Land That I Love

As I drive over to the community college where I'm currently doing some adjunct teaching, I've been known to belt out a song or two in the privacy of my little car. The songs are usually random, and they tend to be those that bring up good memories. Today I was in my best Kate Smith form with a strong rendition of "God Bless America". I think it came from a combination of hearing it every night of the World Series along with the memories of my dad saying that no one could sing that song like Kate. 


While thinking about the words as I was singing somewhat robustly, the particular phrase "land that I love" stuck with me. That part of the song came in conjunction with me crossing a bridge over White River where the photographer in me never fails to take a quick, sweeping look to my left and right, sizing up a picture in my mind. This time of year the trees are in various stages of bareness with a few still hanging on to their leaves for all they're worth. To some, it's a depressing time of year; to me, it's beautiful. It's nature at work; even through the barrenness it's life transforming once again. 


It is the land that I love. Truly my own little corner of the world.


My thoughts then went out to friends and relatives that live in different parts of the US. Those from the Southwest tell of its beauty through various descriptions; the same holds true for those from the Northeast, the Northwest, and the South. Although the pictures they create with their words are widely different, the words hold one thing in common--it is the land that they love.


So, for today, I'm going to focus not on the gibberish of people who talk for a living, who campaign for a living, or make rules upon rules for a living. Today I'm  going to focus on my immediate surroundings. On my drive back, I'll turn off the noise on the radio and tune in to the trees, the harvested fields, and the  various sites that make this my home--the land that I love.


And, more than likely, I'll sing again.


Have a fine day.

A Day at a Time

Anybody else out there guilty of getting up in the morning only to have the entire day planned out, plan b'd, and worried over sufficiently?


I decided today to try something a little different.


Every time I felt concern about what needed to happen during the day or days to come or days in the past, I reminded myself of God's words to us in Matthew 6:34: "Then have no care for tomorrow: tomorrow will take care of itself. Take the trouble of the day as it comes."


So, I went about my business. I went and taught a class at the community college and it went fine. I came home, had a bit of lunch, called my mom and chatted a bit--all was well. I then cut, fixed, and had a nice visit with a nice client in my little beauty shop--very enjoyable. I got my husband ready for work, we had a nice visit before we wished each other a good evening--always a joy to spend time with the Mister. I went to the garden, picked some lovely greens, fixed a nice salad for supper--a delight. The remainder of the evening I wrote--a productive time.


I figured something out: I didn't need to worry about tomorrow--frankly, I have no idea what it will bring since I'm not in charge, thank the good Lord. I do know I'm in good hands no matter what. 


I also figured out something else: There was no need to fume or worry today. All was well with the world. Did I make a million dollars? No. Do I need a million dollars? No. God provides. Did I set the world on fire? I don't believe I did. Did I do a tiny bit of good? I think so--I wrote cards to shut-ins on behalf of our church family. A small gesture, but it feels good doing God's bidding.


So, when tomorrow comes, or the next time you feel you need to be in charge enough that you have to worry about the future--give it a rest. Give yourself a rest. "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28).


Have a fine day.