even a favorite show couldn’t hold his interest. 

As I held him I thought about how I used to be able to hold his whole body in my lap. I realized his near adult sized head is probably about the size he was the first time I held him in the hospital. 

I sat there with tears seeping remembering how it felt to rock him to sleep and just hold him. I texted Rachel and thanked her for telling me on the days I was there I could just keep holding him and I didn’t have to put him down. He wouldn’t get spoiled and would be fine. 

I remembered holding the next three in the same way or falling asleep next to them after stories and I am so thankful for those moments. 

A wise one said, they won’t remember but we do. I would add that while they may not remember, I believe our love during those early years is buried in the heart somewhere and is part of who we are now because of it. 

Random #4

Our snow is losing its charm with me. 

Something about flipping that calendar to February, right? 

The “winter” trim I left out is having the same effect. 

Once we celebrate Valentine’s Day I am pretty sure all this snow dusted stuff is going to be making its way to the basement. 

Groundhog or no, I am on the lookout for spring.

Random #5

I can’t think of anything for #5 except to say that we live in very discouraging and concerning news times. 

Local and national news is filled with upsetting information. 

I am not telling you anything you haven’t figured out, of course. 

A drive across town is precarious as it is more normal for people to run a red light than to slow down for yellow. 

I hear people in professional positions share being yelled at by people they serve for things that are not even their fault. 

And so we must work harder to extend grace and kindness around the areas we have influence over. 

We cannot change the world or others with our worry, anger and fear. 

This past week, there have been so many people who have done little and big acts of kindness toward Russ and me. 

They are my inspiration to pass this along to others. 

I am reminded of a favorite passage from Galatians:

Let us not get tired of doing good, for we will reap at the proper time if we don’t give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us work for the good of all, especially for those who belong to the household of faith.  Galatians 6: 9-10

We have to work to keep our hearts tender and to love in active ways. 

God bless you as you carry on <3