To every thing...

Just got home from my first visit back to KC since July. I fell easily back into conversation and finding my way around town, but I was also very aware of being a visitor. The three years that I had in Kansas City hold so much. Mercy is where I came into my own, away from family and familiarity, learning to take care of kids, stretching my boundaries, and sharing myself. I miss that. I miss being a part of their lives. And yet, I know that it's not the same as it was 9 months ago. Faces have changed, jobs have changes, kids have ticked off their developmental milestones. And that's okay. Every season of life comes to an end. There is growth awaiting me here and now too. It didn't exactly feel "like old times" and that's okay. It felt like this time, right now, visiting friends and catching up. I'm grateful for all of them still being a part of my life, and excited for the next season. Now if only I could get better at using the phone...

Angels watching over me

"God only knows the times my life was threatened just today...near misses all around me--accidents unknown--though I never see with human eyes the hands that lead me home."

Missed the 104-car pile-up by about 10 minutes on Saturday, driving just ahead of it. Feeling very fortunate and remembering that for everything that goes on in my life, I have no idea (and may never know) all that things that don't. Harmful intentions swayed by a kind word or a change of heart, a little voice saying "now's a good time to swing in to church and say a quick prayer", even sleeping through my alarm and running late--all of it ends up being part of my reality, and part of God's plan for me, if I'm open to it.

Listen to the voices. Look for the good in things. Accept what comes. And maybe even thank your Guardian Angel the next time you hit that red light.