I am a successful gardener. My specialty? Dandelions! Though most gardeners (myself included) struggle the entire growing season to remove these perennials and their deep roots, God did create these flowers we chose to call weeds. “A weed is but an unloved flower.” - Ella WilcoxThese perpetual shoots of yellow love to grow among my carefully laid out plans, distracting my attention from other beauties. I tend, though, to agree with Eeyore, friend of Winnie the Pooh who said: “Weeds are flowers too, once you get to know them.”I befriended dandelions this year. Dandelions entertained me with delightful memories while I weeded last week. Instead of a nuisance, this flower invited me into the wonder of God’s ingenuity. Remember as kids, taking one of the flowers and squishing it around on your best friend’s face? If it left a smudge of yellow, it meant you like butter.Or even more meaningful - remember taking the dandelion that has transformed into downy seed and blowing on the white … [Read more...]
Accepting Compliments Gracefully – Internally and Externally
We were in the middle of the grocery store. The elderly lady in her motorized shopping cart rode right up next to my husband and me. I recognized her from my county, but her name totally escaped my mind.“I have been wanting to tell you,” she said, “how much I enjoy reading your articles in the newspaper. Whenever I see your name, I read the whole thing. Just love your writing.”I stammered out a weak thank you. Smiling, I told her I enjoyed my job as a feature writer and the opportunity to meet lots of people and learn new things.We chatted briefly a little longer, and then parted ways.The next day a church member told me she had seen a nurse I used to work with at the health department. “She said you were the best boss she ever had. Thought you would enjoy hearing that.”Wow, two unexpected compliments. Why did they make me feel so uncomfortable, instead of joyful?To be honest I thought, “Oh, no something bad is going to happen now.”Why can’t I just breath in the fresh air of nice … [Read more...]
"To have your identity is the most beautiful thing there is."
A Yahoo news story this week called “Argentine stolen at birth, now 32, learns identity” caught my attention. Its message lingers in my mind. Argentine security forces kidnapped a pregnant woman 33 years ago. She gave birth in prison to a boy. The newborn was taken from her and soon after the mother disappeared. One of the military officers brought the baby home to his wife. Earlier this month the son and his birth father finally were reunited. The story is heartbreaking to read. As I look at my own granddaughter I can’t imagine living in a society that disrespects human life, tears families apart, and imprisons people for standing up for freedom. Even though the democratic process is at times frustrating, I am so thankful for our country. But this story provokes another feeling within my heart when I read this quote from the newly found son:"For the first time, I know who I was. Who I am," the young man said, still marveling at his new identity. To have … [Read more...]
Let’s Make a Deal – Bargaining with God
Have you ever bargained with God? I suspect many of us if we are honest, have tried to tell God what to do, how to do it and even demanded when to have the job complete. I experienced that lately.I still have three wisdom teeth who live happily in the back of my mouth. My goal was to hold onto them until I was at least 90. But one is chipped and another decayed, so my dentist’s advice was to get them out. “Just make an appointment with the oral surgeon,” he said.I hate dentists. And this suggestion of course put them even lower on my list. So my bargaining with the Almighty began.“Ok Lord, if You really, really want me to do this, things have to be perfect. But I expect they won’t be. I know when I call for an appointment, it will be months before I get in. The receptionist will be cold, cruel and look remarkably like the Wicked Witch of the West. I will see cockroaches in the corner snacking on crumbs left behind by frightened children. The strong body odor of the slimy surgeon … [Read more...]
GOD THE GARDENER AND HIS SEED CATALOG
They begin arriving at the same time every year - crispy new, chock full of colorful photographs and spilling over with new ideas - the seed catalogs, booklets containing exciting hope-filled glimpses of the future.Gardening blossomed as a hobby for me the last few years. I am far from being an expert, but I do like to experiment with new plants. One of the best parts is the middle of the cold winter planning - what seeds to consider, new ways to cultivate and nourish the soil and how best to nurture what is already planted to it fullest bloom.Much like spiritual growth.This is a very special week - the end and beginning of a year and actually the end and beginning of a decade. I take time this week to put my hopes and dreams for 2010 down on paper. Where do I want to be at the end of the year as a writer, a speaker, a spiritual director, and a retreat leader? More importantly where is God leading me spiritually?Same as the gardening plans: What seeds is God inviting me to consider to … [Read more...]
Two Unusual Christmas Miracles
Christmas opens adult eyes to see the extraordinary in the ordinary. Lately, glimpses of God’s miracles, one in a moment of pain and the other in fun, caught my attention.Miracle of Night Vision OUCH! My big toe throbbed as the chair in the pitch black living room jumped out to trip me the other night. Stupid chair! Who put it there anyway? The instant I flipped the lights off to head towards bed, my once clear vision disappeared. Total darkness surrounded me. Groping at the walls to orient my journey, I limped down the hallway. Slowly, the objects previously veiled in darkness materialized. My night vision kicked into gear. What a gift it is to see even in the darkness. Just think: When God created us, not only did HE give us the ability to see in the light, but built in adjusters for when it is dark. I stubbed my toe because I took off too quickly on my own without allowing time for my eyes to get accustomed to the darkness. Just like when I rush ahead of … [Read more...]
Christmas Nativity Scene Lessons
As empty nesters, we have slimmed down the amount of Christmas decorations we put up each year. I like the freshness of rearranging and the addition of the seasonal colors, but want to keep the “stuff” to a minimum. This year we didn’t find room for the nativity scene.At first I thought, “That is ok. One less item to put away later. No one will miss it.” But I was wrong. I missed them. I retrieved the box from the basement storage.The chipped, older than me, nativity scene is now displayed in its new location in my living room. I carefully unwrapped each of the characters: the baby Jesus, Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, the Wisemen and the angel.In many homes and churches, the baby Jesus is often left out of the crib until Christmas day, representing the fact that He has not been born yet. Personally, I put the characters out all at once.I glance at this holy scene every time I pass by; grateful I decided to dig them out of the box. Slowly they speak to my heart: there are lessons in … [Read more...]
Advent – Three W’s of this Spiritual Season
Advent calls me deeper this year. For the first time in many years, the season of Advent stirs up prayers between the Lord and me about waiting, wondering and making way for Christ. God is nourishing my spirit and renewing my heart during this special time of year.WaitingThis year I have a growing sense of waiting, but the pause simmers in hope, anticipation and obedience. All this comes after a year of learning to trust the Lord more. Often he would whisper, “Do you trust me, Jeanie?” and I would surrender my ego once again. Waiting. Waiting, Lord, for you.WonderingMy senses are heightened like a scene in a movie where the music builds and you just know a dramatic moment is about to take place. My spirit is on high alert: Pay attention, look about you and see the world with the eyes of a toddler chockfull of curiosity. What will I learn? I don’t know, but this daily practice of optimistic inquisitiveness fills me with hope.Make Way for ChristThis time of year spills over with … [Read more...]