Whether Here or There

Ann was working today so I had the privilege of eating lunch with Mom.

I'm not sure she even realized it was something unusual for me to be there instead of Ann. She knows who I am and that I don't live there but it can be confusing if I'm there when Ann isn't. She loves watermelon and I gave her a fairly large piece, which she thought she could handle. However, before she was done she said, "I think I might have to save some of this for later." But there was still room for a chocolate chip cookie, another of her favorites.

Today she willingly helped with dishes. Mom was never one to shirk her duty where dishes were concerned but more recently she sometimes leaves the table after a meal and goes to lie down, not even remembering there are dishes to do.

When the last dish was put away, she eagerly said, "What would you like to do?" I decided there wasn't anything at home that couldn't wait and told her to get out a game. I could've guessed which one it would be.

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This week marked the 2nd anniversary of Dad's passing. A dear friend remembered and brought me flowers at work that day - my favorite color with a sweet little note!

Today I walked past "Absolutely Flowers" and was reminded of the last time I was there - 2 years ago to buy flowers for Dad's casket. 

Although I still miss him, I wouldn't wish him back, for I know he is happy and free. 

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Whether here or there I will always love them!

I'm In a Hurry and Don't Know Why

I’m In a Hurry

by Alabama

I'm in a hurry to get things done
Oh I rush and rush until life's no fun
All I really gotta do is live and die
But I'm in a hurry and don't know why.

Don't know why
I have to drive so fast
My car has nothing to prove
It's not new
But it'll do 0 to 60 in 5.2

Can't be late
I leave plenty of time
Shaking hands with the clock
I can't stop
I'm on a roll and I'm ready to rock

I hear a voice
That say's I'm running behind
I better pick up my pace
It's a race
And there ain't no room
For someone in second place.

I'm in a hurry to get things done
Oh I rush and rush until life's no fun
All I really gotta do is live and die
But I'm in a hurry and don't know why.

(Disclaimer: I'm not promoting this group but this song has some pretty good food for thought.)

I have never really enjoyed shopping that much. I realized recently that I am often in a rush when I go. It doesn't matter if I have something else to do or any earthly reason to get home. I just want to get my shopping done and get out of there! This causes a lot of stress and frustration, especially when I get in a long checkout line or can't find a parking spot or the person in front of me is dilly-dallying around. It also blinds my eyes to divine appointments and opportunities that God might have for me to interact with people. 

It doesn't stop with shopping. I jump out of bed in the morning, spend a few minutes with God and gobble some breakfast before rushing off to work. I hurry to do this and that and the other thing before something else is thrown at me. At lunch time I sit down to grab a few bites, hurriedly saying a prayer, even as the first bite reaches my mouth. I rush home from work and slap together a quick supper so I can sit around wondering what to do all evening.  

On Sunday I go to church but have to rush home afterwards to quickly eat lunch so I can take a nap and wonder what to do the rest of the day. 

I used to laugh at Mom for clearing off the table before we were even done eating. I don't laugh quite as loudly anymore, for I fear I am more like her than I wish. 

But I AM learning to slow down. To really "live". To enjoy the moment. Savor time with people. Stay up late if it means connection. Play with the kittens. Watch the sunset. Smell the flowers. Listen to His heartbeat. 

Don't be in such a hurry to die that you forget to live.