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Sunday, February 21, 2010

Death of an Oak Tree

Recently an old oak tree became the center of small controversy for some people in my community. Though this tree was well-aged and had a hole within its bowels that held a hive of bees,some people were offended when it was cut down to its stump. This outburst of protest has led me to wonder if we view our own demise in the death of a tree. After all, though six small saplings have since been planted in the place of the one lone oak, it is unlikely that any of those offended will live to see those small saplings grow into great oaks with their limbs hanging about them like arms extending to the community.

In fact, I recall the oak tree of my youth. This great tree stood in my parent's backyard, held my tire swing where I dreamed of flying a spaceship into the clouds, had nestled within its branches my brother's treehouse (which I was too afraid to enter), and provided shade for the many days my brother and I played underneath its protection. Never did I question that this looming symbol of my childhood would be present in my parent's backyard forever. That is until my teen years when I witnessed it die and be hauled from our yard as firewood. I watched the activity from the window of my childhood home. I felt loss that I could not explain and sadness that swept over me. To this day, as I look to that spot where my mother hopelessly planted a flower bed which looks to be a poor substitute for the great oak, I can't help but remember that tree--and know that within my own life there will never be a looming oak in that spot. Perhaps within my heart, but never within that soil.

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Shut My Mouth!

When I was a young girl I spent many summer days on my grandparent's farm. It was a girl's dream--chickens, goats, cows, and turkeys scrambling around the small farm; millions of places to hide and explore; woods and nature all around; and a loving pair of grandparents to take care of me. It was during one of these visits with them, that I learned a great lesson. My grandfather was (and still is) notorious for ranting and raving about near anything, so during one of his rants, I looked up at a sign hanging on the wall and innocently read it aloud. It said, "Lord, help me this day to keep my big mouth shut!" I'll never forget that moment. My grandmother belly-laughed as she held me in her lap. I couldn't imagine at the time why what I had read was so funny, but I enjoyed her laughter and read that sign over and over until one day I understood what it meant. I can't count the number of times I heard her say, "Hush, James, hush" as she scolded my grandfather during my visits with them. You know there are some days when I wish I could have that sign tied around my neck or my tongue at least!

Monday, February 15, 2010

Muhammad Ali

I watched a documentary on Muhammad Ali tonight and as I watched big, bold retired fighters relive the great boxers life, I couldn't help but feel the man's passion, his stamina, his dream for success. Not all of us have that hunger. Not all of us can whip our bodies and minds into submission to accomplish great successes. Many of us have talents that will be only partially used in our lives. I have determined that there are a small few of us who will use our God-given talents to their fullest. Because the truth is that it isn't easy to push ourselves to lose sleep, to break our bodies, to turn off the television, to set aside money, or whatever else may be required of us in order to accomplish our dreams. I pray that at the end of my life I feel satisfied that I used my God-given talents to further His kingdom, to pursue His will, to follow the dreams in my heart.

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Cows, Mud, and BBQ

We made it---through looking at cows selling for $700 each up to $2,000 each AND through holding a very tired baby through a supper at a BBQ rib shop. And I must say, I am glad we went and spent that time with my husband. Even though I can't tell you that I understand a lot about purchasing beef cattle with stellar family trees, I was there. So, it's feels pretty good to have done what I needed to do. What about you?

Saturday, February 13, 2010

Doing the RIGHT thing.....

The snow is still nestled on the ground in the shady areas of our yard, but the inevitable drip-drip-drip is being heard everywhere else as the magical white stuff gives way to the rising sun. We were planning to attend the rodeo this weekend, but the surprise snow postponed our plans. So all that is left of our weekend is a cow sale, which I opted out of.....at first. Carting a 1-year old and 3-year old in 50-degree weather while we "window-shop" for beef cattle isn't exactly my idea of a fun time. And maybe if a cursory glance at a Simmental cow was all that was required, I'd pass the test. Instead by the time my husband finishes his initial inspection, then a second, and maybe even a third inspection, I feel like I ought to buy the darn cow because I know way too much about her to leave her there--we've formed a personal relationship!

Alas, as I debated my decision to stay behind, my heart tugged at my defenses as I thought about how much family time means, regardless of where you are or what you are enjoying. I also had to remember that just last weekend my darling husband took a 4 1/2 hour trip with me to Baton Rouge (that's one way) so we could visit my parents and go to two Mardi Gras parades. So, I know that what the "right" thing to do is--and I plan to do it with my cowboy boots on (in preparation for the inevitable poop), silk thermal underwear under my jeans, and a big gracious smile on my face. Upon informing my three-year old that we were going she said, "I'll go, if you go, mommy!" Now that's team work....so here we go!