Socks

Sometimes we're able to see things through a different and clearer lens when we talk with a person who has more experience in certain areas than we have.

I like socks. I have lots of them and can go for at least three weeks before running out of clean socks. Then I  throw a load of dirty socks in the washing machine and the dryer. All clean. In the fall and winter, I sleep with socks on my feet. I spoke with a person who gave me a different view on the importance of socks. For a period of time, this person didn't have a place to live in. Socks were extremely important when I didn't have a place to stay. I was often out in the cold and wet. Socks helped protect my feet, even when I had holes in my shoes. I was happy when I could get a new pair of socks. My old socks would be dirty and ragged and I didn't have a way to wash and dry them. I could only wear the same pair of socks for so long. A new pair of socks was a blessing. 

This was a reminder to me. Don't take even the smallest thing for granted. Do what you can to be a blessing to others. Socks are a blessing to those who don't have socks. 

Sylvia@www.sylviabrownroberts.com

It's Under Control

 I'm trying to remember if this snowy night view is from the 2nd or 3rd recent snowstorm. The storms run together in my head. I'm clear on the fact that I choose to shovel  my old stone front steps because some of them can easily be knocked loose if hit the wrong way with a shovel. I know these steps like no one else does, so I shovel them gently. The rest of the snow can be handled by my husband or kind neighbor.

I wonder if all this recent precipitation, (there's more to come in the next few days), is to clear the air. There are lots of bad things hanging out in the air these days: viruses, hatred, lies, suspicion, death, violence, and so on...We're under lots of pressure, but it's comforting to remember that God is in charge. Be gentle with yourself and others. God's got it under control. Trust Him.    

  www.sylviabrownroberts.com

When Your Parents Agree About Your Guy

  Mom gave this card to my husband for the 2020 holiday season. The words she wrote at the the end make my heart smile. Before the pandemic, my husband joined us at Mom's for Sunday dinner after worship services. But Covid-19 caused him to use extra precaution for her safety, especially because she's an octogenarian.  She follows the safety rules. He wants to be extremely careful about her exposure to extra people. He follows all the safety rules too, and he'd be heartbroken if she's mistakenly exposed to the virus. They miss each other at the family meals. They've built a strong mother-in-law/son-in-law relationship over the years. It touches my heart. Like my late father said about my future  husband years ago, "Tony's got a good heart." Mom agrees.

Smiles from Sylvia 

www.sylviabrownroberts.com