Minding the gap

Last week I ventured out in the snow to Mello Velo, a cafe connected to a bicycle shop. I wore Abi's hip fur lined boots- the girls insisted.
"Mama New, I saw you walking in the snow," Nathaniel commented.
"Really- how did I look?"
"Like a first semester student at the university," he replied.
 If I lived in central New York I would buy boots, more than one pair.
So, in a toasty corner of  the cafe I sipped good coffee and spread my notes out on an uncluttered surface. hmmm, what to share with these dear women in the northlands?
 here's a crumb. . .

Dear ones- the London underground pulls into the station and I hear a lilting voice, Mind the Gap! So I  mind it- a gap between train and platform that might swallow little me; likewise a spiritual gap can widen between what I believe and the reality of how I live. Have you noticed?
I need you to help me mind the gap; we desperately need each other in that way. . .
"Encourage one another day by day while it  is still today lest our hearts grow hard by the deceitfulness of sin." Hebrews 3:13

Amid a confusing providence I ask, "What do I know is true about God?"
I know that God is good and I desperately need you to remind me, especially when I'm shaky, doubtful,  cold inside. Please tell me the stories of God's goodness, remind me that He is good and does good. . . that he stores up goodness. . .He gives good gifts. And please, stay close.

Together with dear friends, we asked each other, "What are you afraid God won't give you?"
To be really honest. . .I'm afraid that when my husband retires we won't be able to visit our children!
Help me mind the gap (and I'll help you). Remind me that there's no guarantee that life's puzzle pieces will create my desired picture, remind me that God is up to something good, always.

Then point to the sweet grandchild in my arms today, right now.
Tell me the Good News-I can trust Him.

drinking hot tea. . .

 

 I visit  my New York family in the winter and  drink hot tea, and always there is afternoon tea time at 4:00 -

a proper cup of tea, ginger biscuits, and a snuggle with baby Eleanor Darcie.

 (who arrived soon after that hike up a snowy hill)

This amazing snow. . . white, white, crunchy and hush. 

"Gran, you don't walk under the dangerous icicles, that's the rule! " Florence warns me. 

 (Indeed, icicles like daggers!)

I remember like a dream - bringing Eleanor's mother home to a place nestled at the end of a canyon in the mountains where the fog rolled in, right up to the door. And there the fog lurked thick, peering in windows for an entire week. And then one day the fog would retreat up the canyon and the sun would shine new and bright and cheerful (and the diapers would dry).

Today in the northlands snow is falling fast- soon it will be tea time. 

while visiting the northlands. . .

 I traveled all day and arrived in New York- the predicted low was -3 degrees.

And last night I crawled under a pile of blankets and discovered a hot spot-

 a warm bean bag tucked in the layers. . . it's northern hospitality.

(Like when we offer ice tea on a sweltering Texas day)

This afternoon we hiked up the hill to Lucinda's house for tea; little Florence face planted in the 

hard snow. So Abi carried the wailing girl and I carried the boy who cried for his mother. 

I like how the snow crunches with each step.

expectantly, we wait for baby. . .

one about boys

I remind my friend. . .God forms our families- he adds girls and boys in different combinations, arranging the sibling order. He always does what is best.

God is giving by friend a son; I think of words that describe boys, like loud and fast. . .and dirt.
I tell her that after birth when she cradles that tiny boy in her arms, she will say, "My son".
And then she will imagine her tiny son as a grown man, "What will he be like?"

In Proverbs a king addresses his son. . . "Hear, my son, your father's instruction and do not forsake your mother's teaching. . .Listen, my son, and be wise and direct your heart in the way."
 I share Proverbs 23: 15-16 with my friend, truth spoken countless times in my heart-
"My son, if your heart is wise, my heart also will be glad and my innermost being will rejoice when your lips speak what is right."

My son's heart is wise when he fears the Lord, his lips speak what is right when truth and integrity reside in his heart- hmm, I love and pray those words.

 Then I share a secret with my sweet friend who is just beginning to walk with God-
Friend, obey the King, make his name great and ultimately. . . trust your son to the Lord.
It's like the old song says,"Trust and obey, for there's no other way. . ."

 (some of my boys)