Out my Window: A beautiful day, blue skies, nice breeze, birds chirping
Enjoying: more fresh veggies and fruit, picking out flowers and planting in the garden, beautiful bouquet of flowers on my counter, frozen fruit bars
Listening to/Watching: Still listening to and loving Lord of the Rings on Audible. This narrator is so talented and enjoyable. Listening and watching many videos and posts on social media from those who have been on the frontlines for years, and many trusted men and women in pulpits that are addressing and engaging with people in various spaces about racial injustice, the events of today, what people have been doing, what can be done. The best space I found this week has been with Dr. Tony Evans. I recommend his social media spaces. He has a few videos and put together a Bible reading plan, https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/20082-tony-evans-explores-racial-reconciliation His daughter, Priscilla Shirer gave all of us a gift by inviting us into a profound conversation that Dr. Evans was having with his grandkids. https://www.instagram.com/tv/CA3H9x-D44l/?igshid=10vu7sjjvcn09&fbclid=IwAR1dVT0LueFy3omGcq-SvswRkWw2JoNGdUTHCuniPe7LtMe_fG6KHkz6OJs It is 42 minutes of insight and wisdom. May we lean in and listen. I have also appreciated Derwin Gray’s page. His interview with the local police chief was insightful https://www.instagram.com/tv/CAxrK4hJzLj/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link He has other videos on his social media sites that are worth watching, plus his new book on the Beatitudes is for such a time as this. (The Good Life: What Jesus Teaches about True Happiness.)
Reading: I am hooked on A Man Called Ove: A Novel by Fredrick Backman. I had to set it aside to finish two book launch books and now it due in three days so I am reading again quickly. It is well written, some dark mingled with hope and light. Uncommon Ground: Living Faithfully in a World of Difference compiled by Timothy Keller and John Inazu. These essays are so good and so helpful.
By my bed: Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers by Dane Ortlund. I continue to savor this book, and am encouraged by its message. I will be sad when this one is done and will be coming back to it.
Rambling Thoughts: My heart hurt at the irony that I felt safer for my son with the police back in town. I was grateful for their protection, but deeply grieved for my friends who cannot share in that same sentiment. My son lives in a city that was pretty much abandoned with the covid virus by everyone including police presence. Stores were already being looted, homeless communities stretched out and overtook many main streets, parks, and spaces. I have prayed for his safety as many have grown restless and more disturbed. Then the peaceful protests were overtaken by riots, and then the looters coming in to take advantage of a precarious situation, I was deeply concerned for my son’s safety. I have had concern in the past for his safety, but never from the police. I have never lost sleep that he may have an altercation with a police officer that may end his life. I have never been concerned that he would be tailed through a store because he was a tall white guy. My white privilege hurt my heart and mind as I was reminded of my friends and brothers and sisters who do not share that peace of mind. It breaks my heart that we needed George Floyd to remind us, and for some bring to an awareness for the first time this deep gulf. Lord have mercy on us. “But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!” Amos 5:24
Fitness and Mental Health: For my body and mind I have declared June 1 a new year it is 2020B for me. Using my friend’s word, I am recalibrating. I have written out what I want to be intentional with and am tracking it so that days stop blurring into the next. Moving everyday, drinking more water, for June I am doing the Sally Up Challenge again, gratitude, some act of service, in the Word, memorizing Psalm 42… I am writing down daily what I did so that I no longer lose track of my life.
Giving Thanks: my home, provisions, small groups in person starting up, flowers, my son still getting to work, protection he has had over the week, Amazon Fresh still delivering so my son could get food in the city, new opportunity to serve, friends who care about justice, people who are willing to listen and engage in thoughtful conversation about challenging topics, for all those who are engaging with peace and love
Inkblot Life 