The Painter's Brush

If there is one thing that we can count on, it is that life will be completely unpredictable. I am back at the beach, this time with my family in tow.  The chill has been banished by the over-ruling sun and the sand sizzles with a warm welcome of delight as the last of the vacationers take advantage of this reprieve from an early fall. Most of the people on this beach are cottage owners that will be soon heading back to the demands of work and school with the exception of the gulls that tramp the shoreline begging their lunch. I can see the outline of land far across the lake and I wonder what it must have been like for the first settlers of this country; seeing home for the first time or returning after working at sea. The gently undulating line on the horizon is no more than the Painter’s brush swept across the water with a blend of color mixed from the lighter sky and the blue waters that darken with mystery as they make their rendezvous with the distant sky. The landline beckons to me of friends and family I have left across the shore, never forgotten. It is here that I feel closest to them at times when seemingly such a small body of water separates us and I can simply float effortlessly homeward like driftwood. The rush of a motorboat slicing through the waves pulls me back to the present and I am on the beach with my family, watching them read and trying not to slip down the sandy hill where I’ve found enough shade to open my laptop. I climb gingerly down the little hill and run off to toss the football some more with my girls.  I'm going  enjoy this unexpected blessing of warmth and the love of the family that I carry with me always. Life may be full of surprises and the blessing is that we share each of them with a Father Who knows the way.




** This blog has been borrowed from a previous blog of mine and edited.  

Gratitude

Such A happy face, the same eyes I remember looking into mine when she was born..now trying on adulthood like a new hat in a shop.  How does this look, mom?

The Girls Club

Appreciating each moment, noticing the small joys that make us smile and be glad to be here, sharing this day with family.

Don't I look cute, mom?  I just love her style but I'm also developing my own unique, charming way of being me.

 Sharing flavors, opinions and jewelry.  What makes sisters different from friends.  Can I have a bite of yours?  Can I tell you something about my day and have you listen and not try to fix it; I just need a sister right now.  Are you really going to wear that out of the house?

 Taking in the sweet scent of spring.  The flushed cheeks, the eyes closed in surrender to the beauty these flowers give each passer by.  In my eyes, I see only perfection when I see my children.  I see their hearts when they misbehave and it's easier to count to ten and scold mildly now that I've learned their ways.

 I just had to have a picture of this moment to look back to so I know it's real.  My eighteen year old is driving to her first college weekend sleepover.  Alone.  I can see the hope for the future in her eyes as a slight smile lights her face and she looks ahead at the black road stretching to the horizon.  What will it bring her?  What will she give to become her dreams?  Only time will tell.  The excitement of parenthood; waiting, watching the rose blossom.

 Traces of baby innocence in that shy smile, those rosy cheeks and the fingers curved just so.  A minute of wonderment caught in a hatshop.  What do you think, mom?  Am I a grown up yet?  Is this my color?  Do you love me?  Are you proud of me?  Yes.

Tiny flowers not to be overlooked.  What are they?  We don't know but they have captured our attention just the same.  Fall leaves scattered, blown across the floral canvas by a restless wind.  Summer is coming, summer is coming.

 Oh!  Those eyes!  They used to look quizically at strangers at the ripe old age of two, sizing them up and wondering... I wish I knew what she was wondering.  Now, I can ask my girlfriend, confidante and she will tell me.  So nice.

 So glam!  This hat fits me just right, mom!  It just feels right, like a part of me.  It makes me feel pretty.  Do I look pretty?  Do I look pretty, mom? Are you proud of me?  Do you love me?  Yes.

Heads together, shared laughter and Tic Tac breath.  Today will be a day to remember. Pass me the hair dryer when you are done.  Can I have some of your conditioner?  Did you really forget the towels?  MUMI!! Last one in the water is a dirty rotten egg.  Outside, a cold spring blows on by.

Thumbs up to a day of fun, no school!

Early Easter morning, before the sun has warmed the earth.  Three hearts together, remembering.

Leaving.  Think of next time.

And the next week brings its own tasks.  Shouldering the load, not alone this time.  I have given myself time to adjust and rest from the week's whirlwind of fun  On the bus to my class.  Up before dawn.  Home by three.  Learning to take care of me.  Finding the words to say.  Learning to listen with my body, eyes and heart.  I love my work and each day I press on with my goals, pleased with the gradual but sure progress God has graciously granted.  Thank you, Father, for my family.  Thank you for the time we had and thank you for carrying us on our separate and distant roads.  Apart but never alone.