April 27, 2015
One Week Down
One week ago, my life took on a new direction. The saying goes; "It takes 21 days (three weeks) to change/make a habit." One week for me is done. One week down, two to go.
It is amazing how God brings people into your life just at the right moments that you need their strength, courage and support to make the changes necessary for you to move forward. To continue the dream that God has for you. We humans have a way of getting in the way, when God is trying to make things happen. I am no longer standing in the way, I got stalled but now I am moving. Moving towards an unknown but one thing I do know, is God has great plans for me.
I have a blessed life. I may not had have all the latest and greatest styles of clothing while growing up. I may not have had the latest fad (no matter what it was), but what I did have where two parents that loved and cherished me. They cherished all five of their children. Four girls and one boy. A steelworker and a housewife, life could not have been any more sweeter than growing up on Natchez street. My father was a strong man, but there was a gentleness in him, that he did not always reveal. My mother, her heart was bigger than the state of Texas. Both my parents would give the shirts off their backs if someone needed it. My mother and father may not have had a lot, but when a family member or neighbor was in need, they provided. Two beautiful hearts brought together by chance. A love that grew stronger as the years past.
I remember a time, when I was a teen, my mother went away with the PTA. This was unique to say the least account my mother rarely went away without my dad. My dad on the other hand had his time away during hunting season, every year. It was expected for dad to go off and hunt big game. My dad seemed down and I offered to make him tea or something to eat and he kindly said no. He walked to the dining room window and stared out and I asked; "Daddy whats wrong?" He said: "I just really miss your mother." I could only smile and hoped that someday in my life, I would have a true love as theirs. Someone who would miss me, while I was a way for a weekend. I remember my mom, walking my dad to the door, handing him his lunch giving him a kiss and saying "see you after work." She never doubted that he would not come home.
I remember, when my dad was very sick and in his final weeks (although we did not realize this at the time). He was asked by his physical therapist, "Samuel what is special about today", his reply: "My wedding anniversary." She then asked him: "What is the greatest thing you ever did?" My father's soft reply was: "Marrying my wife." True and pure love is what my parents shared.
After my dad passed away, my mother a young widow of 54, never once looked or considered dating another man. She always told me that she had the love of her life and she was happy just to be surrounded by her children and grandchildren. I, know that God allowed my dad to come to my mom when she needed him. She would tell me, "Your dad visited me last night." I would ask what he had to say, she replied, "nothing." He just came to comfort her. What my siblings do not know and may not understand, is that my dad had been coming to mother every night prior to her passing. I would talk with her and she would tell me how he was visiting her every night. But she never would tell me why. I know now, he was preparing her.
Do I believe that my mother wanted to leave us when she did? No! I believe my mother would have lived another forty years if it was meant for her to. But my mother waited 20 years to be reunited with the love of her life, I know in my heart, she was ready. Her final words as she was collapsing from a brain stem hemorrhage where: "Where's Junior?" Can you imagine, here is Jesus welcoming you home and she asks, "Where is Junior?" If you are wondering folks, who Junior is, he was my dad. Samuel Joseph Palombia, Jr. My mother always called him Junior. I always said that the sprite, feisty little woman, that I knew as mom, would be the one to ask Jesus where her husband was.
But back to the changes taking place in my life. You know how you can become attached to someone or something, it really is not good for you, but you just have trouble letting go. Well, that is where I was. God brought into my life, two new workout mates. Without these two women, I would more than likely still be stalled. I have come to a full understanding, just were I was before they came into my life. My best friend of 25 years was advising me, my sisters were telling me, my other best friend of eight years was drilling at me, but did I listen. Of course not! Well, maybe on the surface, but deep down, my heart was hearing, it was just not ready to let go. It was holding onto hope, when it knew it was time. I needed these new friends to be fresh eyes and hearts for me, so that I could finally....let go. To renew what God began in November. To help me to refocus on my goals and what is truly God's dream for me. To put my focus back on Jesus! He was telling me:
"Darla, you deserve to have a true and pure love."
"Be patient," is what God has been whispering to me. I hear Him. "Be still. Look at what I have created. He says. "I have a dream for you," God says. "Just be patient! Watch and you will see, what I am doing for you."
The focus is back in place, I am once again heading in the right direction. When I stand aside and let God have control, everything falls into place.
Even the dandelion that everyone thinks of as a pesky weed, is a beautiful flower in God's sight. |
The purity of a lily, dancing in the sun. Lets everyone know, Spring has begun. |
Yellow tulips dance and sway, lets everyone know there is joy in today. |
Beauty is pink that the bees all love. Buzzing a tune from heaven above. |
Billowing white clouds, gently floating by. Hanging by angel's wings, high up in the sky. |
God's love is all around, just stop and you will see |
His light will always guide you, to were you are meant to be. |
Trust in God and let Jesus lead the way.
He is always the right direction.
God Bless and keep you until I write again.
God, please heal the city of Baltimore. Amen!!!