Holy Heatwave, My Friend!
I bet you’ve heard the expression, “A rolling stone gathers no moss.” I looked it up and found two different interpretations: 1.) Someone who constantly moves avoids responsibility, and 2.) Someone who is always moving avoids being stagnant. All I can say is, as far as rolling stones go, I’m pretty moss-covered these days. Ain’t been much rolling for me. Between that and the fact that it’s been a million degrees out there, I feel pretty mossy and moldy. Now isn’t that a lovely image!?
A few years ago, I was with my college roommates for a fun girl’s weekend at Kit’s house in Clearwater Beach. One day we ventured up to the cute town of Dunedin to an outdoor arts and crafts festival. Ahhhh, a craft fair. To some, it’s heaven. To others, it’s absolute hell. I used to love them back when I was still feathering my nest. Now that I’m older, I’m trying to unfeather my nest down to the bare sticks so when I “fly away,” I won’t leave too much behind.
There were four of us at the craft fair extravaganza, and as you may know, those events can get crowded! I think I may be too much of an empath to go to any more of those. I feel so bad for the people sitting in the booths with few “lookers.” I want to look at their wares and buy something just to validate them. Who cares if it’s an 8 X 10 velvet wall hanging of Elvis wrestling and an alligator? The person who made it put a piece of themselves into that work of—ahem—art.
We found ourselves in a particular spot near a very popular booth. Two of our friends had managed to get right up and see what the sought-after merchandise was while Janet and I stood, unable to move to our right or left, as people streamed by us on either side. We couldn’t move anywhere. Janet made a remark that described the situation perfectly.
“I feel like a rock in a flowing river.”
When we saw the chance to stick our big toe into the stream, we took it and dislodged ourselves from that spot. We got stuck in the stream several more times before the end of the street, but I managed to live to tell about it.
I’ve felt like a rock in a flowing river lately. Oh no, I haven’t been to any crowded craft fairs, but just a bit “stuck” in general. (I’m blaming it on being so “Augusty” out there. I know I said I wouldn’t succumb to this month’s usual angst this year, but phew, it’s not easy.)
So many friends seem to be “on the move” lately. I mean, literally, moving away. Our next-door neighbors now have a “for sale” sign in their front yard. Now this shouldn’t bother me because, even after being neighbors for 26 years, we’ve only spoken a handful of times. But it’s just another person “movin’ on.” Meanwhile, there’s a bit more moss on my feet. (Ew.)
Oh, I know, I shouldn’t complain! Yikes! I should be happy for my pleasant, peaceful, no-big-surprises life! Did you hear that, God? I’m not saying You should give me anything really big and disturbing! I read Job! I’m fine—really!
I’m trying to look at another angle of being a “rock.” I hope my family can rely on me to “always be there,” even if that means just someone to text with if they can’t even talk on the phone. A rock can be steady, steadfast, and dependable. Those qualities might not describe a rock star, but I hope to be those things to my family and friends.
So I guess, even though it’s nothing too razzle dazzle, I’ll just keep doing what I’m doing and doing it here where God has planted me until further notice. My pastor said something in church this week that I loved. He was referring to Moses when he encountered God from the burning bush, and God told him about His plan to use him to speak to Pharoah and begin freeing His people from slavery in Egypt. Moses was no young whipper-snapper at the time. He was around 80 years old! My pastor said, “If you are not dead, you are not done.”
I may not be rolling along at the speed of others around me, but apparently, since I’m still on this side of the ground, I’m not done.
And if you’re reading this, you’re not done either! If you’re feeling like me, a bit mossy, take heart. Rocks are solid footholds for others to grab onto. Maybe you’re that for someone else.
There’s a little scene from the TV show Modern Family where Haley just bombed a job interview. She goes to her car and is so upset with herself. She is crying, and another vehicle beeps at her, wanting her to move so it can take her parking space. She yells at the car, “I’m not going anywhere!” She then repeats that same phrase over and over but with about three different interpretations. She is hilarious, but all three meanings come right through. From her sad realization that she’s “not going anywhere” to her determination to go back in there and fight for that job with one more, “I’m not going anywhere!” Here’s a link to the clip; you have to see it.
Feeling like you’re not going anywhere? Enjoy where you’re at. God will move you along when it’s time.
Next week I’ll be visiting my sweet little grandson, Beck. My note next week will probably be quick, but I’ll send a picture of my little darling!
Written with love – – Patti XOXO