Truth and H&R Block

Truth (little t) can be found in lots of places. God can infuse truth about life and humanity into secular music, into popular novels and movies and, yes, even into advertising. During this year's tax season, H&R Block cleverly employed the slogan, "We've got people. Do you?" That's sound marketing as they compete with software packages that enable people to do their own taxes at home. Everyone's afraid of the big, bad IRS so they play on the fact that people want somebody to have their backs if the IRS comes callin'. But it's also truth about humanity.

Everywhere I've turned today I have been confronted with the truth that people need people. We all want someone to have our backs. But we don't all have people. And not all of us even agree that we need our own posse, but we do.

And I'm not necessarily crazy about the truth of that, honestly. People can be problematic and worrisome, and I genuinely struggle with having enough patience and energy for my children when they are particularly needy, so needy adults generally send me over the edge. AND THAT IS WRONG! Jesus' priority is people; my priority should be people.

And the rest of the story is that God showers abundant blessings on my life through those He has blessed me with. I got love from people who know what's wrong with me and love me still. As cantankerous and moody and self righteous and proud as I can be at times - they love me still. As problematic, worrisome, and needy as I can be at times - they love me still. I'm grateful for my people, and I will continue to pray for a heart that reflects His.

I've been in places where I didn't have close friends - just many acquaintances, and that is hard. But I personally believe that God honors prayers from His children who are hungry for community. And when opportunities arise, we have to put ourselves out there.

People are strange and often hard to figure, but roll with it and see what God has in store. A BFF could be around the next bend...

Turn on the music...

Okay, okay, okay. So the word regularly (as in the sentence I do commit to blog regularly) is a very subjective term. What is the meaning of the word regularly... Anyway, I'm trying to create this blogging habit, but I obviously don't have it programmed into my daily routine as of yet. Bear with me... (I love ellipsis marks; they rock at conveying a thoughtful pause in writing - YES, I AM A DORK!).

Anyway, on to life observations.

My children are not often in the car when it is dark outside. We are a pretty structured, routine-driven family, and my children are generally at home getting ready for bed as the sun sets. Therefore, Campbell, our two year-old, is a little freaked out when she can't see anything in the car because it's dark outside. The other night she said, "Hey, I can't see any fing; somebody turn on the music!" Which totally cracked me up. I still think that's just too funny.

Now, I honestly do think she was trying to convey two totally separate thoughts, but the illogic of that sentence has stuck in my brain. But you know, I'm guilty too. I'll say, "I'm stressed; cut me a piece of 75 layer chocolate cake, pronto!" or "I feel buried and overwhelmed by all that I need to do; I'm going to take a nap." Yep, that's me. Talk about illogical. The action that I take doesn't at all address the problem at hand. Sure, it feels better, but it doesn't make a lick of sense and is actually counterproductive. I don't know why I do that; I'm sure there's some deep-seated emotional trauma that warped my thinking, but I don't care to delve into that.

In this season of my life, I just want to do what's best, even if it's what's hardest. And that's usually the case, you know, the best course of action is usually the hardest of your options - not the most fun, the easiest, or what feels the best. That sucks, but I am learning the pay-off in the end is soooooooo worth it - always.

Long live the ellipsis...

If it had been a snake...

Don't you love that Southern saying: "If it had been a snake it would've bit ya." Had one of those experiences this morning:

I dressed at the gym yesterday, so I was unpacking my toiletries bag as I beautified this morning. I couldn't find my comb. My purple and turquoise wide-tooth comb that I have had well over ten years. I was ticked at the thought that I had left it at the gym. It would probably still be there today, but then I would think it was gross because somebody may have used it... Funky! Anyway it wouldn't be the same.

Well, I continued to apply my make-up, etc..., out of my bag - my bag with clear pockets. When I was almost done, I saw my comb in one of the middle pockets. Right there in plain view. I must have looked at it like twenty times while I retrieved various supplies, and I absolutely never saw it.

Jesus talked about those who see but do not perceive. My eyes saw the comb, but my brain didn't perceive it. I don't want to be that person. Do I see a dark, lonely, hopeless world around me and not perceive it? Do I have eyes that don't see? Do I look into the faces of people who are far from the Lord every day and not even perceive their need or their despair.

I do, but it is so my heart's desire to be different.

Pinball anyone?

I know spring is kinda a symbolic time for new stuff. New growth. New clothes (spiffy Easter duds). But come on... I am almost shell-shocked from the "new" going on in my life. Chris is starting a new job, which we do every two-three years, so that always means a period of home study (to learn the new product(s)), at least two weeks away for training, a new car, perhaps a new territory, and a new manager.

Then there's also the new church start our family is a part of - NewSpring Church in Florence. Yahoooooo! A new location. New people to meet. Lots and lots of things to do.

No complaining here. I'm one who is easily bored, so I am beyond thankful that God is pouring out the "new" on us. The uncertainty, the newness, the change, even perhaps the discomfort is exhilarating because we're plugged in to the Source while our heads spin and ding in the pinball machine that is our life during this season.

I do.

Like I need another commitment in my life. I am a wife, a mom, a housekeeper, a chaffeur, a cook, a runner, a member of a team starting a new church, and most of the time a crazy person. Next weekend, we are organizing a road trip (4 hours away) to attend a Saturday Easter service at NewSpring Church (http://www.newspring.cc/). I'm hosting a wedding shower at my house in two weeks, which will truly test the limits of my sanity. And I'm running in a 10K race the Saturday after that. Yeah, I need another commitment in my life. Aren't we all like that?

But I do...

I do commit to blogging regularly (since you can see that my first and last blog entry was four months ago). To chronicle tidbits of my life and relay the things that make my brain smoke and my heart melt. I will aim for brevity (so so hard for me), and we'll see what happens...