in the stillness...

Flowers strewn across a casket...and the phrase that turns my mind over "Why do you look for the living among the dead?"...

We buried my grandmother this week, and as I held the fresias in my hand - my last bid at an earthly farewell - I caught a glimpse of our mortal life...so delicate and fragile - blossoming one moment and wilting the next. Life really is short...and we only have one opportunity...
And life inevitably goes on...a flower dies and casts its seed to the winds...a life passes away, and with it the torch gets handed down for the next generation to run with. We are that next generation.

The irony of the whole saga is that death can be a great time for reflecting on life...for being reminded about all the things we are blessed with...for being inspired to make each breath count for something. Believe me, this can be tiresome even for the most energetic and spastic of the bunch!
This week I had the blessing of a reminder - a little tap on my shoulder - that my race had not yet finished...I had to run with endurance...I had to stop letting life pass me by. I got the fresh air in my lungs of inspiration and direction. Sometimes that's all we need to get going...other times we need a solid kick in the pants! Ouch...I think I got that one too!
The weight of everyday living can be taxing on our emotions, our spirits, our vision. The mundane sucks us into a cycle that seemingly lacks purpose and fulfillment. But even in these dryspells of life where we seem lost and wandering, God is at work. God is moving. God is turning all things to good. He is teaching you how to live what you say...to trust...to be patient...to take you to the deeper level of understanding His love when everything in your environment begs to differ.
I am blessed...not always with the clear cut pathway I would like, but the step-by-step process that teaches me to live faith. To trust God. To know His character to the core of my being.
And His character surrounds me...in the thoughts and prayers of my family and friends...In the simple gifts of emails, flowers, coffees, and an awkward hug or two! Thank you so much for your encouragement. For your time. For your heart. For going the extra mile (or hour!) to show your support and the reality of God's family.
I love you all...