This time one week ago, I thought that hard floors and confined spaces were meant as torture chambers. Today, I know they are safe spaces.
This time one week ago, I had only heard the sound of a freight train while stopped at a flashing light with striped bars coming down to block the track for the impending train to come barreling through. Today, the sound has a new effect: that of wind ready to whip the sap out of a pine and the roots of decades old trees out of the ground. It’s often accompanied by a bass drum sound only years’ worth of pine or hickory can make against a roof that covers huddled bodies of circled up loved ones.
This time one week ago, the sound of chainsaws at 7 AM was cacophonous. Aggravating, even. Today, the sound is reminiscent of Handel’s Hallelujah chorus.
This time one week ago, my bedroom was my retreat. The safe haven my husband and I retired to each night. My bed, the place my kids snuggled in unabashed safety. Playing a video game, watching America’s Got Talent, just relaxing after a long day of school; each offering a respite of sorts. Today, it’s a hollow space, void of any creature comforts it once enclosed.
This time one week ago, I hadn’t willfully had ramen noodles in a while. Today, ramen may owe me some dividends. And my waist line may be larger as it accepted the calories they comprise since these were an easy thing to prepare on a gas burner with a bottle of water. (They still cure what ails you…)
This time one week ago, a hot shower was daily monotonous routine, void of gratefulness. Today, it means glorious renewal-a refreshing reminder that I’m alive. That I’m blessed. And that I’m still unworthy.
This time one week ago, air conditioning was a no-brainer, expected, creature comfort that I DESERVED, dangit. Today, I know that I’m privileged to be cool–hell, comfortable– around the clock. I liken it to a princess being fanned by palm branches and served grapes by hand and refreshed with water and…
This time one week ago, I let the faucet run with little thought while brushing my teeth. It ran while washing my grapes, ran while cleaning clothes and dishes, ran while I took that hot shower… It wasn’t even a real thought. It wasn’t. Today, fresh running water is life giving in itself. It’s appreciation is renewed. And it’s super helpful in flushing toilets. (I’ve got three kids, y’all. And a husband. Toilet flushing is vital to sanity. And sanitation.)
This time one week ago, I didn’t smile and engage and hug everyone I encountered. Don’t get me wrong, I love people. But today y’all, I see a piece of heaven in every single pair of eyes I have the privilege of meeting with my own. This place is good. Heaven manifested here on earth.
This time one week ago, flipping light switches, humming fridges, working dishwashers and washing machines were as automatic as the sun rising and setting. Today, I see electricity as a gift that is taken for granted moment by moment. And brought to me by some of the hardest working, selfless, tireless individuals. I’m not…no…we’re not worthy. But we’ve been gifted it anyway.
This time one week ago, I had three gray hairs and no pimples and my circles under my eyes were just a skyline blue. Today? Let’s hope you don’t bump in to me…
This time one week ago, my cell phone had become my lifeline. My entertainment. My communication. My accessory on my hand. WiFi was a way of life. It had taken the place of a lot of human interaction. Today, well, let’s say I’m still working on that aspect of my life. But I’m happy to report that my real-life human interaction has spiked. I hope to continue the trend.
This time one week ago, I prayed to my Heavenly Father who I trust with my whole heart and mind and most beloved ones He gifted me to keep my family and my Southern city safe. Prayed that His glory would shine, His will be done, His light made bright in the darkness that loomed. After all, He had proven Himself over and over to me in so many ways before and I knew He would do it again though I didn’t know how. I’m not supposed to, because I’m not Him. And today, I prayed that you would know this too. Know that God spared lives in our city, brought us together in love despite chaos, and gave us opportunities to be His hands and feet…
And today, if you don’t know these things, I would love to talk to you about our good, good Father.
Even if you didn’t know one week ago…
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