Not What One Expects

Today, on the way home from the store, all four lanes of traffic had come to a stop.  At the front of the line on my left a  pick up hauling a large trailer had stopped.  Its driver, a large burly construction worker waved at me to stop.  My first thought, there had been an accident or some one was hurt, but no--a little brown dog, maybe part terrier and Chihuahua visably upset was running down the middle of the lane.  As I stopped, and oncoming traffic stopped the man shooed the dog across the traffic lanes and onto the sidewalk.  When the pup was safely on its way the driver climbed back into his truck and the normal hustle of busy traffic resumed.

Kindness  is shown when you least expect it, and from unlikely sources.  I think that we often judge people by looks and not actions.

Turn the Page

Monday I began a new journey.  I retired from work.  This is a new beginning, a new adventure and with it comes many questions, and a sence of expectance.  This new page is uncharted, and as of yet, I don't know the direction that it will take, and how I will write on the new blank pages.


I want them to be filled with wonder.  I want them to be fun.  I want them to be productive.  I want them to be memorable, not only for me, but for those around me.


I have goals, and a plan, but it is flexible, allowing me to experience the unexpected.  Wish me well, as I begin to write this next chapter of my life.

What lies Ahead. . . .

I do have some goals for the new year: Finish an art project a month, work on my studio so it is organized for easy access to my supplies, finish a sewing project a month, be a consistent blogger, work on my book, study my Bible more.  I will work toward these goals, knowing that life may well, have other plans for me.

What lies ahead?  It is a mystery that will be revealed one day at a time. But I face this future with anticipation and peace.

Psa: 31:14-15  But I am trusting you, O LORD, saying, "You are my God!"
My future is in your hands.

Ecc. 7:14  When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, a man cannot discover anything about his future.

A Time for New Beginnings

I know that all of us anticipate the new year and what it holds for us.  Will I be happy? will I have a job? will I be able to improve my relationships with family and friends?  will I be able to achieve my goals? 

We look back thru the past year, and evaluate what we accomplished, where we succeded, where we failed and what lessons we can carry into this new year, the clean slate that we have before us.

For me the past year has been a year for closing of one door and the chance to open another.  I retired from my job, and am now free to pursue my interest in art and writing.  My house was damaged extensively by water, and I was displaced for several months, but now that I just moved back, it is like moving into a new house, another new beginning. 

I have many goals for the new year, some I'll accomplish, and others will be a work in progress.  I want every day to be an opportunity to move forward, but still have time to explore all the wonders around me.

Reflections

Looking back on my vacation, I have much to reflect on.

I got to get to know the littlest g-grandkids, each so different, each so special.  A real armful of love.

 I was able to spend time at the coast, scatter flower petals at Mom's final resting place, reflect on what a great Mother I had and what an example she was.  Then of course, we had to eat at Mo's.

I also visited my brother in Washington.  His house was flooded in the December 2007 flood--water up to the middle of the windows, incredible damage to the area, logs piled high by their porch, but an amazing fact, not a window was broken.  Now the damage can only be seen in pictures.  I reflected on the resilience of the people of that area.

Then I reflected on the beauty.  Everywhere the hillsides and valleys were painted with brillant color. 

It reminds of this poem--

October gave a party;

The leaves by hundreds came -

The Chestnuts, Oaks, and Maples,

And leaves of every name.

The Sunshine spread a carpet,

And everything was grand,

Miss Weather led the dancing,

Professor Wind the band.

~George Cooper, "October's Party"