“No, no! The adventures first, explanations take such a dreadful time.” ― Lewis Carroll

There aren’t any birds at my new place. Some of you will know why that’s significant to me. There have been a few noisy grackles. A week ago I heard birds singing in the middle of the night. Maybe migrating as the season changes. Doesn’t seem as if there’s any real change in the season here – still hot in October! Maybe I was just dreaming. Or I was hearing the backing up beeps from the big trucks at the faraway landfill early in the morning.

I didn’t realize how much I missed all those birds and the promise they brought to mind and heart. Let’s see if I can change the neighborhood any. I put some seeds out on the sidewalk the other day. No takers yet. There are plenty of trees. Buzzards circling the landfill and those grackles taking nighttime dumps on my vehicle. But those birds don’t count. What will the winter bring? There are seasons up here in north Texas. We lived up here in the 90’s and I froze to death in the early mornings driving to Denton to teach classes. What season is your life in right now?

Despite the missing birds, I do see signs all around me. My two grandchildren and I are having adventures each week. Reading, walks, crafts, and praying. When was the last time you played Chutes and Ladders? We were out collecting leaves just the other day to trace new bookmarks for our five-volume set of books to tackle next. My very soon to be four-year-old granddaughter is an incredibly confident navigator from the backseat. Just like someone else I used to drive with! She gives directions as if she’s lived here all her life. And she has. Always makes me feel not so bad as I head off to Ft. Worth by mistake, again. What an adventure.

“To look beyond our horizons is to acknowledge that we’ve hemmed ourselves in by creating them in the first place.” ― Craig D. Lounsbrough

Attending ice hockey and gymnastics is my new weekly spectator sport. Such a pleasure watching these two grow bit by bit. On the ice and in the air. Added bonus, a little more time to visit with mom and dad in the stands. People watching is my favorite sport. Loud hockey moms, dads coaching from their seats and little siblings crawling up and down the bleachers. How did we spend our childhood waiting around before there were iPads? I love being there when mine look up into the stands and smile big when they see that familiar face. Those moments are a magic time for me.

Faith is the assurance of things you have hoped for, the absolute conviction that there are realities you’ve never seen. (Hebrews 11:1)

My house back in Houston has been on the market since June. Economic turmoil has its effect on everyone. My faith has not wavered about this path I’m on. But that house shaped like an albatross keeps me anxious and even sleepless at times. Know anyone who’d like to live on a cul-de-sac? Each time I get to the edge and almost start to doubt, it’s not a bird, but another encouraging sign pops up at just the right moment. A call, a note, a verse, a visit, a text, a reminder – right when I need to have my faith bolstered. Better not waiver. Just the other day in the HEB parking lot a call came at just the right moment. Yes, I’ve found the HEB here. So has everyone else. It’s always crowded and well worth the drive.

My new church has been another adventure. Welcoming people, familiar environment, and a lot of innovation. Plenty to keep a church scholar on the edge of my seat. It’s a very active environment each week. A large children’s program that excites my grandchildren as well. I’ve found a small group very similar to the one I left back in Houston – what a relief and blessing. There are a lot of opportunities to get involved and serve. I have time to give. Now, if I can only keep my mouth shut and stop answering all the questions in class!

“There’s not a word yet, for old friends who’ve just met.” ― Jim Henson

Don’t you have an adventure or two on your horizon? Sometimes they aren’t planned. Sometimes they’re in the catastrophe category. Looking back, you never saw it coming. But somehow, you made it to the other side. There are people coming up behind you on the trail who need to hear how you did it. Especially these days when we are all so disconnected and connected to what can’t always be trusted. Be more intentional about sharing your story. Put on your guide cap more often. Wouldn’t you have appreciated a little help back then?

“Always and never are two words you should always remember never to use.” ― Wendell Johnson