Monday's Musings - What Does Love See?

I had an argument with my best friend. 

But not an argument you'd expect.

This is the picture. Edie wanted me to use it.

It was about her weight. 

Again, it wasn't what you'd expect. 

You see, several years ago, Edie Melson was celebrating that she'd lost 100 pounds. I was thrilled for her! She pulled up a computer picture at her heaviest, back in 2006. 

When she turned the screen to me, I promptly said, "Oh, I didn't know you then."

That's when the argument started. 

Her response? "Yes, you did."

Me? "No, I didn't. I never knew you at that weight."

"Yes, you did." She pulled up the date of the picture. 

My mouth dropped. 

She was right! 

I was stunned. 

Her response, though, was precious. "You didn't see it because you loved me."

She was right once again. 

I never saw her as her weight. 

I saw her as my friend. 
As a great writer, a great critique partner.

That's when I realized how powerful love can be. 
How it can change how I see others. 

It's not about what someone looks like. 
It's about seeing their heart. 
Their character. 

It's about the relationships we have with each other.

This idea of what love sees didn't originate with me.

It starts with God.
How God looks at us with love. 
How he sees straight to our hearts. 

I'm thankful to have caught a glimpse of his love through an argument. 
An argument I was happy to lose!

Look at Edie now! Beautiful as ever.....

Wordless Wednesday

Thanksgiving is certainly a day to think about our blessings. 

Family and friends and relationships often come to mind. 

For some, it's a day of celebration of being together and enjoying good times.

For some, it's a day of sadness, missing loved ones who can't sit at the table.

So whether or not our table is full, or missing someone, we can give thanks.

And whether that table is fully set with china and silver, or humbly set with paper plates and plastic forks, we can stop and give thanks. 

Through our laughter.

Through the tears. 

I pray that God will bless you this Thursday. 

And that you feel His love. 

Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday

Okay, so much for wordless. How about a Wordy Wednesday? My 84 year old mom had to have emergency surgery a couple of Saturdays ago. My husband and I left SC to drive the three hours to get to the hospital in NC. The doctor prepped my dad and mom that anything could happen in surgery. Let's just say several of us in the family were scared.

Mom was already in surgery before we got to the hospital. The surgery was to take a couple of hours. We had talked to daddy who reported they had found the problem. We breathed a sigh of relief. But she still wasn't done with surgery. We pulled into the hospital parking lot and started walking across it. A hawk flew directly over us. Its huge shadow made me look up to follow it. Straight into the sun. As I shielded my eyes from the direct sun to keep watching the bird, I saw a rainbow around the sun. There was only a haze and I was floored. Of course, I had my camera in hand and took this shot.

But, oh the peace I had. I knew mom would be okay. And an hour later, she emerged from surgery, ready to start her recovery!

That rainbow was a reminder of God's love. And now I share it with you.

In Honor of My Dad's 87th Birthday

Today I have the distinct honor of sharing with you a message my mom Carolyn wrote about my dad Jim for his 87th birthday. May you be blessed by this as much as I have been. Mary

In Honor of Jim’s 87^th Birthday

By Carolyn Freeman

Jim never brought me diamonds, rubies, and pearls. Instead he brought the priceless jewels of integrity, wisdom, loyalty, steadfastness, faithfulness, stability, and faith.

Jim never carried me to a spa/resort. Instead he bathed me in his love, he soothed me with his comfort, and he massaged away the hurts and pains of my life.

Jim never encouraged me to adorn myself with fine clothes and the latest in beauty products. Instead he clothed me with acceptance and encouragement and sought my inner beauty.

Jim never bought me a luxurious car to preen in. Instead he looked for safety and dependability.

Jim never built me a fine mansion with fine furnishings. Instead he surrounded me with the solid walls of simplicity and freedom from pride.

Jim never used flowery words and fancy phrases to express his love.  Instead he conveyed the essence of true love by his whole existence.

Jim never sought recognition for a life of quiet devotion and quiet service. Instead he kept his eyes on the needs of others and gave himself to meeting them.

God brought blessings to me, his family, and many by providing us the gift of a Godly man to head our family.  We are eternally grateful.

Mom and Dad watching a sunset.

Eating North Carolina BBQ and listening to live Blue Grass.