My precious Aunt Malvie came to baby sit Ray. He was just a few months old. Malvie was from a family of 14 and she loved silence. Oh, she talked a lot, but her voice was soft and pitched low.
Before he walked, before he talked, she carried him everywhere. It was winter time and the gas stove with ceramic blocks was burning. He loved the bright light of the flame.
Aunt Malvie would snuggle him close, walk to the stove, hold his little hand, point his finger with hers and come so close to the enticing flame. Puckering her lips she made this sound shshsh, followed by whispering, “ hot, hot” and quickly withdrawing his finger. I was entertained by the funny little activity. Within a week or so I watched him crawl to the stove…lunged to get him just as he pulled his little finger back and said his third word…..ht… pronounced with out the o…..
Aunt Malvie whispered a lot. Frequently, I could hear my Mother praying but I had to pay close attention to hear Aunt Malvies’ Whispers.
Eighteen years old with a baby, I worked to pay for his formula and give Aunt Malvie a little money. We had simple food. Soon it was apparent, I needed more. Business school seemed to be an answer. I attended about 3 months.
In our little town, business was a joke. Big money was made by the miners, I wasn’t married to one of them…and had no desire to become one. So I tucked my new knowledge in my head and dreamed…I wanted a business and I would hire a bookkeeper.
Nine years later I entered the man’s world of Real Estate at Camp LeJeune where my second husband was station. Tell you folks, for this little Mountain girl the move was a big leap. I saw the ocean every day, the Colors at night on the base, met military wives who became sisters. We never knew from one day to the next if our husband may get orders to leave for temporary duty. The assignment could be for 3 days, 3 months or a year.
I remembered Aunt Malvie’s habits…when she heard gossip, anger, faced uncertainty…she said Shshsh….be quiet. Her lesson sings loud and clear today. Often we find solutions hidden in Silence.
Be Quiet, Listen.
There is a lot of noise around us now. Fear is visual at the grocery stores with empty shelves, and people making a desperate run searching for items.. Fear is everywhere. People moving quickly to snag what they perceived to be a critical part of life….much like my friends piece of paper. Oh, let me tell you about her paper.
My friend
Recently, I had lunch with a friend. We were recalling youth and survival on a tight budget. She shared at one point they did not have any money. A relative mailed them a check for $20.00. They jumped into the car, rolled the windows down and started driving to the bank. The check lying on the dash board was sucked right out the window by the wind.
They retraced their route and looked for the check…Found it and rejoiced. This friend of mine, really got the point. When in need, they received, lost and found their treasure. When she retrieved the check she said: “Look what this little piece of paper did for us. Our emotions shifted from desperation to joy…a little piece of paper ..not worth a penny but the written words on it made us happy.”
This morning, I remember my Mother, turning the pages of the Bible every morning, quietly reading Gods word and praying God would guide someone to come to Daddy’s garage. Then we would go to the bedroom window, raise it, and watch Daddy work. One by one people stopped to get their car repaired.
He would fix the car, charge them a little fee…they paid with coins or a little piece of paper and sometimes put coins in my little piggy bank was in the window sill. The little pieces of paper paid the bills, gave us money to share, bought food and stuff…but the paper wasn’t the real blessing. The real blessings were Mothers prayers, Daddys skill and knowledge and customers who needed his help.
Your Challenge
Be still, be quiet, remember the noise is hot..heavy with desperate people. Close your ears withdraw from the fear. Implement wisdom, not Fear.
Fear isn’t pretty to behold. However it captures our attention. Retreat. Whisper a prayer.
This season too will pass. Fear will disappear, only to return in the future disguised in a different container.
During this season of potential illness, it’s time to take inventory of what is in your home. Is it filled with the essentials for survival? Remember we need, food, clothing and shelter. We only wear one outfit at a time, could survive with one great meal each day, and shelter providing safety. Books to read, puzzles to do, pages to color, a journal to write in, provide so many fun opportunities.
Faith Not Fear
Yesterday, church was online. The pastors sermon was what happens after death. I love to hear him teach, drink in his wisdom and reassurance. Click on the link if you want to hear.
My heart hurt. I thought of the times I missed service, casually thinking I will go next week. Now, next week is here and for a season, we must stay home. When our crisis has past, I will appreciate the freedom to attend church, fellowship with the crowd without fear imposed by an outside source.
My personal beliefs are instilled that God is in control of life and death. We each have an appointment with death. For the days we wake up, have fun! Enjoy the life and Breath, knowing it’s another day of journey . Make it a good one!
Use the wisdom you have. Withdraw from situations that may present a challenge to your health, wash your hands, say your prayers and have fun at home.
Speaking of fun, it’s a cold day in Montana…I am excited to be alive. Today will include music, and my 12 year old granddaughter. For a few minutes last night, she was excited school would be out for 2 weeks. Now, we will plan other activities. Any suggestions?
I don’t know about tomorrow
Starting my day while everyone is sleeping with this song!
pitched low.