Life Moments
Once again, here I am barely getting a post in under the wire for this month. That’s partly because no particular message has come to me that seems worthy of relaying to you, my faithful readers. The result is that this post will be little tidbits of this and that. Not necessarily profound, but after all, isn’t that what composes our lives for the most part?
April has been a beautiful month in my little piece of paradise. Gorgeous sunny days with temps in the high seventies, brisk wind, a turquoise ocean, and a nearly deserted beach. I’ve sat on the beach most afternoons reading and appreciating the amazing blessing of living here in my happy place. Enjoyed a visit from my oldest son and wife, deepened friendships with new acquaintances, and took care of a few appointments and some business. I kept busy over the sad anniversary of losing my precious Joe two years ago and celebrated some family and friends birthdays. Like I said, life is made up of such odds and ends as these.
I did get to attend an interesting event . . .
Flagler College in St. Augustine hosts a speakers series that is
free and open to the public. One of my new friends and I went up for a presentation by Bob Woodward. For those of my age or older, yes, that Bob Woodward, half of the Washington Post journalists team that broke the Watergate story back in 1972-1974. If you are too young to know the significance of Watergate and what these men did you need to read up on it- it changed journalism, partisan politics, and the presidency of the United State s forever. I’m not going into a treatise of Watergate but I want to say Woodward is an amazing man. He is still associated with the Washington Post, he has written 21 books, won numerous literary awards and he has had the ear of every President since Richard Nixon. You can learn more about him at https://www.bobwoodward.com/. All of the accolades are impressive, but what made the biggest impression on me was his wisdom. Oh my goodness! I’ve been searching for a recording of the presentation but no luck with that so far. All I could think of the entire time he was speaking was why doesn’t this man run for President? Ok, enough of this. I do not want to get off on a political tangent. Oh, by the way, he doesn’t look anything like Robert Redford, then or now.
Moving on –
The past few weeks have been heavy with prayer. I’ve always felt that prayer was more of an attitude- a continual communication with God as opposed to a recitation of platitudes. You may be able to access more about an attitude of prayer here. https://www.jstor.org/stable/ 44618853 . The difficulties experienced by others have made me keenly aware of my blessings, for which I am ever thankful, but my heart is heavy for family and friends experiencing difficult times.
When I put those little prayer symbols 🙏 in responses on Facebook or in messages, I truly do place that person and their circumstances in my consciousness of prayer. A best friend had major back surgery, another friend is hospitalized, a former neighbor is incapacitated, another friend is unemployed and essentially homeless, another friend’s son is in prison, others have lost loved ones or are facing major life changes. Add to these the collective concerns facing our country and the world at large and it can seem overwhelming at times. Again, such are the smatters of life, and I must remind myself that ultimately God is in control.
What else have I been up to? I’ve been writing.
Making inroads on my work in progress (working title: Dear Daughter). I’ve completed the first draft of the first two sections. The first is my great great grandmother Addie writing to her adult daughter Hattie (my great grandmother), who was left behind in Georgia when her parents relocated to Texas after the Civil War. Alas, I have no photo of Addie but this is her gravestone.
The second section is Hattie writing to her adult daughter Tommie Belle (my grandmother). I’m in the midst of the third section where Tommie Belle is writing to her daughter (my mother, Mary). The fourth section will be my mother communicating to me, and this will be entirely fictionalized. Since I have no daughters, my plan is to have the final section be me communicating to my granddaughters. It’s going to be a heart-rending family saga showcasing strong women and I hope it will empower other women, especially my granddaughters, for years to come. After all- that is my mission.
Have you ever felt overwhelmed with the day to day driblets of life? Maybe you’ve been faced or are facing more magnanimous circumstances. How do you cope? What are your thoughts on “an attitude of prayer?” Do you believe we are influenced by ancestors or that we have a duty to tell their stories? I’d love for you to share your thoughts in a comment. Until next month- keep on keeping on!
Just had my 55th COLLEGE reunion, and had a hand in planning so felt a tad overwhelmed. But all was well once we gathered at my local Alma Mater. I am a Prayer Warrior at my church and meetings on Wednesdays get me through any hectic week. I agree with you that prayer is an attitude. In August I will have been a widow for 11 years and can’t imagine that life without friends, friends who pray and my family. I am happy that you have found your “happy place” and are keeping your mind active. Boy, do I remember Watergate. Hope your have a happy Mother’s Day!
Thank you! I looked briefly at your blog and it appears we are kindred souls. I look forward to communicating more with you.
Glad you’ve made progress with your next book
Thanks!
Just finished reading your blog. As usual, it was an interesting read.
Thank you Dave.