If you want to change the world, go home and love your family.
Mother Teresa
“Mommy! Someone is on the phone for you, but I didn’t call no one!” I picked up the phone and heard, “911. What is your emergency?” After I swallowed my gum, I thought about saying, “Well, sir, My husband is out of town, and I am caring for two little children and all the household essentials. I have four dogs outside, all eagerly waiting for me to take them walking, and two cats parading around with their tails swishing gently. I feel strongly that after this phone call, I will need resuscitation.”
Instead, I settled on a brief explanation of Eva’s age and innocence. I also let him know that we did not need the fire truck, police car, or ambulance to come to our house. I ended with a sincere “Thank You” following, “Bye-bye now.”
I found Eva hiding behind the furniture in the living room, her eyes full of tears. She was scared and a little embarrassed. She had never accidentally pressed my phone like that and didn’t understand what had happened. I sat her down and explained. I informed her that it was ok and actually quite comical. In jest, I mentioned that I thought her cousin Ben would have been the one to make the 911 call.
Life is full of salty moments that flavor our world.
We often think it is only in monumental events like Disney World or the birth of a child or catastrophes like hurricanes that leave their mark on us. Don’t get me wrong; these are life-changing episodes that carry a heavy amount of weight for all of us. Even so, I have found the saltiest moments in my life have been the ones that occur relatively quickly and quietly, happenings tucked in behind our front door.
It is the scenes within my home that matter most. Tea and muffins over delightful conversation with neighbors. Delivery baskets full of comforts from sweet friends to heal all the sick. Or perhaps, playful play that is typically not allowed on mommy and daddy’s bed. More still, truck rides in the rain and wet park slides leave their mark on us the most.
Someone is waiting on the other side of your obedience
Pam Stockdale
It may seem silly to have a small funeral service for a dearly departed pet, but that’s precisely what we did. A few weeks ago, Punk, my cat, died. Her name was initially Pumpkin when she was a kitten. Then it shortened to Punkin, and before long, we were lovingly referring to her as Punk. She was the silliest, most temperamental cat. She was partial to only a few. Punk talked (meowed) constantly as if I could understand what she needed. If I didn’t pay her attention, she would gently open the cabinet with her paw and slam it back. Then tiptoe away with her plump body and head in the air, her tail following slowly behind her. And yet, as evening presented itself, she always found her rest on my lap.
When Eva was about six months old, Punk made a shocking decision; She chose to love Eva as much as she loved me. As temperamental as she was, she attended every tea party and campout in the living room that Eva created. Further, Punk never moved when Charlotte came along and grabbed a handful of her hair. She had become quite fond of her as well.
Sixteen years went unnoticed as to how old she had become. She used to jump easily into my lap. Then, as she aged, I began lifting her when she meowed for me. Hard cat food switched to soft with little consideration. And goodbye came as quickly as hello.
Eva and Charlotte were by my side as we watched Daddy shovel dirt, deep and wide. It wasn’t a 911 call, but I still found myself drying Eva’s tears and mine as well.
Sometimes life is seasoned through the salt of our own tears.
Eva softly asked me if Punk was in Heaven? For a second, I thought logically. Then, looking upon a head full of curls and into her big brown eyes, I realized the innocence of a child. I decided now was not the time to explain the significant difference between people and animals. Although that time will come, this was not it. I whispered back, “Yes, Eva, Punk is having a great time in Heaven, and she doesn’t hurt anymore.”
Every so often the salt we seek is found in the purest of answers that sets off a twinkle in a child’s eye.
What is life without salt? Salt is a natural preserver. For it is in the preservation salt provides that our hearts live. Let your tears fall, and let your laughter flow, but above all; Live Salty.
Welcome Home
“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” Colossians 4:6
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Watch for BOOK TWO of HOME SWEET HOME coming this spring!
