Mailbox Slots…Don’t Do That!
Writing letters to friends and family is a joy. Finding colorful stickers to decorate envelopes and choosing the right card to send for a special occasion can be fun.
Visiting the local craft store provides a chance to bring out the creative side of my brain.
Walking each aisle to search for interesting cards, envelopes, stickers and possibly a small gift to give for a birthday or “thinking of you” occassion.
Bringing the craft items home, I arrange the various items on the dining room table and begin to assemble.
Looking at the calendar, I check for birthdays, anniversaries, holidays and any other reason to send a greeting.
Pen in hand, I begin writing a note and signing the cards. Stickers attached, envelope sealed, address written and return address label attached, stamp in the top right corner. I am ready to walk to the mailbox and slide the envelopes in the mail slot.
How exciting to be sending greetings! I enjoy receiving mail and love sending mail.
Our neighborhood has a cluster mailbox. All of the boxes are located in one big metal container. Each home has a number and a key. We take the key and open the box to get our mail. The container is so tall that we have a footstool for people like me who can’t quite reach the top mailbox.
This past Monday, I arrived at the mailbox and prepared to place my letters in the slot. One by one, I checked each letter making sure there was a postage stamp affixed, return address and correct address of the person who would receive the letter.
All was well until I decided to stick my fingers a little too far into the mail slot, just to make sure the letters went all the way in the box.
Word of advice…”Don’t do that!” My fingers were almost stuck in the mailbox slot. I could have peeked at the slot. Instead, I chose to place my fingers in the slot.
Immediately, I pulled my fingers out and said, “Thank You Lord.” I was relieved my fingers didn’t stick in the slot. I could just imagine the emergency call.
“What is your emergency?
“Ah, my fingers are stuck in the mail slot.”
I could picture the person on the other end of the line sitting in shock, then saying,
“What did you say?”
Happy to report my fingers are well and I will not be placing those sweet fingers in the mailbox slot again. I will listen for the letters to drop inside the container. I will peek at the slot to make sure the letters are all the way in the box.
Have you ever done something so silly? Have you ever said out loud, “Thank You Lord.”
God is always with us, even when we do things that make no sense. I imagine God had a good laugh with me, too.
Have a blessed day,
Mimi
In the stillness…
My head hurts. A pounding sinus headache. Or is it sinus? Could the pain in my head be coming from another source? Yes, I’ve had a sinus headache for a week. Changes in the barometric pressure always cause problems for my sinuses. There is something else happening in my head. I can feel the difference. A stress headache.
God has been whispering to me for weeks. I realized this morning that I have not been heeding His call.
The end of 2019 and beginning of 2020 have been filled with many activities for our family. Most of the events have been fun and filled with laughter. Some events were filled with tears. One of the many busy days was shared with friends in a celebration of life for a dear one who has passed on after a lengthy health struggle.
Looking at my “to do” check list each morning brought reminders of doctor appointments, birthday parties, writers group meetings, an award banquet, radio interview, author events and more. Each morning, I began with a smile and joy in my heart. Each afternoon, I felt the need for a nap.
What was I doing? Why was I feeling so happy and then, so tired? Couldn’t I just continue to enjoy each special event and press on to the next one? I love staying busy. I love sharing time with family and friends. I love volunteering.
I always say, “God taps me on the shoulder a couple of times and then, hits me in the head.” He tries to get my attention. My response is crucial to showing His love to others and to myself.
Another weekend of the most wonderful events. Alan and I enjoyed everything. Laughter, love, the giggles of children, the sharing of meals, the blessings of the life God has given us.
Sunday morning church service arrived. Sunrise Presbyterian Church sits across the street from Breach Inlet. The ocean view beckons as we stand to sing worship and praise songs. Glorious piano sounds played by our talented music director invites everyone to sing along and praise God.
As the time comes for us to sit and listen to the morning message, I glance at the title listed in the bulletin. “Be Still, and Know That I Am God”. Our pastor reminds us to relax into the pews and to “be still”. He suggests we close our eyes and truly take in the message of being still.
The words “Be still” seep into my mind, body and soul. “Be Still, and Know That I Am God”. Those words speak to me as I breathe in and out. My body begins to relax. I remember one important thing I have forgotten during the busyness of life. I have thanked God once or twice, but not nearly enough. In good times and in sad times, when I am busy or when I am resting, I need to thank God.
So there in the stillness of prayer and meditation on God’s Word, my heart is filled with thanksgiving.
“Thank You God. You have provided laughter, love and joy. You have also provided peace and comfort during sorrow. Thank You God, that in the stillness and the busyness, I can reach for You and You are always there.”
How are your days lately? Busy, quiet? Have you paused to give thanks to God?
Have a blessed day and know you are loved,
Mimi
Crossing Into the New Year
Happy New Year! Wishes for good health and happiness have been posted online, stated out loud, written in cards and letters and displayed on signs in stores. Smiles and handshakes are given to friends, family and strangers. For a few days before the new year begins and a few days after the new year begins, people show extra friendliness and compassion as we all “cross” into the new year.
Calendars are displayed with new appointments, activities, birth dates, anniversaries and more. Planners and “to do” lists fill my dining room table as I prepare to “cross” over from one calendar year to the next.
On a bright, sunny, breezy morning, Alan and I wanted to take a walk and enjoy scenery of the local waterfront park. After arriving at the waterfront, finding a parking place, bundling up (because ocean air is always more breezy than in town), we held hands and began walking to the end of the pier. Along the way, we could hear the laughter of children and adults playing in the great playground. Swings and slides, climbing area and plenty of benches for the adults to rest and watch the young ones playing.
The pier was filled with other walkers, joggers and people casting fishing lines into the water. This pier is long and allows for wonderful viewing of the harbor, barges passing by, tug boats, the occasional cruise ship and my favorite, dolphins jumping in and out of the water.
Above this pier is a huge bridge which is famous for its design. The bridge leaves Mount Pleasant and crosses into Charleston. As I stood and watched the many interesting sights in the water, my eyes were led to the bridge. The sounds of vehicles crossing from one area to the next reminded me of how we were preparing to “cross into the new year”. This bridge is equipped with safety features and inspections to keep travelers safe.
How are we equipped to cross over into the new year? Are we placing God first in our lives or are we too worried about our “to do” lists to make time for Him? Staring at the huge bridge, I began wondering about the people crossing from one city to the next. Where were they going? Family event, work, doctor appointment, shopping, tourist attraction? Wherever their destination, they trusted the bridge to be safe and sound.
I pray we will put our trust and faith in God as He leads us to “cross over” into the new year.
On a side note, as Alan and I stared at the bridge, we both commented how thankful we are for the people who inspect the bridges. “I sure wouldn’t want to be up that high in the air.” No need to worry. God is in charge. He equips us all with different gifts and bridge climbing is a gift someone else enjoys. 🙂
Have a blessed “cross into the new year”. God loves you and He is with you always.
Blessings,
Mimi
The Hospital Shirt…Finding Comfort
Have you ever paused to think of all the ways God sends comfort? Last week, after a strange reaction to an infusion for osteoporosis, I called the emergency number for the doctor office and was told to go the e.r. immediately. I didn’t have an allergic reaction. I had an “adverse” reaction to the infusion. No itchy throat or trouble breathing. My problems were extreme bone pain, nausea, fever, chills and muscles that kept contracting making my body feel like I had done 100 or more sit ups. Very strange feeling.
The infusion itself went well. The staff who assisted me provided information about the before, during and after components of an infusion. Being an almost 15 years breast cancer survivor and having dealt with chemotherapy and radiation all those years ago, I was a bit nervous. Stressful memories flooded my mind the moment the infusion was scheduled. I prayed and asked God to give me comfort. He answered. He always answers in one way or another. Days after making the appointment, I relaxed into my daily schedule and put the upcoming appointment in the back of my thoughts.
The day of the infusion was normal. No problems. I didn’t have the “reaction” until 1:00 a.m. That was when my body starting showing a dislike for the medicine that had entered my body.
After speaking with the medical staff on call and letting Alan know we needed to get ready and head to the emergency room, I slowly walked to the bedroom closet to find clothes so I could change from my pajamas to “day” clothes. Looking at the shirts hanging on the rack, my eyes quickly went to one shirt. Grabbing the maroon colored short-sleeved t-shirt and a pair of jeans, I dressed for the car ride to the hospital.
Alan opened the car door for me, helped me into the car and turned on the seat warmer. I closed my eyes and prayed as we rode through the dark of the night to arrive at the hospital.
On this ride to the e.r., I began thinking of the shirt I picked to wear. Something comfortable and easy to remove if a hospital gown was needed. Short sleeves would be easy for blood pressure cuff.
I started to wonder. “Why do I always pick this same shirt to wear to the emergency room or for stressful medical tests?” I have noticed a pattern in what I choose to wear for those possibly worrisome visits. I always choose the maroon shirt.
A calm came over my body and I remembered.
I prayed and asked God to give me peace and calm. I was afraid. He would be the answer to my fears. He would cover me with peace only He can provide.
Looking down at my maroon t-shirt, I smiled. God gave me comfort through an old shirt. God was reminding me that His love and peace are covering me in all situations. No matter the outcome, He covers me from head to toe. This favorite shirt of mine was one way God was covering me. No need for worry.
The hospital staff provided great care and soon we were on our way back home. I feel much better and have been busy with family and church activities.
Each time I see this old shirt hanging on the rack in my closet, I smile. One of these days, that shirt will wear out and I will find another one to wear to the hospital and doctor appointments.
I am thankful God’s love never gives out. God’s love never changes. He will provide comfort and peace in many ways, even in an old shirt.
How was God provided peace and comfort to you lately? Share with us. Your story may encourage others.
Have a blessed day,
Mimi
“Get in there Mimi…Get in there.”
An aroma of warm comfort food filled the home. A delicious dinner of baked ziti, bread and salad was enjoyed by all. Alan and I were visiting with Mike, Christine and Rowan. We provided dinner on Sunday evening. Delightful conversation, laughter filling each room and echoing off the walls. Olive the Boston Terrier racing back and forth from room to room looking for someone to play a game of throw and retrieve. A blessed evening with family.
Dinner finished, dishes readied for the dishwasher and the final chocolate chip cookie eaten for dessert, we slowly walked to the living room. Nice time for conversation and settling down.
Rowan was not ready for rest or quiet. His two years old body was eager to build a tent, play with dinosaurs, sing songs and climb onto the couch and snuggle Bop(Alan) and Mimi(me).
Resting after the meal, Bop positioned himself on the gray couch by leaning over to his side, propping his elbow on top of the couch cushion.
The moment Rowan saw Bop sitting that way, Rowan looked at me and said, “Get in there Mimi…get in there.” I paused and wondered what Rowan was talking about. Then, I could see. Rowan enjoys making tents with blankets and pillows. He wasn’t talking about tents when he made the request.
The way Bop was angled made a small “opening” between the side of his body and the couch. Almost like going into a tent. Rowan was asking me to “Get in there” and snuggle Bop. I was happy to oblige.
Rowan and I both cuddled up to Bop and shared warmth, hugs and love.
This sweet act of snuggling with our grandson made me think about how often God calls us to “Get in there” with Him. Are we listening to the call to share time with Him? Time to pause and feel the warmth of His love.
Have you wanted to “Get in there” with God and enjoy sharing quiet moments and also, sharing laughter with Him? Take a moment and rest in Him.
Blessings, snuggles and laughter,
Mimi
Unexpected and Unwanted Guests…Blessings in Disguise
Hello friends! Hurricane Dorian has left the Low Country of South Carolina and life is returning to normal. Well…as normal as can be expected for us since Alan and I had to move unexpectedly and quickly. We received notice via email that the home we were renting was being sold and we needed to move. First, worry set in and then, we remembered to pray. We should have prayed first but our emotions got the best of us for a bit.
Praying and more praying. God listened. He already knew His answer. God provided a brand new home for us about three minutes away from the previous home. We keep in touch with wonderful friends from the previous neighborhood and are making new friends here. There was no need for worry. God knew what He had planned for us.
Following the path of “It’s Always A Story With The Henderson’s”, of course, one of the first events in our new home was to deal with a hurricane. We did not evacuate. Some neighbors stayed while other people left town. The winds howled and whipped trees and street signs through the air. Heavy rain beat the windows causing us to wonder if the glass could sustain such pressure. Praying for all affected by this terrible storm. People here and people in other areas.
The hurricane was an “unwanted guest”. Not “unexpected”. Weather forecasters had alerted of the approaching storm.
New neighbors and friends from the other neighborhood texted, called and checked on each other. This scary hurricane brought people closer together. Friends and strangers helping each other. “Blessings in disguise”. Help putting up storm shutters, businesses offering free items to first responders, neighbors helping neighbors.
Moving past the hurricane, we were ready for beach service at Sunrise Presbyterian Church on Sullivan’s Island SC. Our church offers the special worship time when the tides are safe and there is room on the beach at Breach Inlet.
Last Sunday, bright sunshine warmed everyone while we watched dolphins jump in and out of the ocean. Seagulls and pelicans flew overhead appearing to try to listen to the music, sermon and prayers.
And then… an “unexpected” visitor. Our church welcomes everyone to worship with us, but this was a different kind of visitor. At the beginning of service, a huge pelican flew overhead and landed right in front of the pastor. The pelican sat for a bit and listened and then, attempted to help preach by nipping at the pastor’s toes. Calmness prevailed when a person in the congregation quietly walked to the pelican, reached down and closed the beak and carried the bird to another section of the beach. I had to laugh because the woman appeared to be reprimanding the pelican.
The pelican was not going to leave. The bird had made the decision to attend church and so, at first in the front of the congregation, then, sitting in back of the group of people, this pelican sat and watched.
Laughter was brought to us through a pelican. The hurricane had been scary and had brought back memories of past storms. Hurricanes are “unwanted” guests. This pelican was an “unexpected” guest.
God gives us times to laugh and times to heal from storms in life. Have you found any “unexpected” and “unwanted” guests to be blessings in disguise?
I wonder if the pelican visited the beach again looking for the crowd of people worshipping the Lord. 🙂
Look for ways to find “blessings in disguise”. Let us know what you find.
Have a blessed day,
Mimi