Recognizing Gifts - Of Those Closest To Us

Before I begin with my meandering thoughts, I must make two disclaimers.

1.  In no way is the biblical reference meant personally. ( REALLY!)

2.  If you talk to Todd soon, no need to tell him he was the subject of my blog. (REALLY!)

Last Friday, the Space Shuttle Endeavor made its way home to Los Angeles.  It was quite an exciting day around here.  All the TV stations were carrying Endeavor’s progress live, as it headed down the coast from San Francisco and made passes over strategic Southland locations.  One of those, JPL, is right here in La Canada (although the newscasters always place it in Pasadena). 

Todd joined his father-in-law, Don (a recently retired JPL Engineer – yes he IS a Rocket Scientist!), at a spot Don had scoped out the previous day.  He figured it was the perfect place to see Endeavor as it made its loop over the JPL facility; below is the picture Todd took of that historic moment.

When I received this photo, I was blown away (pardon the pun!)  What a shot – and my son took it!  I sent it out to friends and family, from whom I continue to get responses of  “WOW”, “Amazing”, “Awesome”, “What a photographer”.

Yeah, but it’s just Todd.

 Bill tells me “Well he is a professional photographer, Carol!”

Yeah, but he’s just our son.

As I have been reflecting on my reactions, not only to this picture, but my cavalier attitude about Todd’s gifts, I thought of the Gospel story of Jesus not being recognized in his own hometown.  After all, he was just the carpenter’s son.

You see where I am going with this?  How many times do I do that?

 People look at the beautiful bonsai Bill has so carefully and lovingly tended and I say

Yeah, but he’s just my husband.

Sound familiar?  Perhaps not; but as for me, this has been a huge “God Shot”!  I am quick to admire the talents of mere acquaintances or even strangers, compliment them on their achievements and accomplishments.  Of course, that is a good thing. But maybe, just maybe, I should take a look at those closest to me and not take for granted their God-given gifts.

So – Yes!  Todd is one great photographer!

And – yeah – he’s my son!

The Goodness of God

Last weekend was filled with the goodness of God, for me!  On Saturday, we began the fifth season of A Morning Apart at church.  My friend and I initiated these monthly gatherings, which include a time for scripture reading using Lectio Divina, followed by an extended quiet time to be with God in whatever way works for each individual.  Some read, journal, take walks, or participate in a spiritual discipline we might be offering.  This month we focused on Psalm 104, known as the ‘Creation Psalm’.  We set up five meditation areas around the church campus with one of Bill’s amazing bonsai’s as the focal point at each.  Talk about experiencing God’s creation through nature!

The previous evening I had another encounter with God’s Grace.  My son, Todd and daughter-in-law Amy, invited Amy’s parents and us for dinner to announce the gender and name of our first grandchild.  They very cleverly gave us each a picture frame that said “first grandchild’ with a photo of the name spelled out using scrabble letters.  Tears were flowing, as Bill and I realized this new little fellow would be carrying our name to the next generation! 

I hope these pictures give you a flavor of "The Goodness of God"!

Full Circle

Have you ever had the experience of life coming ‘full circle’?    You know, those times when you realize you’ve been in this place before, but now you’re coming at it from the other direction.  I had one of those this weekend.

Fourteen years ago it seemed as though my life was falling apart.  I was in the midst of two major crises and feeling pretty hopeless.  I had just started attending a Presbyterian Church, which had a Stephen Ministry program.  This amazing group of people volunteer to walk alongside a person who needs a companion while maneuvering through a rough patch in life.  They don’t give advice, it’s not psychotherapy; it’s just great big doses of TLC when you need it most!  I was fortunate enough to be a recipient of the care given by an incredible Stephen Minister.  Not only did she walk me through my crises, but we formed a spiritual friendship that continues to thrive to this day.

So here I am all these years later and I was asked to facilitate a retreat, which would commence their new year of ministry.  As I began the morning with a brief introduction of myself and why Stephen Ministers had been such a pivotal part of my life, I was struck by the ‘full circleness’ of it all!  (I don’t think ‘circleness’ is a word, but it just seems to fit!).  God was allowing me the opportunity to give back in some small measure, that which had been so freely given to me all those years ago. 

I’d like to say, instead of being on the receiving end, I was on the giving end.  But this full circle thing doesn’t exactly work like that, does it?  Because you see as I sat in the retreat Saturday morning, I was once again receiving.  I was filled with gratitude for this ministry and for a God who is so faithful.  He has never given up on me, even when time after time I have doubted myself.  A full circle blessing, indeed!

So, back to the beginning, have you ever had the experience of life coming ‘full circle’?    I bet you have.  It’s pretty awesome isn’t it?