Waiting for Spring

I love spring. Lingering fingers on the car door just to enjoy the breeze one last time. Conversations that were once bustled inside because of the biting cold now stay in the warmth of the evening air. Windows down. Every song has a new hint of joy that stirs me to dream of flowers, skirts and bare feet, love, and laughter. I'll say it every year, I love spring. The anticipation of all the new to come. The fresh air that places rose colored glasses on my face and allows life that may have grown dull with winter to awaken, new and exciting.

Though this winter has been nothing short of beautiful and abnormally warm there is nothing quite like those first few dramatic hints of spring. Today I felt it. The gusts of wind blew through the trees and tousled those dormant spring giddies in my soul. The 75 degree day beckoned my legs to go bare through the streets. And the sun called my face upward to soak in its warmth.

What love. None the less, I wait. These days are but the inklings of the spring to come in a few short days. When smells of barbecues will replace smells of of fireplaces. When tennis rackets will replace window scrapers in the back seat. Sandals will slide to spots that boots once occupied. Bicycle helmets instead of ear warmers. Ohhh, what a glorious time! But I wait. With a glass of iced tea on the front porch swing I wait for spring.

Repost: Revered

Today I repost this blog in loving memory of Charmayne Singer, the first woman listed in the revered women of my life section from a piece I wrote in 2010. I leave in just a moment to attend her memorial service which I'm sure will be a time of deep mourning but not without a confident hope that she now stands beside her Savior. What a blessing she was to me. I pray that my life would leave as beautiful a fragrance as hers has.
*********************************************************************************
I checked out an Oprah book. It now sits in my home by the orange chair delighting my evenings and leading me to pontificate. Tonight I read about self-esteem and all that other mambo-jumbo (you know Oprah and her "spirituality"). One thing that did make me reflect and feel the flicker of joy was thinking about influential people in my life.

I want all the women who have inspired, encouraged, embraced, and invested in me to be together in one room. Oh what joy would fill my heart and laughter fill the room. There would be beautiful women in every corner sharing stories of what the Lord has done in their lives and the journey He has led them on. We would sip our preferred beverage and eat lovely things, because Lord knows a party ain't a party till someone brings the food. We would laugh, cry, hug, think, and pray. We would sing sweet melodies, read beautiful writings, and tell adventurous stories. I know they would all get along so well. Just thinking of it brings a smile to my face.

This, I imagine, will only have the likelihood of happening when, Lord willing, I get married. And if that should never happen, as it very well may not, would it be weird of me to throw myself a Single party? ...I'm afraid it would. So, to save myself the embarrassment I will send out a thank you and list some names of beautiful women who have forever changed my life. I cannot wait to spend eternity with you my lovely family, worshipping our Abba Father.

So, to some of the revered women of my life: Charmayne, Rachel, Becky, Judy, Katherine, Betty, Cindy, Stephanie, Jessica, Ashlie, Mandy, Nicole, Lisa, Laurie

Thank you so much for all you did, are doing, and will continue to do in the years to come in shaping me to become the woman I am today and will be tomorrow. I thank my God EVERY time I think of you.