One of the things that I appreciate about living in a small town is the sense of community. Today the checker at the store told me, "If you get a chance, come back by and we'll talk." I was at an activity for one of my kids and the moms talked back and forth as if they had known each other for years. In fact, they talked about grandparents and sisters that some of us did know. Tonight when I went through the drive thru of a local hamburger place, the girl knew what burgers we wanted and how many. One of my favorite things, however, which I know will seem odd to some, is that people here still pull over for a funeral procession. This afternoon I was flying down the road with all of the windows down, while the kids sang to Camp Rock 2 rejoicing that we were going to buy popsicles, when I was arrested by the police lights and the long white cars which seemed to move in slow motion. I pulled over immediately and turned the radio off. "Kids, get quiet!" I said. "Who died?" they asked. "Some One" I said.
Life is so precious.
I yelled at my kids tonight because I needed peace and quiet.
I prayed too quickly with them when I put them too bed.
I turned on a song to block out the noise.
I made a joke rather than discuss something important.
I pretended to listen to someone today.
I know that I am not perfect. I know that I will do all of these things again...probably tomorrow. But to be engaged in Life...and all of the people who will one day be no more...this is so important. The older I get I seem to think more about how wasteful I am in relationships. Many times I view others only as a means to get what I want. Most of the time I am thinking only of my own comfort. And many times, I just want to be left alone.
Life is so fragile.
I would like to be as sincere as my friend who works at The Dollar Store.
I want to be as compassionate as Jackie at the AIDS Clinic.
I wish I was as unselfish as Tillie.
I want to be as selfless as my husband.
I hope to be as loyal as Ruth was to Naomi.
May we live all the days of our lives.
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4 comments:
You can see an old friend in the burger joint drive thru and get out of the car and have a few minutes of good old fashioned conversation in a small town too!
Was good to see you today!
it was so good to see you today! i ALWAYS love running in to you.
I hope you know how valuable I consider our friendship. I have no idea what you could be trying to get in being friends with me but I have enjoyed our time together and I always walk away thinking you are one awesome person and feeling encouraged to be a better mom and wife and friend.
Exactly what I needed to be reminded of this morning, living in that same small town. Love you.
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