In 1992 I made a trip to my home town in Arkansas to visit family. My cousin and I wanted to see a movie and Pure Country was playing at the dollar theater. This was our first real exposure to George Strait, and although he may not be an Oscar caliber actor, he’s quite a singer and easy on the eyes, too. We made such a big deal out of it that our mothers went with us to see it again the next night.

When my dad heard our story, he calmly said, “You know you could have met him at the fair, but he was country.”

My dad tuned pianos for the concerts at the Arkansas Oklahoma state fair during my childhood and met many famous artists. As a teen, however, I was too cool for country and apparently had turned up my nose at the chance to meet George Strait.

“Couldn’t you have shown me a picture?” (Yes, I acknowledge this is a shallow comment, but I made it nonetheless.)

My collection now brims with George Strait CDs, and yes, I eventually attended a concert (although not with the backstage pass my dad could have provided once upon a time).

Sitting here listening to “I Saw God Today,” I wonder how many things in life I miss because of preconceived notions or prejudice, because I’m too stubborn to see beyond a label.

Isn’t is amazing that the essence of human relations can be so thoroughly explained and condensed in 11 little verses? To live it is the challenge!

But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,

Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.

And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloak forbid not to take thy coat also.

Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again.

And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.

For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them.

And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same.

And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again.

But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.

Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.

Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:

Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

~Luke: 6: 27-38

I recently read Jane Austen’s Mansfield Park, which was filled with commentaries on character and its formation. As a parent, I found the following observations by a father in the story quite thought-provoking:

He feared that principle, active principle, had been wanting, that they had never been properly taught to govern their inclinations and tempers, by that sense of duty which can alone suffice. They had been instructed theoretically in their religion, but never required to bring it into daily practice. To be distinguished for elegance and accomplishments - the authorized object of their youth - could have had no useful influence that way, no moral effect on the mind. He had meant them to be good, but his cares had been directed to the understanding and manners, not the disposition; and of the necessity of self-denial and humility, he feared they had never heard from any lips that could profit them.

Wow. Convicting words from someone who never had children of her own. I love reading Jane Austen: delicious fiction with a powerful moral undercurrent from an author with keen insight into human nature.

This new year has been busy and I haven’t had time to properly sit and make my resolutions. I love analysis, resolving to live better, the feeling of a fresh start (recommended reading in this area includes these posts from my cousin Queen Shenaynay at the Beehive and Sprittibee).

One clear idea that has been laid on my heart is embodied in the following verse of scripture:

“Use hospitality one to another without grudging.” ~ 1 Peter 4:9

The passage of time has laid many family traditions in my hands and at my door, both literally and figuratively. We host Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other family gatherings now because those who hosted before have either passed on or are no longer physically able. Planning a holiday celebrations is out of my hands: those dates are set. Although I love entertaining, I seldom initiate it because of my inability to attain the level of perfection of preparation (both cleaning and cooking) I require of myself.

Two of the best times we’ve had this year were when friends wanted to get together and asked about meeting at our home. On the first occasion, two couples joined us and everyone pitched in together on the food: one brought spaghetti, one bread, I made dessert. On New Year’s Eve we had planned to celebrate with other couples from church. When our attempts to find a babysitter failed, we were prepared to stay home alone; on a last-minute suggestion, the party moved to our house. We had a wonderful time ringing in the new year with our friends and stayed up talking until 3 a.m.!

Here are pictures from special times we’ve had entertaining in our home recently:

My daddy (lower right) is getting married in April (my mom passed away in March of 2004). My new future stepmother, brothers, and sisters are here in this picture with my husband and I, taken last Saturday.

Here’s one with all of our children, too.

And here is our fun New Year’s Eve. Since I have already been asked about the significance of Bryan’s hand on my tummy, I will mention that I am not expecting. He must have been helping me hold in those extra 5 pounds I added in December!

In the most recent edition of Sheila Wray Gregoire’s Reality Check, she states:

Just look at the size of our homes. In 1950, the average house was 983 square feet. In 1990, it had increased to 1500 square feet. And today, in Canada, it’s over 2000. At the same time, our families have shrunk and we entertain far less frequently. We have bigger homes that we don’t share.

I want to share. I want to practice hospitality without grudging, without over-analysis, without reservation; caring more for the fellowship of friends than the condition of my home (loved this post). If you share my resolution, I encourage you to visit 4 Reluctant Entertainers. Sandy is full of advice, inspiration, and encouragement in this area.

I came upon the following quote tonight. It truly blessed me and I was surprised when I saw the source. It is certainly as relevant today as when it was written:

If mothers could learn to do for themselves what they do for their children…, we should have happier households. Let the mother go out to play! If she would only have courage to let everything go when life becomes too tense, and just take a day, or half a day, out in the fields, or with a favourite book, or in a picture gallery looking long and well at just two or three pictures, or in bed, without the children, life would go on far more happily for both children and parents.
~Charlotte Mason, Volume 3, page 33 of The Original Homeschooling Series.

I don’t know about you, but I feel guilty about anything and everything I do for myself, as if it is unnecessary and purely selfish. As mothers, we need to recharge our batteries sometimes; otherwise it’s easy to become cranky and resentful, and that doesn’t benefit anyone. I’m blessed to have a group of church sisters who love LNOs (ladies’ nights out), whether planned or impromptu. It’s great to have friends you can call and say, “Help! I really need a night out. Can we meet for supper?”

I really loved this encouraging quote for moms.

I’ve found that there are some situations in life that I simply don’t know how to handle unless I’ve been there myself. I never knew how to comfort or talk to a woman who’d miscarried a child until it happened to me. Because my mother spent many years using a cane, I’ve learned to treat people with canes or wheelchairs like everyone else, not avoiding eye contact or conversation out of awkwardness or not knowing what to say. I’ve been blessed with eight wonderfully healthy children, and my experience with special needs children is quite limited; subsequently, this is one of those areas where I’m not particularly comfortable or confident in my ability to say or do the right thing.

Last year a family moved across the street from us with a special needs child. Hannah can’t run and play outside with the other kids. She doesn’t laugh and tell silly stories. Her mother pushes her in a stroller which supports her head and neck. Did I reach out to this family and befriend this mother and child? No, I’m ashamed to say that in my inadequacy and unfamiliarity with this kind of situation, I didn’t.

A few weeks ago, my 3- and 5-year-old started going over to Hannah’s house to play. Then my 7- and 10-year-old started going, too. I have no disillusionment where my children are concerned: I know they are moochers, and will eat any and all snacks, gum, popsicles, etc. that they can get their hands on. I worried that they were taking advantage of Hannah’s family.

What I didn’t see was that they were making friends with a child who couldn’t go out and make friends on her own. They go to Hannah’s house and paint and play; they tell me funny stories of how Hannah sighs when she doesn’t like something and sways with joy when she does. When my 7-year-old daughter described how they dance with Hannah, her body supported in a special walker which holds her almost upright, I was so choked up I could hardly speak.

This morning 3 of my children accompanied Hannah and her family to a special showing of Ratatouille for special needs children, their friends, and family. Ironing out the details on the phone yesterday, her mother told me what a blessing the children’s visits have been. This is the first time attending a movie for Hannah. If all goes well, a trip to Dairy Queen for ice cream will follow. Anticipation of this outing has been one of the highlights of the week in our household.

We all have infirmities. Some are just more visible than others.

We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.
~ Romans 15:1-2

And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.

And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.

But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.

And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.

And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.

But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.

And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?

~Matthew 14:25-31

Our back deck is a peaceful place in the morning, shady and breezy even in June. Today I took my breakfast and my Bible and sneaked out for a few moments of solitude. The above verses were part of my reading, and I was really struck by them: When Peter remained focused on Jesus and placed his trust in Him, he walked on water; but, when Peter became distracted and fearful because of the whirlwind surrounding him, he began to sink, crying, “Lord, save me.”

Too often I get overwhelmed by life’s whirlwinds and my focus strays from Him. Worse yet is my failure to do what Peter did, which is to cry, “Lord save me!” I’m not quite certain what makes me think I can work it all out without Him; it hasn’t happened yet.

The passage which gave the most comfort, literally made me smile, was: “And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him. . .” Immediately. Caught him. No matter how fearful I become or how big a mess I make of things, He hears my cry. I long for the faith and focus not to become distracted from Him, sunk by fear. “Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.”