Wednesday, August 8, 2012

My Joyful Heart




The past few days have been very rewarding for this grandpa. First, our two granddaughters and son from Texas surprised us with a visit last week. They were visiting South Florida so a phone call meant that we would go pick them up and spend a day or so together. These girls are growing faster than the months pass in the year. In the few hours we spent together, there was a visit to the Natural History Museum along with the Butterfly Gardens and Museum. Since these princesses love their pizza, what better way to spend a meal together than a mini-pizza party? Discussions were uplifting and enlightening. The little ones asked many questions about their dad and where he used to live and what he did when he was their age, six and eight. It was a time for nostalgia as well as first hand teachings. The evening was finished off with the girls talking grandma into a nice relaxation massage, then off to bed. Up early the next morning for return to the airport…very sad departure but mighty exciting when they arrived in Texas. The airport was locked down due to a bomb threat and from what I have heard; they whiled the time sleeping and playing electronic puzzles. Yes, we miss them. The time is always just too short!

So, the evening here at home was very quiet and still. Spent Thursday regrouping and preparing for our grandson to come on the weekend. We have been looking forward to this visit for quite some time. There was a period when we didn’t know if we would be able to carry on our routine of a summer visit from him. It all depended on the recovery of my injury. The blessings were generous – YHVH ensured that I would be able to walk and participate somewhat in this teenage boy’s activities. To top it off, his dad also came and decided to spend the week.
 
Our grandson and his dad will be staying the week with us! Monday was mostly getting to know each other and catch up on all the events that happened in a young man’s life from last summer. The next day, Tuesday, normally is a day when our congregation volunteers to help feed the homeless. Grandma mentioned this and both father and son rose to the occasion. So we went to a nearby church where the preparers and feeders gather. My son and grandson stepped right up to help prepare and package the food. After that, they joined us downtown for the passing out of the food boxes. Talk about two people who fit right in! I don’t know for certain, but I say they have done this very generous behavior before. Both of them expressed how good it was to see this event taking place. Our son later managed to materialize some much needed provisions for the Food Ministry. What a welcomed blessing! In the afternoon, son and grandson visited the museums while grandma and I returned to complete our customary Tuesday work.Our  behavior was very eye opening for me. I will address this in a moment or two.

The rest of the week is scheduled for some hands-on projects “in the garage”. I won’t go into detail about brewing Irish Red Beer. The details blow my mind, but I am so totally impressed! Today was one of those “garage” days!. Tomorrow we plan to visit a nearby theme park and let the teenager see what this old man can do! He should have no problem watching me sit on a park bench in the shade. I bet I can out last him! But who knows? We haven’t tested it yet!
Having the children and grandchildren home is very heart lifting. Situations and habits have changed over the years. We all get caught up in so much “stuff”. We can find more reasons why we can’t visit and be family than reasons that we must visit and be family. Just as my son told me the other night, if we were to spend more time together we would have less questions and more time to just be with one another. So true.
Too often our visits are for a quick meal and light table talk. Romans 14:17-19 tells us For the kingdom of Elohim is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit,  because anyone who serves Yeshua in this way is pleasing to Elohim and approved by men.  Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” In Colossians 3:12 we are told Therefore, as Elohim's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”
The world dictates such a rapid pace that we, even though we strive to not be of the world, just being in the world we are influenced by this rapid lifestyle. Ralph Waldo Emerson stated it simply: “Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience.” It is the patience of nature’s own Creator that guides ‘her’.
I am certain that my family is not the only family on the fast track. I hear from many who express dismay that they can’t see their loved ones more often. A thing to keep in mind, for those of us who practice not being of the world, we can become entrenched in our work to ensure we don’t get caught up and led astray. Here is my eye opening experience: Sometimes we can be so intent on doing the “right” thing, following Torah, etc., that we do not afford an opportunity for others to join with us in just being compassionate, kind, humble, gentle and patient. It is not necessary to always be doing something monumental and earth shaking, sometimes just sitting in the room and being with someone gives tremendous heartfelt rewards. This is what the Father asks of us. Trust in Him, be with Him and let Him take care of us. Psalm 103 tells us that man will wither like grass, but YHVH’s mercy is from eternity past to eternity future on those who fear Him. His righteousness extends to their children’s children; with those who keep His covenant and remember to obey His precepts.
Yes, visits from our children and grandchildren uplift our hearts. There is a special glow that comes from just knowing they are in the house. This must be the feeling our Father infers when He says He delights when we are in His house.
Thank you Father for the blessings you have bestowed on us the past few days; may these days come more often, may they reach a point when there are no more questions, only just sitting and being with one another, in Your quiet peace. B’Shem Yeshua Meshikhenu, Amein!
Shalom and shalom
Pinchas 
a/k/a Frankly speaking all the time…

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