What IF it is all sacred?

What IF it is all sacred?

I mean the loads of laundry, the mowing of the yard, the spelling words, the caring for sick loved ones, the endless wet beach towels and bathing suits, the committee meetings, the chickens in the kitchen, the sight words, the pink eye, the flat tires, the genetic mutations, the stepping on lego's in the dark? 

There is nothing like a devastating medical diagnosis to get your attention right quick and absolutely change the way you think. I used to worry about this and worry about that. But somehow in the midst of the storm, an overwhelming peace came to me. Now the things of this earth grow strangely dim. The things that I used to think mattered, just don't really matter much anymore. 

"Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of HIS glory & grace."

I do some of my best thinking while cutting the grass on the riding lawn mower. One of my favorite songs to listen to while mowing is "Lead of Love" by Caedmon's Call (an old group I listed to while in college).  The song has a great line that says "Had to walk the rocks to see the mountain view. Looking back I see the lead of love."

You gotta admit, it is hard to beat the view from the top. But sometimes you have to cross the rocks to get to that awesome view. Most of the time those rocky patches seem to sneak up on us when we least expect it. Makes me think of an old saying I heard my Daddy say a million times...The bridge is washed out and I can't swim and my baby's on the other side. Sometimes life sends us detours (the plan B, curve ball kind of stuff) that you don't have any other choice but to "gut it up" and take it on. What IF all those things are sacred? 

sa·cred  ˈsākrid/   adjective

1. connected with God or dedicated to a religious purpose and so deserving veneration.

What if the Legos, the bills, the diagnosis, the detour ... What if it is all connected with God?  What if all that "stuff" deserves great reverence from me? What if I have to walk the rocks to see the mountain view? 

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.  - Colossians 3:17

Oh my sweet friends, it ain't easy, and it ain't fun, but please don't be scared to walk the rocks. Everything is sacred. God has amazing, SACRED things out there for you.  I promise, looking back you will see the lead of love. 

From Caedmon's Call "Lead of Love" ...

Looking back at the road so far, It sure has left it's share of scars

Mostly from leaving the narrow & straight.

Looking back it is clear to me that a man is more than the sum of his deeds. 

How you make good of this mess I've made, Is a profound mystery. 

Looking back, I know you had to bring me through.

All that I was, so afraid of, though I questioned the sky, now I see why.

I had to walk the rocks to see the mountain view. 

Looking back I see the lead of love. 

My Secret

Over the course of the past two years, many folks have told me  "I don't know how you do it."  So, even though I am not one to give away family secrets, I am gonna let you in on my secret for success.  

I am the daughter of Janie Sheffield. On November 5, 1972, God saw fit to make me her daughter. She and my Daddy taught me absolutely everything I know. 

My Momma taught me how to do the right thing even when you don't want to. She taught me how to be hard headed and ask questions. She taught me how to appreciate people - all sizes, all ages, all shapes, and all colors. She taught me how to dig in my heels. She taught me what it means to work hard and play hard. She taught me that tough times don't last, but tough people do. She showed me how to love unconditionally. She didn't always like me but she ALWAYS loved me. She taught me how to tackle hard tasks by eating "that elephant one bite at a time".  She taught me how to give of my time, talents and possessions. She taught me to live life with no "what if's". 

She taught me that there is nothing wrong with crying - in fact it is healthy.  She taught me how to make it after losing someone you love dearly. She taught me a love for my family and my savior.  Because of my momma I know that everything is always gonna be ok. Because He lives, I can face Tomorrow. She also taught me that you can't ever sing that song without crying.  She taught me how to pick a man and love a man.  Momma taught me how to use my mind and hands to be creative. She taught me to measure twice and cut once. Momma taught me how to work hard and play hard.  

Momma taught me how to tough it out when times are tough and soak it in when Life is Good. Give it all you got - even when you don't like what you got. Whether it be genetic mutations, ADHD, lung transplants, or dyslexia -- my momma had me ready for whatever life brought my way. Momma taught me that I can do anything.

I am terribly sorry that you were not the lucky one chosen to be raised by this mighty woman. So here's to my Momma, who taught me how to do this life right. I love you!