Unplanned visits are some of the best times
Every week is full of so many things to do at work and home. We all have a to-do list. If you don’t have a markoff list, it is one of the best ways to keep up with the ‘to-do’ list. It is a hustle and bustle kind of world. Work, school, ball games, doctor and dentist appointments, and car repairs are a few on my list lately. But even with all of the challenges we deal with every week, life is good. We have so many blessings we don’t even see in the hustle and bustle. Taking time out for the good things in life.
As you know, I am from a relatively large family, and it has always been hard to get everyone together. It is sad, but we all have not been together in one sitting since my Dad’s funeral. So, this past month, I decided to see what family I could.
My youngest sister, Teresa, has three children, ages 12, 14, and 17, so her days are busy with work, school, and ball games. She is the environmental superintendent for Indorma Ventures Xylenes, and as a sister, I will say I’m so proud of her. She works at the Decatur, Ala., facility. It sits on 1,000 acres and safely manufactures chemical intermediaries that become part of everyday products including television screens, plastic bottles, and food packaging. Just thinking about her job and her responsibilities makes my head spin.
Several weeks ago, unexpectedly, we were able to get together for a visit. Her daughters were playing softball so we decided I could met them there. Watching softball with family and friends is wonderful. After their games, we went to eat supper and my youngest brother, Bobby, joined us. The day was not planned, but everything fell into place. Some of the best days are full of surprises, and this was one of those days.
Last weekend was one of those unplanned visits. The week before my visit, I had car problems on the Saturday morning. I had to leave my car at an Alabama dealership to fix my alternator and rent a car to return to work in Mississippi. I had to return the following weekend to pick my car up, but it was not ready. But my day did not end up so horrible. I had heard my sister, Mary Ellen, was in town visiting my Mom. I was so excited to see her. It had been over three years. Mary Ellen and her husband have been missionaries in Mexico City for over ten years.
When I arrived at my Mom’s, Mary Ellen was busy making Mom’s supper in the kitchen, while Mom was sitting at the table. We were all able to catch up and share stories about the many things happening in our lives. We laughed a lot, but we always do. Mother’s kitchen was always the best place to talk.
It seemed like time had stopped for a moment as we sat at the kitchen table, drinking coffee and catching up with all the details.
So, even though our days are filled with so many challenges, take time to enjoy an unplanned visit and count them as blessings.