parents' anquish

I smiled and empathized with the television tape of the parents of a USA Olympic gymnast as she performed her routine on the balance beam. The mother absolutely covered her eyes, writhed and contorted in stress as the daughter jumped and twisted and spun. The father too leaned and stretched with his daughter. Their stress was palpable. That's how we are with those we love.

I think that must be what God looks like as we attempt to live our lives. when we are in tough times. I think He must cover His eyes and lean and contort with us...praying we don't fall and if we do that we get back up and try it again.

Another gymnast when questioned why she was attempting to defend her gold medal against very strong odds said, "I hate regret more than anything." Do we try again even when we fail because to not try would lead to regret?

Some of the choices I have made over the past 20 years have not turned out as happily as I had hoped. But I do not regret them. I took risks. I tried. No regrets....well, not many.  I pray He has covered His eyes at a few of my choices and leaned and contorted with me at others.

Do you know He is there with you?
Blessings-Penny

the best they can

Not infrequently I get irritated, frustrated, saddened that friends or relatives seem to let me down. I met with a friend recently who expressed the same sadness and frustration. She was off to give a presentation at a conference and it was a big deal. She had donated many times over the years to her company's sunshine fund and yet had had no personal health or big events to receive any recognition from the club. She was secretly hoping that the club would give her flowers or at least a card to celebrate her big day. Nope-nothing. She acknowledged the lack of recognition was a disappointment and took a little of the shine off her departure.

I know from a "therapeutic" perspective that our "secret" hopes and expectations are a major part of our disappointments. Other people can't read our minds. If we need something, we need to ask, be clear. So on one level I want to tell myself, "People are doing the best they can. If I need or want something, tell them." On the other hand, surprise phone calls, cards, flowers---in recognition of an event---or just because someone is thinking of you---are such a delight.

Who would love a phone call or flowers from you---just because you are thinking of them?

That's one way to do the best you can---to be the best you can be---to live in the kingdom of God---really!!!
Blessings-Penny