My siblings are scattered from Tennessee to various parts of Ohio, but we try to get Together twice a year. Today our gathering was at Danny's and my home, a new Location. But I served our traditional red Beet eggs, Mom's specialty. And our conversation was Familiar as we reminisced about Our growing up years on the Farm. Seated around the table I Noticed our frailties. Some of us are battling cancer and Cognitive decline. We're all getting old. At 79, I'm the youngest. What happened? Life happened. And we bear the scars. But we are overcomers and Our spirits were merry to match the season. I wondered, "Will our group be intact Next year?" But I pushed the question aside. We had today. We celebrated today. |
0 Comments
My physical therapist has become my
Friend. She's a taskmaster for sure, a good One, as she puts me through my Paces. "Step up, down, up down, twenty Times. Now the other foot. And Remember to ice your hip when We're done." We talk as I work. I've learned about her family, her Children, her challenges. And she's learned about mine. I pass along motherly advice. A special joy is that she's a Jesus follower like I am. How good God was to connect us! Our sessions will soon be Ending, and I will miss my health Trainer. "We need to get together for Lunch," I told her. Therapy isn't just for the body. It's good emotional therapy to Enjoy coffee and conversation with a New friend. "Where will you spend
Thanksgiving?" I asked my friend. The widower choked up. "With my daughter, if I survive it," he Said. It's his first holiday without his dearest One, and his grief is still so intense. I tried to console him. "I found that sometimes the days we Dread the most aren't quite as bad As we thought, because we mentally Prepare for them." "I hope that's true," he answered. "I'll pray for you." "Thanks, I need it." Today I pray for comfort and Courage for the Georges, the Dianes, the Jims, the Joys who Will sit around the table today Acutely aware of one less chair. It was delightful to sing an old hymn in
Church, actually, two of them. The familiar words were balm to my Soul. But one verse really hit home. "Prone to wander, Lord I feel it. Prone to leave the God I love." * Why? I posed the question to Danny. "Why am I prone to wander?" "It's because the world is so Appealing," he said, "and following Jesus is so hard." Yes! Resisting temptation is tedious and Never ending. But we know from experience that The world's promises are empty and Its pleasures are short lived. It's why we confess our sin when We stray and get back on track. Despite the toil, in this mixed up World, following Jesus makes the Most sense. *Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing" by Robert Robinson She hesitated about coming to
Bible study. Would it be best to just stay at Home alone? The other gals would certainly Understand. But then she realized she Needed to come. She needed to be with Friends who would hug her, Pray, shed tears with her and Share her pain. Two days earlier the mom's Eldest child had slipped into The arms of Jesus. And now she needed to be Embraced by her sisters. At times this bereaved mother Will need to grieve alone, but Not on Bible study day. "Were there vets in your family?" I
Asked Danny. He thought for a moment and Then named uncles and cousins. At least two of them had been Shot, but survived. I listed Jack, a seasoned vet, And 4 of my brothers, each One dear to me. On this day of remembrance we All know vets. We all owe vets. Danny and I paused in the Middle of our breakfast to thank God for them. In serving our country, our vets Serve us. I sat behind the woman in church.
I noticed how intensely she Was singing the praise song. As she lifted her hands in worship, I sensed why the words were Reaching deep into my friend's Soul. She is battling cancer, an Insidious aggressive foe, and In the fray she recognizes her Own weakness. She knows that God is her Firm fortress. "So when I fight, I'll fight on my Knees. With my hands lifted high, oh God, The battle belongs to you." * As I observed my brave sister, I Prayed for her, and afterwards I Gave her a hug. I'm one of Mindy's many prayer Warriors who are in the battle With her. *Phil Wickham She was my hero, my mentor,
My mom figure, my friend. And she was humble. Helen downplayed her Heroism. She was 24 when she escaped The communist regime in Czechoslovakia by skiing out of The country. With her heart wildly beating, she Traversed the snowy forests of No man's land expecting to be Shot at any moment. But God spared her. And after her seemingly endless Journey she reached Bavaria. She reached freedom. God led Helen, step by precarious step To America where she raised a Family and overcame enormous Obstacles later in life. After our paths crossed, Helen Became like family to me and my girls. She graced our table at all the Holidays. She was always grateful despite her Challenges. Over and over she thanked God For His goodness. And He allowed her to reach 99. (I was hoping for 100.) My hero/friend refused my Accolades when she was alive. But now she can't stop me. I will sing Helen's praises to her Family and friends, and I will Share her story with folks who wish They could have known her.
It was a scam call.
Danny recognized the man's Voice from the day before. He spoke with an accent. "Your credit card has been Compromised," he said. "I just Need a bit of information." (Like your social security number.) I jumped into the conversation. "I'm so sorry you feel like you must Work for a dishonest company. I'm going to pray that you will Repent and give your life to Jesus." "We're all going to hell anyway," the Man responded. "Why do you say that?" "That's what all the religions teach." "But it's not true. If you ask Jesus to Forgive you and you follow Him I Will see you in heaven one day." He wasn't convinced. "My husband and I are going to pray For you right now," I said. And Danny and I each prayed that God would touch the scammer's Heart. "Thank you for your concern," the Caller told us. "I appreciate your Caring about me." "Will you tell me your name?" I Asked. He refused. "Well, God knows your name and we Love you and we'll keep praying For you." We hung up, and the nameless man Went back to making more scam Calls. |
Dorothy Kalb Hsu Seitzinger
Writing poetry has helped me process and express my sorrows and joys, my concerns and blessings. "Life is hard, but God is good!" Archives
December 2020
Categories
All
|