A good friend

My son, Thomas, is a friend to every body. In fact, he often laments that people that he doesn't know, know him. Kids at school will say, "Hey Thomas" and he will have no idea who they are. He tells me he doesn't know how that happens.

I tell him that he is the kind of kid everyone notices.

The truth is, though, he stands out but it is for more reasons than his unusual haircut. He stands out because of his personality. He doesn't meet a stranger. And, he's the kind of person that is a friend to everyone.

So, it wasn't a real surprise the other day when I was picking up my daughter from school when a boy asked if I was Thomas's mom. I replied, "Yes," of course. But, what surprised me was what he said next: "Thomas is my best friend."  I had never seen this boy before. Hesitantly (because I wasn't sure if this would offend him), I asked the boy his name. He told me... and I had never heard of him. I told him it as great to meet him and I went about my way.

Later in the day, I asked Thomas about the boy. I told him that he said Thomas was his best friend and Thomas just smiled. Thomas told me he was nice. So, I asked if he would like to have him over sometime. The response was, "Uuuuh, no..." Now, wait a minute, I thought to myself. So, I asked why. He said, "Weeell, the thing is, he picks his nose. A lot. He's nice, but..."

We talked about him a little bit more but there wasn't a lot to say. Thomas was his friend and he was good with it.

Later, much later- a few days later- I found myself thinking about this relationship. I'm not sure if it is simple or complex. It's simple for Thomas but it seems complex because the relationship means much more to the other kid. I decided that is okay that way. I am glad that Thomas is the type of friend that he is. He is kind. He is a good friend. He does not try to be more than he is. I like that.

She Laughs

I am terrible with emails. My inbox is always overrun with unread emails. In fact, over the holidays, I hit a new high- or new low, depending on how you look at it- over 1,700 unread emails. There are a few people in my life that can't stand this problem I have. For some, is bothersome- really bothersome, to have unread emails. Who knew?
Well, anyways, I signed up for an automatic, daily email. While I am sure that means there will be days that the automatic email adds to my unread email total, I am looking forward to the emails.
My church sends out a daily SOAP email. SOAP = Scripture, Observations, Application, Prayer.
This is a good thing.

Lately the SOAP has been going through Proverbs. Today, it is on Proverbs 31.
There are many words that challenge in these verses. Today, my heart is moved by these words in particular.

²⁵ She is clothed with strength and dignity,
    and she laughs without fear of the future.
²⁶ When she speaks, her words are wise,
    and she gives instructions with kindness.

She laughs without fear of the future. I want to live without fear. I want to laugh. Not that long delirious laugh I sometimes have when I am overwhelmed. I want to laugh with joy.

She gives instructions with kindness. I'll be honest. I have four kids and my instructions are not always shrouded with kindness.  I will focus on that.

SOAP is a good thing for me. It is a great start to each day- a little strength to go. I am not sure about the dignity but I am quite certain that reading scriptures with help with that. My words are not always wise, but then again, scriptures should help with that. And, of course, scriptures will help with any kind of instructions I give and the way I give them.

I am not afraid of the drudgery of this day. I laugh in the face of my fear of insignificance and doldrums.


Oh, and this morning, my unread email count is 26.

A warm cup of coffee

This morning, right before he left for work, I watched my husband pour his unfinished coffee into my cup of coffee.

He didn't know I saw him.

It was... icky.

I cringed and laughed internally.

It is wonderful, despite the fact that it irked me. He didn't even hesitate. He just did that.

So, it's sort of wonderful.

I think.

We've been married a long time. 20 years.

So, I think there's a beauty in that moment... somewhere.

What was he thinking? 'Don't waste warm coffee?' 'I'll warm up her cup?'

Was it an endearing gesture of love, even though he didn't think I saw him? Was it a be wise with a precious resource moment?

And, I wonder, Was this the first time? Does he do this and I don't know it?!

Ah, married life.
It is the most wonderful thing. Really, really.

He better not be using my toothbrush. I would have to draw the line right there.

Journal: Jan 1, 2014

This year I am going to journal.  From time to time, I may share an entry. For no good reason, of course.

January 1, 2014

Josh is in the ICU after having two pulmonary embolisms. We do not know if he will make it. It has been a long, worrisome day. Seth flew to Colorado tonight to be with Josh and the family. It was the worst kind of New Year's Day. On the way to the airport, Seth and I discussed our fears and sadness. We verbally recognized how fragile life is.

I had already decided that 2014 needed to be different than 2013 with regards to my commitment to God and being faithful. This awareness of life and the possibility of death chills me to the bone.

I also want to make the most of every moment. Not only do I want to be real with others; I want to be more thankful. I lost sight of this in 2013.

Tonight I am thankful for:

• family. specifically, my in-love family. that is the family I gained when I married. My best friend calls her in-laws her in-loves. It's perfect.
• prayer and those who pray. It is a time for prayer- intercession. Prayer is comforting and hopeful.

What else am I thankful for? It seems like I should have a list of significant, powerful items.
Everything matters.
*texts from my sister *a fire in the fireplace *a weeks' groceries bought *the love of a mother *a dishwasher *a phone call *a safe flight *chocolate *no commitments in the morning *doctors *hospitals *intuition and *Josh

Josh was in my kindergarten class. I married his younger brother. I know how brothers are. I am thankful he is my husband's older brother.