Category: update

“…make a beeline for someone today and strike up a conversation.” This is the challenge for today – to be generous with our words.

Today I am exhausted. I had breakfast with 2 of my former neighbours plus was part of a planning meeting for church. I tried to visit Mom, but she was in a church service at the home; my head was beginning to ache and so I left. This is a challenge to leave for another day.

Who are the people in the margins in your life, your city or neighbourhood, the world? The most basic challenge today is to simply make eye contact and smile.

Walking through airports with the masses of people hurrying and scurrying it is hard to make eye contact. But it is also a delight when it happens and a smile is returned.

I also ready Kelly Nikondeha’s article in SheLoves magazine on Burundi. She writes:

Please keep your eyes trained on Burundi. She may not grace the front page of the international news section all that often or make the prayers of the people in church each Sunday, but she is here and in need of our solidarity.

So I will read more about Burundi and keep her in my prayers.

And one more place to listen to the marginalized: LGBTQ community within the Mennonite Church

For a long time I didn’t know what BOGO stood for; now I do “Buy one Get one.” Today’s challenge is along that line – buy one for yourself and one for someone else.

Before heading to California I bought two picture storybooks for my grandchildren, only to discover that they already had one of them, the true story of the bear behind “Winnie the Pooh”. In consultation with Trina and Mina I decided rather than carry it home again, I’d give the one I brought to the pre-school/daycare centre (Building Kidz Scotts Valley) Mina and Volker attend. I hope the book is well loved there!

Today we are challenged to share our skills, talents, insights and experiences with others. Again, I do this regularly on my job. 

Recently I created a slideshow for a woman from FMC. Liz was giving a seniors’ group the story of her life so I scanned pictures and put them together according to her script. It was a lot of fun and I enjoyed getting to know Liz better. 

At other times in my life I have taught smocking and crochet. I enjoy teaching. And sharing my skills is very fulfilling. 

Today’s challenge in generosity is to be especially considerate and grateful to the many people who serve you in a day. The people behind the counter in stores and businesses, the wait staff in a restaurant, the crew of the aircraft — every day we are served by others. Acknowledge them with genuine attention. 

I was blessed this morning when Kristie, the woman who cleans at Trina’s house once a week, greeted me with a hug. I’d never actually met her before though I’d seen  her on a video chat. And I’m not a very ‘huggy’ person (like my beloved sister, Cheryl) but it felt good to be greeted so warmly this morning. I want to pass that on.
   And on an entirely different note, it is raining here again today.  The forecast is for the weather to clear up on Tuesday – the day I leave at 5:00am!  Oh, well, I just keep reminding myself how much California needs the water.