Thoughts...

I have been reading "At Home in Mitford" by Jan Karon. I love it when you read something in a book that makes you stop and meditate on the thought. In this wonderful read an older women who has lived a very full life asks this question to her friend...

"Did you ever think that just when people grow old and have so much to tell, that's when people want them to hush?"

As I though about this question I realized that the thought was very true. I feel strongly that God has placed a special spot in my heart for the geriatric population. I work in two nursing home and rehab centers. The age population ranges from around 70 to 100+ years old. Let me just tell you that I learn something EVERYTIME I take the chance to slow down and just listen! When you look into these sweet people's eyes you can just see they have so much to share and so much wisdom just bursting to come out. However, our society sees them often as burdens and too slow to keep up.

I also took this thought one step further...

"Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanders or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God" Titus 2:3-5

God gives us so many opportunities to share the wisdom we have been blessed with. More then that he has blessed each of us with older and wiser women to honor, respect, and learn from. I looked around our church family this morning and noticed how blessed I was to be be in a family that has "grey hair". I am encouraged to be around these special women and learn from their full lives. I also looked around and noticed the range of young girls/women that I have the opportunity to instruct and encourage. We need to be women who lean and learn from each other.

Listen to the sweet elders around you...they have "so much to tell."

Philippians 4:8

BBBC- To Kill a Mocking BIrd

This month the BBBC read, " To Kill a Mocking Bird by Harper Lee".

Ok, my impressions...I have only read this great book one other time. Yes, high school! Let me just say...I didn't remember one thing from reading it in high school!! However, I will not forget this book now that I have immersed myself into the characters.

I enjoyed the dynamics of the Finch family. Mr. Atticus Finch was living a difficult life with raising his children without the love of his life and holding the weight of the town on his shoulders (not to mention the life of another!). Jem the older brother that was growing up swaying between adulthood and childhood. Scout who was being exposed to the "real world" around her while trying to maintain the strength of who she was (and who she would become.)

My interpretation of Boo Ratley was...well, sometimes I still find myself wondering about his character. He was on the outside (really inside-) always participating in the life of the Finch family in some way. Going through life quietly observing and participation when need be. Everybody wants to be a part of something... I was so torn up about the story of his past life- don't we all need forgiveness. I felt that forgiveness was somewhat received in a way when Scout and Boo finally met and the forever connection was made.

The quotes were endless!!! However, I could not bring myself to mark in my book. Unlike my cookbooks, I have this sense of books being an art piece and writing would just damage the piece! I need to grab a pen a paper next time... However, Holly had some outstanding quotes from the book that she remembered!

Overall this book is now on my favorite book list! The characters and the moral struggles that the author vividly describes allowed me to visit another time and place, struggling with my own inner dilemmas. Have times really changed? Do we allow one person to be the "stand strong moral person" while we quietly sit back and watch? Do we allow ourselves to "see" those behind "closed doors" that just want to be a part of something? Do we help those around us feel the forgiveness they deserve?

Good Read Holly -thanks! Join in next time!! Check it out at Holly's Blog .