February is such a dreary (lack of sunshine) month in Michigan, but we do have that wonderful Valentine holiday, which is also my birthday, so what’s not to like about that? Well…the getting older part might not be so much fun. On the other hand, getting older just means I’m one year closer to heaven. I hope that doesn’t sound morbid. It’s not meant to. But I’ve been pondering that verse in 2 Corinthians 4:18 lately – “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
That’s such a comforting verse! If we know something is temporary (even a getting-older birthday) it’s a lot easier to endure. 🙂 On the flip side, sometimes the temporary goes too quickly! Like weekends, and time with family, and special occasions (like the not-having-to-cook, but get to see family and friends part of birthdays). Those aren’t endured, they’re enjoyed.
But they’re still temporary.
So when I wish my dad was here to take me to lunch like he used to do during my birthday week, I know this separation is only temporary. I’ll see him again one day and then it won’t be McDonald’s for lunch! And I’m grateful my mom and I can still go out to celebrate here and now.
In other thoughts…
My uncle died last week. He was my dad’s youngest brother. All of my dad’s siblings are gone now (two brothers, one sister), and that seems so weird to think about. I imagined my dad greeting his brother at heaven’s gate. What a reunion that must have been. The last time my uncle tried to talk to my dad, my dad wasn’t very coherent. Now they have eternity to catch up on all they missed on earth!
I finished Starflower, book four in the Tales of Goldstone Wood last night. (The author, Anne Elisabeth Stengl, has been keeping me up nights reading her book!) If you’ve never tried fantasy, try this one. It’s characters will keep you thoroughly engaged. Find it here.
Right now I’m reading The Plan, which is touted on the cover to help weight loss but inside there is a lot of information about diet and trigger foods causing low-grade inflammation in our bodies. It sounds very interesting, but of course, until you try something like this, you don’t know. I do know that as we are aging, food doesn’t always like us as it used to. I’d like to figure out if something I’m eating is causing the fibromyalgia symptoms. Prayers in that regard would be most appreciated. In any case, it can’t hurt to eat better. 🙂
I sometimes dream about working in a designated office where I can shut the door on the cats. 🙂 I am convinced that they have an inner sense that knows the exact moment I’m actually writing my deadline words. Sometimes it takes time to get the scene in mind, so I might sit at the computer but I’m not actually writing – I’m researching or posting on Facebook or reading email – all necessary part of the job (and some for fun too), but it’s not the part where the cats are a distraction. How do they know when I’m seriously trying to put words on the screen? The kitchen table is probably not my best writing location.
With six months until our son’s wedding, I’ve started online wedding hunting for hairstyles, dresses, and such. I let my hairdresser give me an up-do this past week just to see if I liked it. I’m not sure I can get used to all of those hair pins! But I kind of like the idea of the hair staying in place for an outdoor wedding. Dresses are another thing. I kind of know what I want, but it hasn’t shown up on my radar yet. Can’t pick shoes and jewelry until I figure out the dress. And of course, I want the color to compliment the bride’s mother’s choice. I can’t wait to see what she picks!
A lot going on these next few months. But this week, I’m going to take at least some time to do something special, especially on my birthday. One person told me that she and her husband take the day off work, go out to eat and to a movie and whatever she wants on her birthday. That’s not a bad idea at all! Probably not this year, but I’m keeping it in mind.
Time to clean a few things. Why does the house always need cleaning?
Selah~
