Passing Time

We were locked out of our car, waiting in the parking lot of Market Basket for the AAA dude. Took this picture to help pass the time. Or, maybe I wanted to mark the time.

We were on our way to my sister’s house, the Historian. It was a very impromptu family gathering. People changed plans and food was thrown together – hence, Market Basket.

One of the things I’d purchased at Market Basket was an apple pie. The Historian had been very sick the past two weeks, not eating much. I knew she would reject apple pie, if I offered it to her. So, I almost didn’t buy it.

Yet, something in me said, “Get it, anyway.”

So much time was passing, I almost thought we should just skip going. I had work to do. She was going to get to see the littles, and that was really what the day was about, I thought.

AAA dude showed up. Cracked our window, but we got the keys and headed to Maine.

That was the last time I would see my sister alive. I look at this picture and the silly spontaneity in it is gone for me. Now, it’s just the last picture of me on the last day I got to see her alive.

I’m so thankful for that day. So thankful everyone came together. God was so kind to us. The last thing my sisters and I did together was pray. I still don’t like God’s answer, but Psalm 116:15 is a good verse to keep in my heart:

His loved ones are very precious to Him, and He does not lightly let them die.
Psalm 116:15

While it is still hard to believe she is gone, it was six months ago this week. Time passes.

As I sat with my sister that afternoon, she said she had a taste for something. “What can I bring you? I’ll bring you anything you like.” “You know, I wish we had some apple pie. That’s what I’d like. A little piece of apple pie.”

God is good.

Companions

I have been keeping company with Sadness today.

Sadness was a frequent guest last year. When the new year brought new loss, he set-up camp. I did not invite him, but he does not leave.

Most of the time, I find his company bearable. He is not usually oppressive. Present, but only passively imposing himself. Most days, I hold my focus on Happiness, and Sadness lurks in the shadows. I can almost convince myself he isn’t even there.

Then I turn a corner just a moment too soon, and come face-to-face with my old enemy. A painful confrontation. I am suddenly reminded of all that is lost, and Happiness is unseated.

Happiness is always fleeting.

01b36825406aa7b3453c493779a5139749df00e436

Ah, but I have learned not to depend on Happiness. She is my fickle friend. Hope is my true and steady friend; always near. I take her hand and face Sadness down.

From the blog

Stay up to date with the latest from our blog.

  • Saturday Evening Post: 3/17/18

    Saturday Evening Post: 3/17/18

    They say a picture paints a thousand words, so I’ll let this photo explain why I missed last week’s SEP. My new grandbaby, Isaac Timothy,…

  • The Church at Satan’s Throne

    The Church at Satan’s Throne

    How much does the heart condition in the Christian church today reflect Adam and Eve in the Garden? This exhortation from a shepherd’s heart is…

  • Saturday Evening Post: 3/3/18

    Saturday Evening Post: 3/3/18

    When Saturday arrives, I look back through my photos to remind myself what I did (or didn’t) do that week. I don’t have many pictures…

  • Saturday Evening Post: 2/24/18

    Saturday Evening Post: 2/24/18

    Is it really Saturday, already? The week is blur right now. What happened? Did I accomplish anything? I don’t know if I did. Made several…

  • An Encore

    Merry Christmas! I am re-sharing a post from two years ago. I read it again today and thought it was nice enough to share, again. Madrigal’s First Christmas One day, I hope to find out what happens to Madrigal. I have big hopes she is having a very happy Christmas day today—and, I hope you…

  • Personality Tests, Part 2

    The upstairs neighbor popped her head in today and was telling me a little about her day. She said, “I like to _______________, because I’m a __.” I don’t like labeling myself. I think other people label me enough, so I feel no need. Plus, I like to keep  my options open. You know what…

  • I’m a 14.

    I just took a personality test. It’s the latest thing. My daughter mentioned it last week, “I’m a ___ and Tim’s a ___,” she laughed. I had no idea what she was talking about, until I looked at my Instagram today. Others were sharing their results of some test, and I realized it’s what was…

Blog

Welcome to a world of limitless possibilities, where the journey is as exhilarating as the destination, and where every moment is an opportunity to make your mark on the canvas of existence. The only limit is the extent of your imagination.

  • An Encore

    Merry Christmas! I am re-sharing a post from two years ago. I read it again today and thought it was nice enough to share, again. Madrigal’s First Christmas One day, I hope to find out what happens to Madrigal. I have big hopes she is having a very happy Christmas day today—and, I hope you…

  • The upstairs neighbor popped her head in today and was telling me a little about her day. She said, “I like to _______________, because I’m a __.” I don’t like labeling myself. I think other people label me enough, so I feel no need. Plus, I like to keep  my options open. You know what…

  • I’m a 14.

    I just took a personality test. It’s the latest thing. My daughter mentioned it last week, “I’m a ___ and Tim’s a ___,” she laughed. I had no idea what she was talking about, until I looked at my Instagram today. Others were sharing their results of some test, and I realized it’s what was…

  • Quotes to Consider

    Quotes to Consider

  • Do You Feel Like A Deflated Balloon??

    Do You Feel Like A Deflated Balloon??

    ONCE UPON A TIME, you had a marvelous encounter with God. You felt His love all around you. You knew you were loved, and you only had eyes for Jesus. He was the only One for you. Everything in your life felt right, it felt good. No mountain seemed too high, because you were floating…

  • Today’s Journal: 9/12/16

    Today’s Journal: 9/12/16

    Outside my window it is easy to tell that autumn is just around the corner.  I love this time during the year, when we transition from one season to another. I love transitions. I am thinking about… the week ahead the evening ahead Christmas Weekly Reports to be finished the next newsletter Hannah’s Baby Shower eBay dinner…

  • Quotes to Consider

    Vincent van Gogh (Dutch, Post-Impressionism, 1853-1890) Self-Portrait, 1887 Oil on artist’s board, mounted on cradled panel; 41 x 32.5 cm (16 1/8 x 12 13/16 in.). Art Institute Chicago “What am I in the eyes of most people — a nonentity, an eccentric, or an unpleasant person — somebody who has no position in society and will…

  • A Recorded Miracle

    A Recorded Miracle

    Have to share this! It isn’t common to get to see a miracle—much less hear one. However,  a real miracle took place in a Sunday school class in Texas. The class was being recorded, so the moments before, during, and after were captured on tape. Please, take five minutes to watch. this video I know…

Blog

Welcome to a world of limitless possibilities, where the journey is as exhilarating as the destination, and where every moment is an opportunity to make your mark on the canvas of existence. The only limit is the extent of your imagination.

Latest episodes

Our latest, ready for you to listen

  • An Encore

    Merry Christmas! I am re-sharing a post from two years ago. I read it again today and thought it was nice enough to share, again. Madrigal’s First Christmas One day, I hope to find out what happens to Madrigal. I have big hopes she is having a very happy Christmas day today—and, I hope you…

  • Personality Tests, Part 2

    The upstairs neighbor popped her head in today and was telling me a little about her day. She said, “I like to _______________, because I’m a __.” I don’t like labeling myself. I think other people label me enough, so I feel no need. Plus, I like to keep  my options open. You know what…

  • I’m a 14.

    I just took a personality test. It’s the latest thing. My daughter mentioned it last week, “I’m a ___ and Tim’s a ___,” she laughed. I had no idea what she was talking about, until I looked at my Instagram today. Others were sharing their results of some test, and I realized it’s what was…

Blog

Welcome to a world of limitless possibilities, where the journey is as exhilarating as the destination, and where every moment is an opportunity to make your mark on the canvas of existence. The only limit is the extent of your imagination.

  • An Encore

    Merry Christmas! I am re-sharing a post from two years ago. I read it again today and thought it was nice enough to share, again. Madrigal’s First Christmas One day, I hope to find out what happens to Madrigal. I have big hopes she is having a very happy Christmas day today—and, I hope you…

  • The upstairs neighbor popped her head in today and was telling me a little about her day. She said, “I like to _______________, because I’m a __.” I don’t like labeling myself. I think other people label me enough, so I feel no need. Plus, I like to keep  my options open. You know what…

  • I’m a 14.

    I just took a personality test. It’s the latest thing. My daughter mentioned it last week, “I’m a ___ and Tim’s a ___,” she laughed. I had no idea what she was talking about, until I looked at my Instagram today. Others were sharing their results of some test, and I realized it’s what was…

Blog

Welcome to a world of limitless possibilities, where the journey is as exhilarating as the destination, and where every moment is an opportunity to make your mark on the canvas of existence. The only limit is the extent of your imagination.

  • For the Love of Things

    A friend once told me, “Your stuff is how your kids know they’re in the right house.” I thought that was a pretty great perspective. Stuff has a purpose, and should have a place. It means something. It tells a story. One of my responsibilities during this season has been the sorting and organizing of…

  • Dear Mr. Grisham

    After listening to this clip (John Grisham Excuses Child Porn), I just had to respond. This is an open letter to Mr. John Grisham, posted on his Facebook page. I would encourage you to write your objection to his statement on his wall, too.  Mr. Grisham: I have just listened to your comments in regards…

  • Bloom Where You’re Planted

    It doesn’t matter why you’re holding onto the past. Maybe, you think life was better then and you miss the good times, or maybe you can’t forget how you suffered and still feel the pain of your wounds. Either way, this is not God’s will for you. God’s will for you is to grow.  To change. …

  • Tiny, but Mighty

    My favorite ice cream is Baskin Robbins Chocolate Peanut Butter. It is hard to find here, but this is a good substitute. I treated myself today, because I had to see my surgical gynecologist. Y’all know what that means; I thought a reward was in order.

  • The Saxophone Player’s Mom

    The first time we met, I did not make a very good impression on the Saxophone Player’s Mom. Doug had invited me over to watch a movie, and she hardly said more than two words to me directly. I was in awe of her, though. She kept a spotless house, which was decorated with her…

  • Please, Don’t Tolerate Me

    When the Saxophone Player went to ask my Mother for my hand in marriage, she famously said to him, “Are you sure you want to marry her? She is a very difficult person.” He was willing to take his chances, and forever I have a story that reminds me of something quite important: I may be a very difficult person,…

Subscribe

Enter your email below to receive updates.

  • Quotes to Consider

    Quotes to Consider

  • Do You Feel Like A Deflated Balloon??

    Do You Feel Like A Deflated Balloon??

    ONCE UPON A TIME, you had a marvelous encounter with God. You felt His love all around you. You knew you were loved, and you only had eyes for Jesus. He was the only One for you. Everything in your life felt right, it felt good. No mountain seemed too high, because you were floating…

  • Today’s Journal: 9/12/16

    Today’s Journal: 9/12/16

    Outside my window it is easy to tell that autumn is just around the corner.  I love this time during the year, when we transition from one season to another. I love transitions. I am thinking about… the week ahead the evening ahead Christmas Weekly Reports to be finished the next newsletter Hannah’s Baby Shower eBay dinner…

  • Quotes to Consider

    Vincent van Gogh (Dutch, Post-Impressionism, 1853-1890) Self-Portrait, 1887 Oil on artist’s board, mounted on cradled panel; 41 x 32.5 cm (16 1/8 x 12 13/16 in.). Art Institute Chicago “What am I in the eyes of most people — a nonentity, an eccentric, or an unpleasant person — somebody who has no position in society and will…

  • A Recorded Miracle

    A Recorded Miracle

    Have to share this! It isn’t common to get to see a miracle—much less hear one. However,  a real miracle took place in a Sunday school class in Texas. The class was being recorded, so the moments before, during, and after were captured on tape. Please, take five minutes to watch. this video I know…

  • Quotes to Consider

    Quotes to Consider

  • Do You Feel Like A Deflated Balloon??

    Do You Feel Like A Deflated Balloon??

    ONCE UPON A TIME, you had a marvelous encounter with God. You felt His love all around you. You knew you were loved, and you only had eyes for Jesus. He was the only One for you. Everything in your life felt right, it felt good. No mountain seemed too high, because you were floating…

  • Today’s Journal: 9/12/16

    Today’s Journal: 9/12/16

    Outside my window it is easy to tell that autumn is just around the corner.  I love this time during the year, when we transition from one season to another. I love transitions. I am thinking about… the week ahead the evening ahead Christmas Weekly Reports to be finished the next newsletter Hannah’s Baby Shower eBay dinner…

  • Quotes to Consider

    Vincent van Gogh (Dutch, Post-Impressionism, 1853-1890) Self-Portrait, 1887 Oil on artist’s board, mounted on cradled panel; 41 x 32.5 cm (16 1/8 x 12 13/16 in.). Art Institute Chicago “What am I in the eyes of most people — a nonentity, an eccentric, or an unpleasant person — somebody who has no position in society and will…

  • A Recorded Miracle

    A Recorded Miracle

    Have to share this! It isn’t common to get to see a miracle—much less hear one. However,  a real miracle took place in a Sunday school class in Texas. The class was being recorded, so the moments before, during, and after were captured on tape. Please, take five minutes to watch. this video I know…