Judith

My new addiction since retiring has been 'going to the gym.' I love it – the exercise, the satisfaction of improving my fitness and the people I meet. One of those people is Judith. She has been a faithful participant in the Balance class at my local gym for a very long time. I would describe Judith as an elegant lady. She is slim, impeccably groomed (usually in black) – her lips neatly outlined in red lipstick. Judith arrives before the class begins – she often sits beside me on the rowing machine and we exchange greetings. She also uses weights and the bike machine. I have observed her often during my gym sessions and wondered about her life. She is quite reserved and I have been hesitant to delve too deeply into her privacy – preferring to get to know her gradually over time. It seemed there was no hurry. Apart from a few occasions in the change rooms we have not really had a proper conversation. Judith has been an inspiration for me – she is 78yrs old, fit and healthy.

Recently, Judith went to hospital for exploratory surgery – a routine operation. Something went wrong. Judith did not return. Her life was over. 

Her 'space' in gym class now empty; her seat on the rowing machine next to mine filled by someone else. How I wish I had been more interested in her life – what treasures would I have discovered and what wisdom may I have gained? We think that life will go on – even though we know that death comes to everyone. We think we will always have tomorrow but how deluded we are. Is it possible, I wonder, to live life fully yet, simultaneously, hold life loosely in our grasp. I guess a lot depends on your perspective – is life really over when we breathe our last - or is it the beginning of something better? I am grateful that God has shown in Jesus what death can mean – coming home to where we really belong.

Maybe, I'll see Judith there.

Distractions or Reminders?

It has been some time since I last blogged! I have found that there have been too many distractions in my life to actually sit down and think. I no longer dwell in a quiet, ordered and predictable home! As happens in many families - the adult children have flown back to roost - literally! Accompanying them are their 3 gorgeous little children (aged 4,3,and 1) and their much loved rough collie pup, Indie! So our home is now filled to the brim - 4 adults, 3 children and 3 dogs! It is no coincidence, perhaps that my husband's work commitments have increased and 

he is working 10 hrs a day - sometimes 6 days a week! 

But as I write this blog - the house is quiet and peaceful. 

All three kiddies are asleep and tonight's dinner is being prepared for me to enjoy. There are some benefits I have discovered and sharing the cooking is definitely one of them. Despite the chaos, the noise, the mess and the chores - the past 4 months have been a joy. I have been re-directed to a younger time of my life. The cuddles in bed with the grand-kids remind me of lazy Saturday mornings cuddling my own kids in bed until the game of hiding under the 

blankets became way too rough to handle. The bedtime stories remind me of the magical world that I once enjoyed as a little girl wrapped up in the Folk of the Faraway Tree. I can see myself flying through the air as a child as I push the kids on the swing and jump with them on the trampoline. Even the mealtime chaos reminds me of the patience and perseverance God has developed in my character through the gift of parenting. To be able to share with my kids and grand-kids, the everyday moments of their lives creates in me a sense of fulfillment and completion.

 I am proud of the way my kids parent their kids - each of them with different priorities and different strategies - but all of them with a steadfast love and affection for their children. How wonderful to be able to see them bestow this gift of love on their children. 

Is this how God feels about us? Does he delight in us as we delight in our own children and as we love others in our world. This is what every child and every adult need - to know they are 

completely loved. 

As 2011 draws to a close - I find that the distractions of my busy household are actually reminders of One whose love for me is totally complete. He has watched me grow up through the tantrums, the tragedies and the triumphs of life and He still holds me in the palm of His hand and whispers my name.