"All People Like Me"

One of my daughters asked me to attend the Women of Faith Conference in Philadelphia last weekend. How nice, I thought. I could spend the weekend with my newly married second-born (who now lives three hours away) and break out of my usual I-love-to-be-home mentality.

And so, I began to plan. Motel locations, driving routes, traffic patterns, parking possibilities, train schedules, subway lines, phone conversations, and internet connections all tumbled and jumbled in my head as I tried to sort out the best plan of action to navigate the event. This sounded like such a good idea, but I found myself a little tentative with so many options and not enough know-how. One restless night, an old childhood nursery rhyme by Beatrice Curtis Brown (1901-1974) floated to the top of my thinking. Perhaps you know it, too.

JONATHAN BING

Poor old Jonathan Bing

Went out in his carriage to visit the King,

But everyone pointed and said, "Look at that!

Jonathan Bing has forgotten his hat!"

(He'd forgotten his hat!)

Poor old Jonathan Bing

Went home and put on a new hat for the King,

But by the palace the soldier said, "Hi!

You can't see the King; you've forgotten your tie!"

(He'd forgotten his tie!)

Poor old Jonathan Bing,

He put on a beautiful tie for the King,

But when he arrived, and Archbishop said, "Ho!

You can't come to court in pajamas, you know!"

Poor old Jonathan Bing

Went home and addressed a short note to the King:

"If you please will excuse me, I won't come to tea;

For home's the best place for all people like me!"

  

I had to smile as I lay in the dark. As much as I hate to admit it and as much as I really don't want to get to the end of my life without "doing anything," maybe home is the best place for all people like me. All people like me and Jonathan Bing!

As it turned out, Sharon and I decided to forgo the Friday night portion of the conference due to logistics and limited time. Instead, we drove from our different directions to my oldest daughter's home in the Philadelphia suburbs. We all enjoyed the evening together (Thank you, Andy, Jana, and Ty). On Saturday morning Sharon and I hopped on a train, found our way to the Broad Street Line, and made it to our seats on the second last row of Section 204A at the Wells Fargo Center with fifteen minutes to spare. We found coming back a little trickier, but rumbled into the station right on time for Jana to pick us up before her baby went to bed. Just over three hours later, I pulled into my very own cozy driveway. Thank you, Lord!

I hope Sharon will ask me to do something with her again. We had a great time together, a memory I will always treasure. I want to spend time with my family whether it be near or far. I don't have a bucket list, but neither do I want my apprehensions to keep me glued to what's most comfortable. So, if you see me out and about or hear that I'm headed to Southeastern PA or as far away as Lake Michigan, toss a few gold stars my direction, for if truth be told, I'm a lot like Jonathan Bing. "Home's the best place for all people like me!"


A form of this article has been published in Catapult Magazine.

Book Review: Jesus Calling by Sarah Young

Each dawn, as early sunbeams paint the sky with brushstrokes of vibrant mercies, I find myself snuggled in the worn corner of my futon. A journal, my Bible, and a little book the color of the sunrise pile in my lap. I sip my mug of lemon tea, watch the heavens brighten, and open Sarah Young's little volume, Jesus Calling. The readings for each day take but a minute or two to breathe in, yet I often read the words a second or third time and look up the Scripture references jotted at the bottom of each page. I set my never-ending list aside. My mind quiets. I listen.

This morning, I read, "Entrust your loved ones to me; release them into my protective care . . . . My Presence will go with them wherever they go, and I will give them rest. This same Presence stays with you, as you relax and place your trust in Me. Watch to see what I will do" (August 23, page 246).

Today, our youngest has her first cross-country scrimmage. For her, this fall means a new school, a new sport, new friends, and new situations. As I drop her off to catch the bus, my morning meditation nudges its way past my concerns. Today, I remind myself, God will go with her to Elk Lake and back. He will help her navigate each day, each circumstance, one by one.

Her sisters, grown now and in different cities, face their own joys and challenges. One lovingly mothers an infant, a beautiful baby boy. No small feat in a kaleidoscope of too many choices and a world brimming with uncertainty. The other, newly married, adjusts to a new job, a new community, and a new church - her first time to live this far from her home town.

"My presence will go with them wherever they go." My mind ponders the promise. I release each one to God's protective care; I pray with specific needs in mind. A sense of peace settles over me as, once again, I make a conscience choice to entrust all three to our attentive, ever-present Father.

"Watch to see what I will do."

What a Wedding Means . . .

by Lillian Ewert*

To a Bride?                                  

Photo by Katie Fisher

• a lovely dress
• never saying "good-bye" again to her lover
• being overwhelmed by the kindnesses of so many
• sadness at leaving her home town
• excitement about having her own home
• thankfulness that God made the choice
• cherished memories of a happy day

To her Father?

Photo by Rayan Anaster

• walking down the aisle with the loveliest girl in town
• being nervous about his lines (and dance steps)
• a balance of 45 cents in the checking account
• moving boxes and furniture to an apartment three hours away
• glad to have a son and his friends to help with the moving
• after everyone leaves, adjusting to "just the three of us" once again

To her Mother?

• experiencing a strange mix of emotions 
• the fear of crying in front of everyone
• happiness at seeing relatives who live so far away
• sharing the joy as each gift if lovingly handled and admired
• gaining a wonderful son
• using shared memories of places and events as reminders to pray

To her Sisters?

• wanting to help make it a special day for her
• fighting back tears
• a brother!
• memories of growing up and hanging out together 

To a Family?

• becoming closer than ever: planning, praying, worrying, working, and laughing
• thankfulness to God for His faithfulness 
• added responsibility to pray for and support one another
• adjustments to new locations and situations
• greater faith in God, knowing He does all things well.
• gratefulness for family and friends who have shared this joy with us and upheld us in prayer.

Photo by Jenn Dodd - Used with permission

*This was written 33 years ago by my mom after my wedding on July 14, 1979. I adapted it slightly to fit the occasion of Brad and Sharon's wedding July 14, 2012. My parents, David and Lillian Ewert, celebrated 55 years of marriage on May 11.

David and Lillian Ewert

With Daddy

July 14, 2012

                     

                     

           

                        

                                             With Daddy

  

 I watch them leave.

  Together, they hold the colorful golf umbrella,

           Stopping to check a few plants gracing the brick patio

     On the way to the car.

She portrays delicate features and long light hair

With the sides swept up

In the silver barrette we bought yesterday.

He stands tall and proud, assuming a silent protection.

Walking side by side,

Comfortable laughter harmonizes the with rain’s song.

Their eyes meet in friendly camaraderie.

Someday they will walk side by side once more.

Instead of shorts and T shirts

On the way to McDonald’s,

She will wear white

To match the angel spirit she carries inside.

He will lead her on his arm

As, together, they slowly stride to music and flowers.

My cheeks will feel the rain fall again.

But this time the sun will be shining, too.

Sarah Lynn Phillips

July 2001

Book Review: One Thousand Gifts

Sometimes I read a paragraph over and over. It's a mystery to me how the author takes my very thoughts and feelings and captures them with expressions that reflect my soul, sing its depths, and leave me satisfied in a strange sort of way.

Ann Voskamp is one of those authors. She's written a book titled One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are. I reread the pages slow, savoring her warmth, her refreshing honesty, her quest to find a grateful heart.

On a melancholy day, I run across these words:

"Love's a deep wound and what is a mother without a child and why can't I hold on to now forever and her here and me here and why does time snatch away a heart I don't think mine can beat without? Why do we all have to grow old? Why do we have to keep saying good-bye?" (page 160). 

Tears drip salty. How can I feel this way and yet find myself proud on the sidelines cheering them all on? Run well, my girls! Fulfill your dreams . . .

On another day, I read:

"God reveals Himself in rearview mirrors.

"And I've an inkling that there are times when we need to drive a long, long distance before we can look back and we see God's back in the rearview mirror.

"Maybe sometimes about as far as heaven - that kind of distance.

"Then to turn and see His face" (page 157).

I smile to discover some perspective in my story. Hope. Remembrance. And a quest for contentment: "I accept the gift of now as it is . . ." (page 181).

Ann Voskamp. One Thousand Gifts. A thoughtful read.

Fly the Flag Proud!

May 24, 2012 will always be an important date in Andy’s life story. Born and raised in Germany, this is the day our son-in-law added United States citizenship to his German citizenship. To do so, he worked his way through the required paperwork, passed a test, and took the Oath of Allegiance.* Our family celebrated over lunch around the backyard picnic table last Sunday. His gift? An American flag – a symbol of “the land of the free and the home of the brave!”

The American flag has always intrigued me—its symbolism, its history, its unique design. The pride I feel on Memorial Day when the veterans march by carrying the Stars and Stripes shows itself when I get that familiar choked-up feeling and blink back patriotic tears. Maybe the reason I experience so much emotion is because my dad served in the United States Navy and we toured Washington, D.C. when I was a kid. Perhaps listening to concerts given by the U. S. Army Band on the steps of the Capitol and the fact that my ancestors passed through Ellis Island has something to do with it, too.

I loved to sing in the school chorus in elementary school in the 1960's. Our concert itinerary included “Let There be Peace on Earth,” along with “The New Colossus,” words engraved on the Statue of Liberty written by Emma Lazarus in 1883. I still remember the lyrics (along with the melody):

"Give me your tired, your poor,

Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,

The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.

Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me,

I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

Times have changed since these words were penned. America has been the land of golden opportunity for some but not for all. Yet, I’m grateful for this country—my country. I’ll always bring tissues to the parade. I’ll always enjoy the music that represents the Red, White, and Blue. And I’ll always (as I said to Andy) “fly the flag proud!”

*Naturalization Oath of Allegiance to the United States of America:

"I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state or sovereignty, of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the armed forces of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and that I take this obligation freely without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; so help me God."

Book Review: Harriet Beamer Takes the Bus

I keep a stack of books propped up against the wall by my side of the bed. There's something "nice" about finally climbing in after a long day--and reaching for a book. I give a long contented sigh and snuggle in to read until I can't focus any more. Ah-h-h . . . such a sweet ending...

My latest book kept me turning the pages later than usual. A delightful read, Harriet Beamer Takes the Bus, is light yet thought-provoking, fun yet relevant, taking the reader on a journey of real-life issues and dilemmas. The author, Joyce Magnin, weaves together a great story. I recommend it!