My youngest strode across the blacktop, chest puffed out, looking like he was about to pop. Before he was even in the car, in a rush of words he explained how he was the only one who already knew how to use the microscopes and how the professor had asked him to help everyone else …
You Owe Me
It gives me pleasure to serve and give to my children and grandchildren. The simple joy I receive is payment enough, but I receive their gratitude and a share of their time as well. Balancing the scales or creating a sense of obligation never crosses my mind. In fact, if anything, we each seek to …
Respectfully
Yes sir and yes ma’am are a matter of manners in the south. Yes or no without the sir or ma’am just feels wrong to me. In my fifties, I address people of all ages likewise. One of the most difficult parts of adulting for me was to address someone who was my elder or …
Not What I Want
I experience claustrophobia in moving crowds, more particularly behind moving crowds. When the way ahead is clear, I breathe easier. When my way is blocked by a wall of humanity, even though we are all moving in the same direction, I hold my breath and make a dash for the nearest opening. Shopping malls have …
Lead By Example
I’ve been the mother in the grocery store with the screaming baby, just trying to finish and get home with a shred of dignity, or is it sanity?I’ve since seen mothers in the store with little ones who are past the point of no return and I wonder at the varied responses I see to …
Out With The Old
Thomas and I crossed the restaurant to speak to a group of ladies, friends I hadn’t seen in several years. He clung to me bashfully, face against my shoulder, until one of the others used her experienced grandmother voice to draw him out. After that, he was all smiles and we all laughed at the …
Final Destination
My husband and I applied for our RealID cards to replace our drivers licenses on the same day. Neither of us will ever forget the experience. We tell the story around the dinner table and still get a good belly laugh. The camera operator insisted on taking several shots until my husband smiled to her …
Speaking From Experience
James and John were fishermen by trade, the rough and tumble sons of Zebedee. With these two, everything must have been a competition. Jesus chose them to be among his closest followers and nicknamed them “Sons of Thunder.” (Mark 3:17) Even before they were called out by the Christ, these boys must have been pretty …
Peace Be Still
I slept through Hurricane Hugo on the couch in my parents’ living room under an open window. A tree fell, missing my car by inches. The wind left our yard strewn with downed limbs and debris but I was completely unaware until morning. To this day, I love a storm. I’m grateful for shelter, of …
In An Instant
Just minutes ago, rain and heavy gray clouded the lake behind my house. Puddles stand on the drive and a seven foot king snake seeks shelter along the stonework under my covered porch. The thunder still rumbles in the distance but suddenly the gray gives way to glorious light. My granny would’ve said that the …
A Fitting Reply 