Being that my blog is titled "random musings", it should come as no surprise that I have been musing a lot lately. The lingering effects of the accident dictate that I spend more time resting and "musing" than I have in the past. For a couple of weeks my musings were more vague - more trying to put together thoughts that made sense to anyone besides my drug addled self. Now, I'm able to muse a with a bit more clarity. And in my thoughts often is my giving up laziness for lent. I've spent a great deal of time pondering...

Here's my realizations so far. I'm a careless person. Not with my family, nor really with my belongings - but with relationships in general. I am careless with the preciousness of relationship. With friends, with neighbours, with people in general. So a big part of my anti-laziness is learning to value relationships, and putting effort into people. I've been baking for people - just saying thanks for their kindness. I'm making effort to phone (something I NEVER do) people just to say "hi, it's been awhile". I want the people that cross my path to realize that I really do care - and even more - that I need them. I'm picking up some email communication that I've just been lazy about. And I'm trying to connect outside my comfort zone.

Now my 'laziness for lent' is about more than just relationships - but for me, giving time to building relationship is hard. Very hard. But it's also important. And after the overwhelming love and support I've experienced in the last month - I'm willing to work at the important and ignore the mundane.

So lent is coming up.

I don't come from a Church tradition that practices Lent but I like the idea of "giving something up" in order to better prepare myself for the celebration that is to come (the celebration being the death and resurrection of Christ).

So that of course poses the question...what to give up? This year the choice was obvious - as obvious as the substantial nose on my face. I'm giving up laziness. Strange? Perhaps. But in light of recent events I have been giving great thought to this gift of life. I have been pierced with the realization that life is indeed precious and I have squandered more than a few days.

So while it may seem an odd and maybe vague choice - I am going to live intentional for the 40 days of Lent.

and hopefully a few more beyond that.

Some really chewy food for thought from Steve Bell's blog...



C"Charity is not a result of do-goodism, it is the offspring of cherishing, that is… love. But love puts claims on both the lover and the beloved. And I can’t authentically proclaim my love and continue to willfully live in a way that brings harm to those I cherish.

I guess I am beginning to understand that charity is not simply giving from “my” excess to another’s pitiful need. At the supper table, I don’t think myself generous when my children load their plates with food. We don’t do that kind of math at all. We eat, we laugh, we tell stories as we subtly, mutually (unconsciously) negotiate our life together. True charity is about coming to the table, with all God’s children and celebrating responsibly and joyfully the gift of creation that is God’s good gift to all. It’s a very different way of thinking about possessions and entitlement and all the assumptions that make the capitalist world go ‘round."

I got a card yesterday in the mail. It was from a young man who is away at Bible School in Manitoba. I don't even think he's 20 yet. I had him in Youth for a couple years on and off. Ever meet a person and think "wow, there is just something about him/her". You know that special summthin'. Dustin has it. He is a handsome, smart, disciplined guy. He is chivalrous (in that dashing old fashioned way) and a true gentleman. AND he's fun. He can do crazy Monty Python routines for talent shows that have everyone rolling in the aisles.

And while all that is great - those qualities pale in comparison to his zeal and passion for Jesus. The kid is absolutely and in every way in love with God. You can see it in the spark in his eyes or the way he can't wait to tell you what he's learning. He prays, I mean, he REALLY prays when he says he will.

I love this guy. I pray that another of two him will come along and sweep my girls off their feet in 10-15 years or so! And I hope that you get to meet someone like him in your life. He is unusual and wonderful.

Well I did it. After being virtually housebound for a little more than 2 weeks, I went out. Reid & I drove around town - I hadn't seen any of the effects of the windstorm. The park was something to see. I understand that it has been cleaned up quite a bit, but I actually think that it looks pretty good. I'm not sure that the trees falling was a bad thing. It was a jolt to be reminded of the power of nature. Those were some mighty large trees!

Then we went home. I haven't seen it at all since the accident. I felt kicked in the stomach when we pulled in the driveway. Quite a sight. The front yard is covered with glass and it's kinda hard to miss the sheets of plywood covering the front entrance. Inside...well, it was okay. I was actually thinking I might remember something - just even a shadow - but nope. Nothing. Nada. Zip. The only thing that broke me is to imagine what our kids (daughters & nieces)saw and had to go through. It kills me to think of what they went through. And yet, it could have been so much worse. We had help and friends arrive to whisk them to safety and love almost immediately.

The house, well, it's coming along. It's still got repairs going on but it will be fine. Actually probably better than before the storm.

And I've still got repairs going on, but I'm going to be fine. Actually probably better than before the storm. You see, I was given such a gift. I discovered that God really is taking care of me and those I love. I discovered that I love my life. And I found that I have family and friends that are amazing. Beyond amazing. People I can count on without reservation.

I guess the word is blessed. And I truly am.