Tag: Gifted

Memory Lane

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Returning to our home state is a walk down memory lane. So many places to go and people to see. More so this trip than the others. What took us back to Michigan was a fifty-five-year class reunion. It was determined that Dave and I were married the longest. Or should I say we married the youngest?

We saw people all right, ones that we mostly didn’t recognize. It was a bittersweet evening. Ribbons with photos of classmates no longer with us. One in particular I was anxious to reconnect with, not to be, she entered her eternal home. Joining us at our dinner was a classmate that knew and remembered me more than I did him. That can be a little disconcerting.

While there we made the routine trip visiting our past homes. Where Dave grew up, where I grew up, where our children grew up. I don’t miss the homes as much as I miss the trees. They are everywhere, shielding us from bright sunny days. This time, the skies were mostly overcast. Another thing I miss, cloudy skies.

©jb katke

As we gawked at the home of my grandparents, we got to speak with the new owner. The home has never looked so good. New homes have taken the place of Grandpa’s fruit trees.

The unexpected perk in visiting my brother was receiving drawings our mother did that I had never seen before. Mom was a gifted artist. She could have made a living from them had she pursued that avenue. Instead, her time was invested in my father and us kids. One time she confided that she should not have married. Housekeeping was not her forte.

She had too many interests to be concerned what our home looked like. Knitting, I am certain I have a tablecloth she crocheted, piano and her artwork. Those things fed her soul, just as seeing the trees fed mine. What feeds your soul?

There is beauty in the world if we look for it. Either in the nature Jesus created for our pleasure or the activities that bring joy.

There were more pleasures in our travel that I will share at a later time. Stay tuned.

Why Me?

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Parking lotHave you ever found yourself in a situation that made you wonder, “Why me?”

It comes in the most unexpected ways and generally something you’re unprepared for.

Mine happened in the parking lot of a local mall. My shopping trip had all the makings for a fun morning. Things took a turn when I parked my car.

Before I could even exit the vehicle a man approached me. For safety sake I lowered my window only far enough for him to speak to me. He was asking for money.

So I think, why me?

The parking lot was teeming with vehicles and people were all around going to and from their cars and stores. Why did he come to me? He could have approached any number of other people.

He explained that his car was parked across the street at a service station. He wanted to get fuel and go to someone that needed his help. I’m guessing that I know what you’re thinking. I was suspicious too.

How could I know if he was telling the truth? Maybe the money would be used for alcohol or drugs. Heck, a person cannot be too careful in this day and age.

Except this took place years ago. Deception is as old as time itself.

I gave him $10. That wouldn’t do much, but it was better than heartlessly turning him away. The man was grateful and offered to repay me if I would give him my address. “No that won’t be necessary.”

I could have stayed and watched to see if he hit upon any other people. At the time I didn’t think of that, maybe some things we just don’t need to know.

But that is not all I did for him. Unbeknownst to him, as he was walking away, I said a prayer for him. After all he might truly have been in need. A little bit of prayer never hurt anyone.

The wonderment of the experience was that I had a little extra cash. That doesn’t happen often. I was still able to do my shopping, and I felt even better because I had been gifted with an opportunity to help someone.

I hadn’t asked for that opportunity. It just walked up to my car and presented itself to me. It occurred to me that out of all those other shoppers milling around, I might have been the only one to have prayed for the man.

That gives me food for thought. It prompts me to rethink my interruptions that interfere with my plan of the day. It’s a divine appointment in Jesus’ plan for my day.