This week I have visited family in Juneau Alaska. As I waited at security for the man in front of me to remove his laced hiking boots, belt, cross, and prepare his cases for x-ray I asked if I could go around him to speed up the line? No was the reply, “Please stay with your items.” So, I waited. Then two lines became one and I said, “Excuse me, may I pass you to line up?” I got the look of annoyance and realized this priest was feeling pushed by me. I reflected on my rushed ADD life and realized he was annoyed with me. I felt bad.
At the gate our eyes met, I wondered how awful he must think I am hurrying. Then I thought, “Lord, how do I slow down? I have so much energy.” I returned from the bathroom and at the drinking fountain filling my water container the priest was at my side! He spoke to me with the kindest tone, his annoyance had subsided and he asked me where I was from. For Juneau Alaska is very relaxed.
My life since Bill had died has been a sprint. I live exhausted. Packing into 24 hours as much as I possibly can. I knew the priest wondered where I lived that I was so rushed and impatient? I was I was from Michigan and the Midwest. He was heading to a mission to do work in New Mexico. How wonderful!
I heard God in that moment through the kind voice of the priest, ‘Slow Down. It is time to rest in ME.’ I walked to the viewing window to see the beauty of Alaska one last time and cried.
Today I am with a second cousin, one block from the new Apple world headquarters. I’m glad I can be with her but today we need to talk and plan for an uncertain future. I need to help her write her will and end of life details, where to leave her money and help her create a Trust. Then I will help her make appointments for follow up checkups. … Please pray I say guiding details lovingly and that I’m patient with her. She is so amazing, but alone in this world. Like many people, her beautiful dogs are her life.
Why do I have tears? ….. Even the TAS line had a gift for me, and I nearly missed it.
I’m certain my cousin would give anything to have any one day back. But today she writes her will and pats her dogs. I hear again God telling me, ‘Slow Down. It is time to rest in ME.’
Kitty – Juneau Alaska – August 23, 2017
