Sunday, April 11, 2010

where I am supposed to be, doing what I am supposed to be doing...

Have you ever been someplace and thought "what am I doing here?" or get the feeling you should be some other place or just wonder if this is where you need to be right now?

Have you ever been doing something and think "why am I doing this?" or got the feeling you could or should be doing something else or just wonder if this is what you were meant to do?

I've had that feeling. I listen to that feeling. It is part of my inner/moral compass. It helps me make sure I'm not being wasteful. It helps me rethink things. It helps insure I've got all the information I need. It is not always a comfortable feeling but it is one I listen to. It helps me.

Yesterday I was with my daughter just to tag along while she got her car inspected. She wanted some company so I tagged along. After she got her car inspected the battery died AND her window (electric) would not go up. 7 hours later new battery, new alternator, new window motor (that did not work and has to be done again tomorrow), new serpentine belt and the phone number of a mechanic that thinks she is cute.

It was a long, tedious day and very expensive for her. She needed someone there, to support her, provide a calming view and to help her out. We met some nice people, spent some good time together and even had dinner together afterward. I was there when she needed me.

There was a different voice during this time. Not the one wondering if I should be someplace else or the one wondering if I should be doing something else.

This voice quietly said "This is where you need to be, This is what you should be doing." Paying attention to THAT voice is even more important than the other voice. Don't miss those moments. They are precious.

I was right where I was supposed to be. I was doing exactly what I was supposed to be doing.

Sunday, April 4, 2010

Divided yet whole...

My wife and son are visiting her parents this weekend. I'm home with our two daughters. They did not want to make the trip. Both had a long week and just wanted to chill out at home. I can understand that so I stayed, too. I had some spring chores to do in the yard and such.

So, this weekend we are a family divided. Divided by distance but not in our hearts. Funny thing about technology, you can allow it to separate you or you can use it to keep you together. My son sends me pictures from his phone when he is away. It let's me know what he is up to and it also allows me to share his trip. That keeps us close. He'll share all he did when he returns, which is always good to hear.

We'll regale him and his Mom with our feats of wonder, too. Sharing keeps us close. It reminds us who we are and why we are. Those memories are the bonds that bind.

I'm no expert but I suspect that while Jesus walked with the disciples and performed miracles he was not just doing it for the people affected nor to legitimize him as the Christ. I suspect it was to provide a bond for the disciples for when he was gone. They'd need that to carry on the great commission.

We are planning to visit friends this summer in OH. They are such wonderful people and we adore them. I've learned that with trips it is not just the trip itself that can be fun and provide memories but the planning and time leading up to it can also be fun and memorable. We talk about the trip and the last visit. We laugh, we cut up and we long for going and being with people we like.

I'm planning a trip to the Air Force museum in Dayton. I'm not sure everyone is as excited as am I but it is all part of the give and take of a trip. Besides a little bit of education never hurt anyone. And, it will be something else we can laugh at and talk about. Another memory to bind.

Today is Easter. I'm not with my whole family but we are still together. We don't have to be next to each other to love each other and share the times we have.