Saturday, February 23, 2008

legacy

Yesterday as I drove to work it was a dreary, rainy day. My "to do" list was growing by the moment and the list of projects -- both personal and professional -- seems monumental at this moment. The temperature felt colder because of the rain and my seat heat made me cozier. Music is such a big part of my life. I've recently found a song which almost insulates me from these day to day issues. It makes a dreary day not so depressing and spurs me to go on with life and my purpose. I've had a few reflective days since my grandfather's death. Do yourself a favor and find Nichole Nordeman's song, "Legacy".

I don't mind if you've got something nice to say about me
And I enjoy an accolade like the rest
You could take my picture and hang it in a gallery
Of all who's who and so-n-so's that used to be the best
At such'n'such ... it wouldn't matter much

I won't lie, it feels alright to see your name in lights
We all need an 'Atta boy' or 'Atta girl'
But in the end I'd like to hang my hat on more besides
The temporary trappings of this world

I want to leave a legacy
How will they remember me?
Did I choose to love? Did I point to You enough
I'd love to make a mark on things
I want to leave an offering
A child of mercy and grace who
blessed your name unapologetically
And leave that kind of legacy

I don't have to look too far or too long awhile
To make a lengthy list of all that I enjoy
It's an accumulating trinket and a treasure pile
Where moth and rust, thieves and such will soon enough destroy...

Not well traveled, not well read, not well-to-do or well bred
Just want to hear instead, "Well Done" good and faithful one...

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

observations

Seen on the back of a plumbing truck this morning:

"We help you have a Royal Flush even with a Full House!"


And a William observation:

The house across the street is being painted. The first morning of the job we pulled out of our driveway and saw a stack of 10 huge ladders. Problem was the only painter vehicle in sight was a wee tiny two door sedan. William's mouth drops open and then says, "Well I have no idea how that little car even carried those ladders. One of those ladders would tip that car over!"

I had to agree. ;-)

Saturday, February 16, 2008

president's day weekend in a nutshell

This weekend I:

- Have a husband in Seattle with a case of pinkeye.
- Met a little girl who William says is his girlfriend...she is adorable and her name is Miranda. We were waiting for Mexican takeout when she came up behind us. William seems smitten.
- Watched William's basketball team play in the championship game today. They placed second. We went to Zaxby's to celebrate.
- Sent Jordan off on a girl scout badge day from 8 am until 5:30 pm.
- Made a baby gift
- Am debating about going to the shower where that baby gift belongs...if you had three kiddos to take along with you WWYD? (It's an adoption shower for someone who joyfully adopted a three year old and that is why they are encouraging people to bring children.)
- Saw Jordan practicing volleyball just because she enjoys it.
- Am tired from all the emotional and physical requirements of this week.
- Feel content about everything we did in regards to my Grandfather.
- Am looking forward to worshiping tomorrow morning.
- Will attempt to finish the laundry pile.
- Can't wait to see William begin his soccer practice on Monday afternoon.
- Can't decide about attending the yearly homeowner's meeting for our neighborhood since a babysitter is involved for my sanity.
- And finally, hope that Jordan and her friend don't stay up too late Sunday night. She is looking forward to having a little sleepover.

I'm glad it is a four day weekend!

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

saying goodbye

It was a sad weekend for our family. We got the call on Friday that my Grandfather was fading fast with fluid in his lungs, low blood pressure, and low oxygen levels. Friday was spent in a frenzy trying to get packed and in the car. We raced over to North Alabama and made it to witness the last 20 minutes of his life after we said good-bye. It was as if he waited for me to get there and then he was able to leave this earth....a very powerful moment. My Grandfather was 88 years old and just three weeks shy of his 89th birthday. For the past 8 years he has been a stroke patient. Somehow his inner strength showed through the set of circumstances he was given. There have been so many close calls over the years, but in almost miraculous fashion he has pulled through while others who were seemingly stronger -- roommates and friends -- have passed on. On Friday it was quite evident that this was his time to depart. His body had just literally worn out.

We spent most of the weekend making funeral plans and comforting my mother with kid antics. She is an only child and it is quite a lonely place to be when both parents are gone. She is one of the last in her family. Keep her in your prayers as she makes the adjustment from caretaker back to some sense of normalcy.

I came to quite the realization over the weekend. The sovereignty of God is alive and present in my life. The weekend was packed with events all weekend -- basketball tournaments, special valentine's events with our church friends, girl scout meetings and activities, a husband traveling on business -- but all that faded away once we decided to go be with our family. I had very clear plans to travel next weekend to visit my family, but God had other plans.