Creating Something Special

One day, in heaven, God could not be found.  The angels could see His light shining but could not seem to get His attention.  "I think He's at it again."  one of the angels whispered to another.  "Yes", he replied, "He's creating something special."  Some others overheard them and nodded, saying. "He only does this every so often...it's not like a daily miracle.  He's working on something so special."

Soon, He was there among them.  "I have a wonderful gift to bestow on the earth.  Let us look for a special family, one full of love and peace.  One who knows Me."

It did not take long, and the household was found.  It had one father, one mother, and one young son.  God could see the patience the parents had for their son and the love that flowed in and around their home.  He looked at the mother and father in their workplaces and observed the flow of love that did not stop in their own home.  He also noted that loving grandparents, of each, were close by and had willing-to-help hearts.

"I think they are perfect", God said.  "We will send my new wonder to this family.  He will be a blessing to the family and the family will be a blessing to him."  The angelic host was in one accord.  They praised God for His gift.  "This family will grow.  They will be a beacon of hope to others.  They will abound in love and blessings directly from us."

God whispered to the little gift, "You will teach them so much and you will learn so much from them.  There is nowhere else on earth where you will be loved so much and one day you will all return to live with me."  The baby smiled as God kissed him goodbye-for-now.

And that is the story of how Briggs Benjamin was given to Jeremy, Tracy, and Owen!  Praise God!


NOTE:  I wrote this before Briggs got home from the hospital and shared it with Robin, who had come in from Seattle to be with her sister and family.  We agreed I should 'sit on it' and I just found it while cleaning out some papers and thought I would share it.  It's nothing fancy, but I believe God put it on my heart, as I wrote without thinking about anything except grateful love.  I love you, Briggsy!

My Love/Hate Relationship

I used to have to have it in mass amounts every day. As I matured, which took over 30 years, I just needed to know it was in the house and I could get by with having it once in awhile...but if needed, I could splurge.

Now after 50 years, I can wait...I guess it's called 'delayed gratification' and I believe it is a good thing to practice in this microwave age we live where we can have anything we want anytime we want. I cannot believe how much I have bought into this...and you don't even need a microwave to buy into it.

The quick desserts from the freezer section...that one used to only find in the finest restaurants, unless you wanted to spend hours pouring over cookbooks, then buying the exact ingredients and following baking instructions to the letter...you might get lucky, now you just pay $5 and it's yours right from the freezer, anytime you want it.

The finger foods we have grown to love...just pop them in the oven: pizza rolls, boneless chicken, chicken creme puffs, french fries, loaded potato skins, garlic cheese bread...you name it. You don't even have to make a sandwich from scratch or have all the makings, if you keep a box of frozen pocket sandwiches or panini's on hand.

This said, it is the season, you know. I discovered that Cracker Barrel (restaurants) have brought back their 'seasonal' dessert, Coke Cake! (I ask for it all year long but it is 'seasonal'!)This is chocolate, yes CHOCOLATE cake with yummy chocolate fudge frosting, made with Coke. It is served warm with vanilla bean ice cream and has the consistency of a cross between chocolate cake and chocolate brownies. Yes, I discovered this was THE SEASON over 2 weeks ago, after ordering breakfast at Cracker Barrel. Had I noticed beforehand, this would have been my breakfast.

Now, I know where it is and how good it is....now, I wait for the right moment to drive to my local Cracker Barrel and meet a friend, or go with my hubby, for a special dessert time when I will savor, slowly, each piece on my tongue-in my mouth-down my throat-to my tummy...with cups of hot black coffee. Oh! Sometimes I can hardly stand the wait, but I am busy with life...working and traveling and cleaning.

The day will come! I await this visit like the visit to a grandchild. I know it will be great! I know it will contain special moments for me! I know it will be a visit always remembered, replayed in my mind. But sometimes the waiting is hard.....