Who Would Be In Your Movie?

I watched Eat, Pray, Love last weekend, and it turned out to be a movie that has stuck with me for days. I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed the movie. The scenery, music, and story were a treat for the senses. The lesson was about finding balance in your life... A lesson I could definitely use.

As I was savoring the movie in my mind one day, I thought of the interesting characters, the wonderful people Elizabeth was blessed to have met. They were in her daily life for a short season, but remained a part of it forever.

Who would be in my movie?, I wondered. Who has come into my life for a moment and made an impact? Who can I truly say the words, "I am so glad I met you," to? Immediately, I thought of Bob. Now, you have heard of Bob before... I wrote about him awhile ago. (See the post, Cheers dated Sunday, July 1, 2007.) He is definitely someone I am glad to know; someone who brought sunshine into my life. I rarely see him anymore, and that is truly a loss, but I am so grateful for moments he brightened my life.

I decided to write to Bob today and tell him basically what I just told you. I am not sure whose smile was bigger.... His because he was reminded that he is treasured, or mine, because it blessed me to speak words of kindness to another.

Blessings are like boomerangs. Just when you think you are going to bless others, the blessing comes back to you, many times tenfold!

So, who would be in your movie? A name came to mind right away, didn't it? Let that special person know. You will both be blessed. I promise.

Connections by God

Up until now, I have rarely gotten out of Dodge. My job and four kids keep me pretty tied down to this quaint, little town I call, home. All of that changed for me this summer. A work trip to St. Louis, pleasure trip to Idaho to see family, and another work trip to California has made my summer evaporate before my eyes. Do I love it? Is Elvis the king of rock and roll?

There are many stories I could tell about my summer vacation, but time is limited... the kitchen is waiting for me to cook supper. So, I need to tell you about a God-orchestrated connection. Why do I claim God orchestrated it? Because you cannot make this stuff up, and even if you tried, it would not have the soul connection that was felt between two friends.

I need to start with a tidbit of background knowledge for you. Shelley is a childhood friend. No, not the kind of friend you're thinking of. Not the friend who knew every secret. Not the friend that camped out in the back yard, or talked Mom into letting her go with on a family vacation. The reason? She lived on a different block, was two grades ahead of me, AND went to private schools as I went to public. Add all of these things together, and you can pretty much say that in the life of a child, we lived on different planets.

I don't remember how it happened, but one summer, as I was entering 10th grade, and she, 12th, we hung out. I thought she was the coolest girl I had ever met. Long legs, perfect hair, manicured nails, adorable smile, sweet as could be, had the coolest attic bedroom this side of Minneapolis with a t.v.., AND we were both convinced she was going to marry Rick Springfield. She was cool enough to catch his eye... I just knew it. This was the summer Luke and Laura got married on General Hospital; as far as we knew, love conquered all obstacles... Just look at Luke and Laura!

Shelley and I lost touch after that summer, other than a brief farewell two years later. She was off to California, and I never saw her again.

Fast forward 24 years. As you are probably well aware, facebook has given many people a wonderful way of reconnecting with old friends. A few months ago, I found Shelley via facebook. We briefly reconnected, but that was it. When I found out I would be in California for work, I e-mailed Shelley.

Now, just think about this for a moment. Picture the size of California, the population, and the chances of me being even remotely close to where she lives. Slim, eh? Slimmer than slim! Would you believe me if I told you that the hotel that my training was at, and where I was staying for seven days was three and a half miles from her home?! Three and a half! Unbelievable. I could skip to her home!! (Wouldn't that be fun?! Awkward, maybe, but fun!!)

We met for dinner, talked and laughed for hours, and didn't want the evening to end. We had such a great time, and such a connection, that we got together again the night before I left for home. We are sisters in Christ and through revelations, encouragement, stories, and DARES, we knew that we were meant to reconnect... It was a God thing.

Thank you, God.

A Gift From God... In a Parking Lot

Slow down and enjoy life. It's not only the scenery you miss by going to fast - you also miss the sense of where you are going and why.
~Eddie Cantor

As I was rushing out the door after work, I walked into a wonderful, winter wonderland. Not much snow had accumulated, but the snowflakes were huge, and were drifting ever so slowly down to the ground. I let out sound of glee, and made my way through the dark to my car. As usual, I was in a hurry, and about to hop into the car, when I suddenly decided to stop.

I stood by my car and looked straight up into the dark, winter sky. The snowflakes... There were so many! Big, beautiful, amazing flakes seemed to be set aglow from the lights on the school building. Suddenly, I felt so small, and so blessed. The beauty took my breath away, and made me giggle... all alone... in the parking lot.

The snow was a gift and a reminder from God... "Slow down, child! You're missing all the fun!"

Bless You...

Please watch this...