Why I Don’t Need a Bucket List

~ Barbara ~ 1 Comment

I do admit, it would have been exciting to post pictures from a cruise ship or European castle on last week’s mention of our 55th anniversary. It’s not that I don’t want these adventures—it’s just that I can wait for them. There is no experience now that will not be exceedingly better in my future. So I can wait.

I can wait to scale Mount Everest without laboring breath and throbbing knees. One day I will look into the Grand Canyon without anxiety and walk down its walls of sandstone, limestone, and shale, then climb up the other side, stopping to pet bighorn sheep and elk. I will explore the Great Barrier Reef, all 2,900 reefs and 900 islands, and dive deep to discover the wonders it holds, without tiring—and without gear. I will walk desert sands unhindered by the sun, explore caverns with underground rivers, and climb a sequoia. I will slide down Victoria Falls and ride on the backs of lions and elephants. I will wander through the Swiss Alps and watch the Northern Lights dance across Norway’s sky, counting the stars—perhaps I’ll fly through them!

And if these natural wonders are not on the new earth, it will only be because they’re replaced with vistas even more wonderful! Pictures of the sights I admire today will pale like black and white newsprint on yellowed newspapers. Colors will explode in shades never before seen. Sounds will mesmerize with unmuted clarity. The air will shimmer with its purity.

No, I don’t need a bucket list for my span of years on this planet. Wonders await me for an eternal lifetime of exploration and discovery.

Photo by Donald Giannatti on Unsplash

Happy Anniversary to Us!

~ Barbara ~ 5 Comments

I didn’t prepare a post for today because yesterday Rich and I celebrated our 55th wedding anniversary. It’s been a long time since we drove up the Hudson and we were again impressed by the mountainous, breathtaking beauty of its shoreline. We spent a beautiful, uninterrupted day of gratitude for God’s blessings and loving care over our years together.

Time to Redeploy

~ Barbara ~ Leave a comment

With a final, lingering look at summertime, let’s consider the word redeploy. I know it sounds all “military-boots on the ground-ready to fight” but it simply means a transfer from one area or activity to another. In our case, we could say it’s a transfer from leisure activity to focused activity.

  • Activity is good. It’s a sign of health, strength, intention. It rouses us from bed for a purpose and returns us to bed with a sense of accomplishment.
  • Activity is also a sign of bravery. It demonstrates our courage to meet a challenge and step out of our comfort and security. 
  • Activity grows us and stretches us in ways we can’t anticipate. We expose ourselves to opportunities and find our spirits fed and hearts filled.

As you consider God’s path for you this fall, I expect to hear tales of old fears being conquered and new vistas opening before you.

Time to Recharge

~ Barbara ~ 2 Comments

Summer is a passing season. Soon it will yield to the chill and busyness of autumn. It can be a challenge to dive back into the fray. Are you ready?

The quiet of summer has allowed me to recharge and pray about fall opportunities. What will the new season bring? I’m not looking for good ideas—I have plenty of those. I’m asking God to reveal His plans for me and considering opportunities in our new church home. As I prayed, I thought about God’s promise to bless those who delight in Him.

Psalm 1:3 says, “Whatever they do prospers.” It struck me that the promise isn’t for worthy thoughts or good intentions but for what we do. We are expected to contribute, not be observers.

Lord, there’s a small window before fall activities resume—recharge me with passion and courage. Speak to my heart and point me in the direction you choose. You’ve prepared a ministry for me and prepared me for ministry. I thank you now, for prospering what you and I will do this fall.