Wyatt

But I want it!

Sometimes when I interview young people in the midst of their emotional crises, and I toss out a question about their parents, they will say something like, "They gave me everything I wanted." What could a child want? I ask myself and sometimes them. It must be pretty hard to be a kid of today's media and be bombarded with advertisements. It must be tough to be a kid and taught to believe that your immature, temporary cravings are more important than your parents right to set limits and disciple you. Poor young people. They are just as victimized by getting what they think is their heart's desire as their poorly skilled parents who want to believe they are doing the right thing by giving it. I have come to believe that those two little words "I want" are most damaging to the individual psyche as well as to relationships. But in this "culture of the individual" as I have heard the times of today called, the right to get what we want is a commonly held belief, and childhood is only the beginning.

Vespers

When I was a child, I went to church because my parents took me with them, and our friends were there. It was always fun and full of joy and laughter. Then I followed the tradition with my children. Now that I am an independent sixty-something, I am motivated to go on my own, but more and more I appreciate church for what it is, a worshipful, sharing fellowship of believers. Maybe because of the laid back feel, a Sunday evening service has always been my favorite, and as I left home tonight for the three minute drive to church, I thought of what a blessing it is to be able to participate in this weekly event that many churches have abandoned. In the evenings, when I was maybe eight to ten and television was still new, my mother and I regularly watched Vespers, a local fifteen minute show presented by a pastor at a large Charlotte church. It opened with organ music of The Church's One Foundation, then Dr. Heaton, seated behind a desk, would speak some wise Biblical words into the camera for his audience. What a fitting way to bring a close to the day.

Boarding

After a refreshing green tea smoothie from Starbucks in the nice Orlando airport, I am on board a Southwest flight for home. Since we were in the second seating group, I am now in my place and watching the interesting mix of other passengers looking for a seat. Of my two full days, one was spent at a Disney park and the other in bed with food poisoning. Yuck. Good news is that the sickness was short lived. There was still a lot to enjoy. Jess and family were staying at the Floridian, a grand and lovely hotel with amenities to die for that we also were able to enjoy. And it was so much fun to be with the three darling little boys.

Disney Hollywood

Almost midnight and almost ready for bed. I have been cat-proofing the house and packing my belongings for this last spring trip. Tomorrow night this time, God willing, we will be in Orlando in a comfy Radisson bed, one day of visiting with Jess and family behind us. Thank goodness for flying and not having to make that one full day drive to Disney again this year. It will be worth the pat down in security and long wait at the gate. Though I haven't learned how to make the most of it, I will have my new NOOK with me to pass the time. It was high time to get an e-reader, so I took advantage of B&N's weekend deal.

catching up

Fifteen or so years ago, I was in love with words. I kept pen and paper with me at all times to scribble down any cool ideas to ponder, chains of words that painted a pretty picture, and just random thoughts. It was sort of an intense brain game that I wisely let go. I now allow my words to flutter away like spring butterflies and hope they may pop in for a visit another time. I think I was motivated to put my words out there, to blog, by my fascination with the English language, but I found that it was often hard work to write what my mind wanted to say.  Often I ended up with words that took on a life of their own or an oversimplification of a bigger issue. I can't imagine what a novelist goes through as I had a hard time managing my hundred and fifty or so words! Now where was I going with this? To those who love me and check my blog occasionally, I apologize for becoming a lazy writer. And photographer. Not to mention taking the easy way out by using that blogger app. I will try to do better.

On the Duck Tour in Boston