Are the Candles Burning?

I just finished a phone call with my sweet and innocent 4 year old granddaughter. Today is bittersweet for me—sweet because of Sarah and sad because it is my husband’s birthday almost 10 years to the date of his passing away.

Miss Sarah was now aware of my cancer and about the challenge to the body for those who have had it for a long time. Her parents and I talked with her about my body wearing out as I am “old” and to her I am. We explained (separately) that my spirit would live forever with God in heaven and that we would always love each other. She shared that she had cried yesterday when she was told; she is trying to make sense of this fundamentally critical information about life. She understood enough about where I would be and also that I was not there now and we can still talk and play. I also shared with her my belief that when I am in Heaven it is hard to imagine, but I will be able to love her even more than I can now.

I talked about her grandpa Bill who is in heaven. I asked if they would have a cake for his birthday today. She said “I think they are making it right now”. Through my tears I asked if he could blow out all 68 candles on the cake or if he needed help. We agreed that the candles are not still burning.

Assaulted by Television Commercials

I had a senior moment today. Staring at the TV, I could not remember what Hallmark
Show I was watching. Did I have attention deficit disorder? Was I slipping into dementia? Two of the commercials advertised other shows, causing me to believe that I, as well, was watching them.

It was then I paid attention, escaping my lullingly dazed state. During the period we used to receive one or two commercial ads we are now bombarded by 10!
In the disco light blitz I learned that I should:

1.drink only Florida orange juice
2.find my life-long soul mate on E-Harmony
3.absorb the proper probiotics and antioxidants from Ensure
4.chomp on chewy, trusty Twizlers candy
5.consume Bush Beans because of a talking ghost dog
6.have fun and go lean with Kashi
7.clip OFF on everything in its new clip-on form
8.use the new Sweeper Swiffer and throw out my mop and broom
9.go green with natural cleaners
10.drive a Lincoln from Bayway Chevrolet
11.consult Comcast travel and leisure station
12.“Be Myself” on South Padre Island.

No wonder I am confused. Perhaps it is not just my age that interferes with orientation.

PAUL’S READER’S DIGEST VERSION OF LIVING THE CHRISTIAN LIFE

Be Joyful in Hope
Be Patient in Affliction
Be Faithful in Prayer

Romans 12:12