Where does the time go?

It's been said that the older we get the faster the days, weeks, months and years pass, but nobody said they would race at break neck speed. For a child, a few minutes seems like and eternity, but for those of us who are in the "older" group, we blink and the week is gone. As I drank my morning coffee, listened to the birds and felt the sunshine streaming into the room, I was reminded of making a commitment long ago to savor every moment of every day. Today is what we have. It is a gift not be be taken for granted. My college piano teacher would often begin a quote: "Thank God every day that you have something to do today that must be done." God gives the day; He gives the "something;" it's our job to discover and do it. So, this morning I made a list of what I thought most important for the day--I seem to work better from lists.

The children are outside, anxious to get in the pool. Instead, they are dangling their feet and sunbathing. The weather is certainly warm enough, but the pool water needs to be tested. It's amazing to see how wet they can get without ever getting all the way in the water. I'm tempted to join them, but then my list of "to dos" would suffer.

This afternoon the chickens will have their very own home. Tommy and a friend are constructing the coop and putting in the hay/pine straw. I haven't seen them in a week, but reports are that they are really growing. One sickly one died last week--now there are 13. My question remains: when will they lay eggs?

Herbs I planted before my trip are flourishing. I have started trimming bushes in the front and pulling weeds--a never ending job. Jacob and I put out some things I brought back from South Georgia and a little border grass that came originally from the house we built in Jackson. I had given my cousin some several years ago, so she gave some back to me. If I only had a green thumb like she has. I told Liz this morning that Julia could put her finger in the dirt and it would grow. She gets that from our Grandmother Carter.

It's been a good week, full and busy. My income tax stuff is just about ready to put in the mail and the IRS finally responded to my inquiry about someone using Tom's SSN last year and sent me my refund check. That only took 10 months! The office is shaping up; I found something that would clean the floors and not leave smears and streaks; decluttering continues. Chicken is cooked and ready to be made into pot pie and a strawberry cake is waiting to be baked. Paul said in his letter to the Philippians that he had learned to be content in any state. I agree. My "state" is good and I am content.

Blessings,
Pastor Margaret

Home Again . . .

The week went by far too quickly! I spent two nights with my friend, Dot and her husband, Jim, in Montgomery and we talked non-stop while we were awake. One highlight of my visit with her was hearing about the new church she and Jim have joined and then attending a church supper while I was there. There was absolutely no friction present, no cliques, just a group of committed Christians intent on being Christ like. How refreshing!

My time in Southeast Georgia brought healing to my soul. Even the drive through the heart of peach growing country was therapeutic! I have always loved the country, seeing all the crops and the rich dirt ready for planting. The peach trees were in bloom and were almost as pretty as almond orchards when they bloom--almost, but not quite. The night I arrived a 75th birthday supper was being given for my cousin's husband and I got there right in time for "low country boil," fried fish, hushpuppies and cold slaw. It was a treat! On Sunday I worshiped with Aunt May and Julia at the Lutheran church I attended as a little girl living with them. It brought back memories of Sunday School in a one room church, heated by a wood stove. Much of what I learned in Sunday School came from there. In the church service I couldn't remember all the places to stand and sit, but that was okay.

Aunt May is remarkable--still! She always has been remarkable to me. Other than a little patch of gray over her ears, her hair remains dark blonde at age 94. Obviously, I didn't inherit the genes from that side of my family. She said that the people in the retirement home where she lives can't believe she is 94; she doesn't look it, but then I wonder, what does 94 look like anyway? She represents home, faith, family, unconditional love and has made a profound impression on my life. Her care for my uncle as they struggled through Alztheimer's together was amazing and I remembered that care when our circumstances turned me into a caregiver.

Julia, who is more sister than cousin, and I had fun together. She took me to see the old familiar places and to introduce me to some new ones; we went to Savannah one day. There is no more beautiful city anywhere!!! I saw other cousins and was especially happy when one drove up with his wife from Jesup just to eat supper one night. One night Carsie, Julia's husband, took us out to eat, but mainly we stayed close to home and just enjoyed being together. I have a most wonderful family!

The chickens have "come to roost." While I was gone Liz got 14 baby chicks; I forget the kinds, but I remember there are four each of three kinds and then two little yellow chicks. They're cute now, but I don't know how long the cuteness will last. All I can say, is: "Bring on the eggs."

It's good to be home and I'm anxious to get on with the projects I have outlined for myself. In my time away I had much time to reflect on the past and consider the present and the future. How easy it is to get bogged down in things, as I have. God has been so good to me. I have terrific friends, a wonderful family and the memories of an extra special husband. Most of all I am a child of God. What more could I ask?

Blessings,
Pastor Margaret

CATCHING UP . . .

The SEC basketball tournament has begun; State plays next - may be too late for me to watch. This has always been one of our favorite times of the year.

Marty, Christopher and Colin came for a week and I was so glad to see them. They arrived a couple of days after I fell on my knee, so unfortunately, I had to sit a lot. She was a big help to me, helping me think through some things and making me see some things about myself that needed to be seen. While it is true that I have grieved the loss of Tom, I have also been grieving the loss of home and it has been difficult to let go of things, both tangible and intangible. I have a new resolve to "declutter" and get on with life as it is now. For me, the week was over too quickly!

Tomorrow I leave for Southeast Georgia to visit my cousin and family. It has been a while since I've been there and I'm really excited to get back to roots! On the way I am stopping to visit with a long time friend from elementary school and college. It going to be a fun trip!!

Monday was doctor day in Jackson--another long day, but the news made up for the length and discomfort of the day. The tumor marker has gone down a few points and the scan was stable. The only bad thing is that the protein level is high again so I was not able to get the infusion. Maybe next month. Other than stiff and creaky joints, I feel great!

Conversation with Meredith one day this week:
Mer: Where did you get these new stickers?
Me: My friend Peggy in California sent them for you.
Mer: (With surprised expression on her face), Does she speak English or California?
And you thought I talked funny! I assured her that Peggy does speak English!

I'll post again after I return next week. Remember, Lent is a time to refocus on Jesus. I'd love to know what new truths you learn during this special season.

Blessings,
Pastor Margaret