Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7
I was driving down the freeway when it hit. I felt that familiar feeling........the shallow breathing, the knot of tears forming in my throat. They come sometimes without warning. It started as an ordinary task in an ordinary day. I was following Elaine because she was taking her car in.
I held it at bay, at arms length, because I have to get stuff done. I think it's just life piling up sometimes, and it has to come out somewhere, sometime. I am no stranger to this feeling. It has always been with me.
One of the very first times I can remember was when I caved during a Christmas play at church.
I had one line, I don't even remember what it was. Because all of a sudden all I wanted to do was get off that stage......I strained my eyes through the bright lights and all I wanted was to find my parents. And then I did.
The road blurred through tears. I breathed little puffs of air. I turned off the freeway and onto the street. Off to my right was man on the sidewalk wearing flip-flops, a Hawaiian shirt and shorts....and a guitar strapped around his shoulder. He was carrying on a very animated conversation, with himself.
Laughter bubbled up through the tears a little hysterically, I thought........"I hope that's not gonna be me someday soon."
Then I thought of my childhood friend Mary. Mary of the big blue eyes and wonderful reading voice.
It was always either her or me the teachers chose for reading out loud. I still remember her singing a solo in a school fashion show, she sang "After the Ball" in a blue dress. I don't know what happened with Mary but many years later my folks told me she would skate down the street in a full hockey uniform, helmet and all. She never played hockey a day in her life.
She died recently at my age, only 53. She had a daughter and I would love to see her. I wonder if she had Mary's eyes, and liked to read. I hope she will be okay.
Don't we all dance a bit close to the border of crazy at times? I think you kind of have to, to live this life we all live.
As I caught sight of Elaine's jeep through the maze of cars, right in the midst of my panic I thought......."Thank you Lord." Because all my life I have never had to go through this feeling alone, and some people have.
And this wonderful friend has been with me through so much. And I will tell her about this, and she will say, "Well, maybe you are a little bit crazy, but I understand, and everything is gonna be fine."
Because after all, God has us. He really does.
I held it at bay, at arms length, because I have to get stuff done. I think it's just life piling up sometimes, and it has to come out somewhere, sometime. I am no stranger to this feeling. It has always been with me.
One of the very first times I can remember was when I caved during a Christmas play at church.
I had one line, I don't even remember what it was. Because all of a sudden all I wanted to do was get off that stage......I strained my eyes through the bright lights and all I wanted was to find my parents. And then I did.
The road blurred through tears. I breathed little puffs of air. I turned off the freeway and onto the street. Off to my right was man on the sidewalk wearing flip-flops, a Hawaiian shirt and shorts....and a guitar strapped around his shoulder. He was carrying on a very animated conversation, with himself.
Laughter bubbled up through the tears a little hysterically, I thought........"I hope that's not gonna be me someday soon."
Then I thought of my childhood friend Mary. Mary of the big blue eyes and wonderful reading voice.
It was always either her or me the teachers chose for reading out loud. I still remember her singing a solo in a school fashion show, she sang "After the Ball" in a blue dress. I don't know what happened with Mary but many years later my folks told me she would skate down the street in a full hockey uniform, helmet and all. She never played hockey a day in her life.
She died recently at my age, only 53. She had a daughter and I would love to see her. I wonder if she had Mary's eyes, and liked to read. I hope she will be okay.
Don't we all dance a bit close to the border of crazy at times? I think you kind of have to, to live this life we all live.
As I caught sight of Elaine's jeep through the maze of cars, right in the midst of my panic I thought......."Thank you Lord." Because all my life I have never had to go through this feeling alone, and some people have.
And this wonderful friend has been with me through so much. And I will tell her about this, and she will say, "Well, maybe you are a little bit crazy, but I understand, and everything is gonna be fine."
Because after all, God has us. He really does.
Don't we all dance a bit close to the border of crazy at times? I think you kind of have to, to live this life we all live.
ReplyDeleteWow, that's a powerful line! It means we're stretched; just yesterday I found myself in tears over a childhood memory, and I felt the walls collapsing around me. Oh for the keeping comfort and extension of God's grace! Where would we be without it?
Blessings, sister, as you continue down the road of faith. May the stretching witness of grace reach down, wrap you up, and pull you forward in strength.
peace~elaine