Blog-worthy reflections

Last night I spent the night alone at our little cottage. Every now and then it just feels nice to have an evening to myself. I know, I'm a bit of an introvert, but I'm okay with it. When I woke up and looked out the window this morning I saw the most beautiful sight. I didn't take my camera so this is taken with my phone. I immediately thought back to when we lived on a lake growing up and when my dad made us the best ice skating rinks. He spent so much time making them perfect for us. I wish I had a picture. He was so sweet to us. It was warm today and the snow had melted off the ice. I thought about how nice it would be if it got real cold and I could skate forever. Dad would have loved it.

Then I thought about the many times I had fallen while skating and how much it hurt when I fell on my head. The ice is so hard! My mind drifted as I thought about how hard our hearts can be when we are in a "Winter" season. But when we let the light of God in, He can melt our hardened hearts. When we don't allow HIm in we can be as cold as ice to our loved-ones and deeply hurt them. I would rather be warm and loving. When we make the choice to be vulnerable, spending some time alone with Him, there might be a few tears shed because we are disappointed about something, but He can change us and make us beautiful Oh, so beautiful.

Next is the view from another window. I took this picture on New Year's Eve. As I look at so many things I'd like to change (It would only take me and hour to fix them!), I am forced to look beyond them. Instead of focusing on everything that bothers me, those imperfections better not stop me from seeing what is important in the big picture. I need to keep my eyes on what needs changing in my own property... and in my own life. I can't go changing the neighbors (or husband or kids!). It's not my job. It's never my job to change anybody else. Whew, this one is hard! I love the owners, but WOW! I better mind my own business. Honestly though, my tendency to be a perfectionist is being tested big-time!

Now I better tell you that I asked my friends to pose for this one at Bunco the other night. I cannot tell you how much it bothers me when people are not fully present when we are together. I cannot change the way the world is changing, but Miss Manners would not approve. I'm just as guilty as the next girl, but I hope to stop being rude and distracted when I'm with you in person or on the phone. Please forgive me because I will no longer multi-task.

xoxo