June 28
Some advice: If your spouse dies before you, do not take their name off the bank account for about six months. When the checks come in their name, you can deposit them if the person’s name is still on the account. Fortunately, those who sent a check have been willing to reissue a check in my name.
I had a great week at Hilton Head. My room faced the ocean, I could walk in the waves in the morning and evening, refreshing and relaxing. My daughter came with my grandkids. We had fun at the pool and the beach. My son came for a couple of days. We went to Harbor Town and played some miniature golf, as well as walking the beach. I saw my other daughter on the way home. All good.
One morning as I walked, I saw a crowd of people. Hilton Head has a turtle trot every Wednesday over the summer. A large group stood ready to run the 5K. One of the boys took off like a shot, leading the group. He won, perhaps he led the whole way.
The young man who impressed me encouraged the other runners. I watched him speak to each one as he passed them, or if they passed him. “You’re doing great. Keep going. You can do this.”
That’s who I want to be. Not out front running on my own, but in the midst of the pack, sometimes ahead, sometimes behind, but always giving words of encouragement.
I realized, that takes intentionality. It doesn’t happen naturally. I get moody. My expectations aren’t met. Life happens and my focus changes.
As I walked, I pondered how to make it happen.
- When I was a young mom, a couple, Wayne and Ginny Gasper, at our church wrote notes to people. Their note would always start off with, “You’ve won our prayer lottery for today. We prayed for you.” And then a note that encouraged me. An older woman, Betty Sisson, wrote notes to missionaries and those who helped at the church. Just a few minutes each day, and I can encourage at least one person a day.
- When Norm got ill, I stepped aside from leading a Bible Study. I am so thankful for Vickie who stepped in to lead it while I took care of Norm. She did a great job and the group continued. They’re taking the summer off, so I’m going to catch up in my own study to where they are, and begin again in the fall. Meanwhile, we will meet a few times over the summer to connect and to pray.
- I also stepped aside from singing in a local women’s chorus. There were more issues going on than Norm’s illness, and Norm told me not to return to that group. But, I enjoy singing at nursing homes and rehab centers, so will be joining a group that does that.
- And lastly, I want to be intentional about my writing. This blog has been therapy for me, and I think it has been encouraging to others. I also write Bible studies and devotionals. I’m going to a writer’s conference in a few weeks. I want to get back to attending the local Word Weavers group.
Tonight, I feel good. I’ve had some good cries yesterday and today. I’m missing Norm’s humor, his insights, his support. I know more tough days lie ahead, but right now, I feel positive about what lies ahead.
I am thankful for God’s grace and for the gift of hope that He gives each day.
I pray for the persistence to be intentional in following Christ, encouraging others and living life to the fullest.
I rejoice in the Lord who saves. Without Him, there is no hope.
Where’s the joy? It is in the Lord God Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth.
Serve the Lord with gladness; Come before Him with joyful singing.
Know that the Lord Himself is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves;
We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.
Enter His gates with thanksgiving And His courts with praise.
Give thanks to Him, bless His name.
For the Lord is good; His lovingkindness is everlasting
And His faithfulness to all generations.
Psalm 100
TRICIA LATHROP 