Over 40 years ago a friend gave me a large plastic bowl to use in the kitchen while making large meals. I finally had to throw it away the other night. I used this bowl for just about everything - from salsa to meatloaf, to cakes, to cookies - whatever I was making, this bowl would be used. I had noticed it had started 'caking' - losing some of its top coating, but I ignored it. But, last night as I was making cookies in it, I noticed more was coming off and well, it was time to let this bowl go. Nothing is really wrong with that bowl but that it was 'flaking' and the coating was coming off - probably in food. But it is time to let go of the memory it held of my friend. I actually looked up this friend a few months ago - and found she had passed away in 2010 I think it was. She ended her years in an assisted living.
Isn't it interesting how there are some things that we just hang on to - for what ever reason. I probably should have gotten rid of that bowl years ago - and over the past few months I have noticed how worn it was getting. I just couldn't ignore it any longer. I sit back and look about this room... and mentally around things I have in the closets... and wonder 'why am I hanging on to those things?' I bet you have some of 'those things' at your house too. I've often mentioned how I long to get rid of a lot of things so that my children will not have to deal with it. It doesn't matter whether that item is still good, or was expensive, or maybe someone would want it..... I need to let it go. Right? So... still working on it.
Yesterday I did make it over to pick up the employee's equipment from his sister. I visited for about 45 minutes I think with the two sisters that live together next door to the brother. It is really a sad situation as they shared they are unable to do a lot of things. The brother (employee) lost his wife about six weeks before he died. (The sad part is he died of a broken heart syndrome.) They had one son - who is a drug addict. He didn't live in the house with his parents, but is now in and out, often bringing over a lot of 'friends'. And the sisters say they can't do anything because the son is the closest relative. He hasn't gotten around to signing any papers for the house, the car, the insurance, etc. The body of their brother has been reduced to ashes - and the nephew will not answer his phone when they call him that they need to be picked up. My heart just grieved with them and for them. Before I left, I told them that I was going to tell them something 'off the record' and it was for their convenience, if needed. I told them that I was an ordained minister and if they would like to have a small service in their home for their brother, so that they could have closure.... I would be honored to do it for them. They were grateful. We agreed that if they would need to do it, because the nephew wouldn't return their calls and get things done, it would be after the first of the year. Normally I would have just picked up the equipment and left, but the sisters really needed to talk and share their grief... and I stayed and listened.
Today is going to be a fun day, though. I got the cheeseballs made last night and the salsa. Today I will be driving down to our Mesa office for the department Christmas party. I have wrapped a white elephant gift so that I can participate. I have the bags nearly complete for the two I support in this department. Lunch is being provided so I don't have to worry about that. I made gingersnap cookies to take down for the cookie exchange. I think I'm set! I will be gone from about 9AM - 2PM with the 50+ minute drive one way down there. Play time today!
I was reading about Anna the Prophetess this morning. Do you remember who she was? She was the old woman who had prayed for the coming of the Messiah, Jesus. Night and day, with prayer and fasting, she had prayed. She had been widowed after 7 years of marriage and had no children. When her husband died, she devoted herself to prayer and fasting in the temple.
Luke 2:36-38 (NKJV): "Now there was one, Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity, and this woman was a widow of about eight-four years (making her close to 100 or older!), who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem."
Go with me with this picture. Simeon, another worshipper of God, had asked to see the Messiah before he died. As he walked through the temple, his heart is quickened and he rushes to the side of a young couple who are just entering the temple with a new baby. The Lord shows him that THIS is the baby he has been praying for. And Simeon blesses the baby and tells his mother that a sword will pierce her heart for what will happen. And Anna walks into this scene, her heart pounding, for the Spirit has drawn her to this couple. She overhears the blessing Simeon has given. And she takes this baby into her arms and worships Him; and Anna and Simeon know that they have seen the Savior of the world.
Could you even imagine the excitement, the Hope of all Israel being held in their arms! And these things too, Mary would hold and ponder in her heart as to what they meant.
I've often wanted to be like Anna... and unfortunately, I've let life get in my way. I have dreams that one day I can have the time to just spend in prayer as long as I want, to be able to fast without someone getting after me about not eating. (We both know I will not 'wither away') Yes, there are other things to fast - but I prefer giving up food, for that keeps me focused. To be able to get away, to retreat, without interruptions... THAT would be heaven!
And now, I need to get off here, try to get a bit of work done, get dressed, and get ready to head down to the party. I'm going early to help set up. Take some time to think about Simeon and Anna. Read about them in Luke 2. Ponder what their lives were like. And how do you compare....
Blessings!
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