"I know where you are coming from!"

"I know what you are going through."

Simple statements, used way too many times when people have no idea where the other person is at in their life's journey or what emotions might be roaring inside.

I have adapted a new philosophy. I can only imagine what you are going through. I can only imagine where you are at.

I have lived a blessed life. It has not been filled with money or fame. It hasn't been without trials and tribulations. Tough as it might seem at times, it could always have been worse. Look around and it is usually quite apparent there are others less fortunate. I grew up hearing the old saying that "adversity builds character." At times I felt I had more character than I would ever need. There have been other times when I would love to have been any character other than who I was, but this old adage is quite true. It has molded me, forged me, formed me into who and what I am today. Good bad or ugly, "tsk, tsk, tsk, I am who I am!" I am rich beyond wealth! It has always amazed me that those who have carried the heaviest burden are also those who share the deepest spiritual bond. Everything happens for a purpose.

What a gorgeous week! West Texas weather, love it or hate it, we gotta have it! Those finishing spring break were very fortunate, others beginning spring break may not enjoy as nice a week. Addie has spent her break in Clovis, Lauren, Ellen, and Kat spent their break in Abilene. Rian, Erica and Reid are just beginning theirs and were on the road last evening to Toledo Bend. They are taking their travel trailer and boat, friends are joining them as well.

Thursday evening we got a report on Chris (see prior blogs, he is my nephew attending small engine repair school for the visually impaired in Little Rock) and his schooling. It seems his school doesn't have a spring break as such, but since it is a self paced program Chris is flying in for a few days and then Hag and Pepa are driving him back and taking a trailer load of Briggs & Stratten engines for the school to use in its instruction.

It would appear that Chris is really flourishing in this endeavor. It makes his frollic filled year at Sam Houston State seem like it was a long time ago! Chris is ripping through the repair courses and should graduate in early summer. I believe in the very near future he "will" begin his business administration class! (Take that Hag!). It was also reported that Chris had his first date with a "real" girl. He called from school to report to his Mom. She was quite relieved that his date was with a "real" girl! The girl Chris asked out is also a client at the School for the Visually Impaired, and she is blind. What little vision Chris has is much more than what she has, even though Chris is legally blind. Chris took her out to eat and then to a movie.

"A movie" his mother asked. "Chris, why would you take a blind person to the movie?"

"There is nothing wrong with her hearing" Chris replied. "All she wants to be is normal."

I had never really thought of it that way. I will never fully comprehend the world that the blind and visually impaired live in. A world void of the distractions of bright colors, sparkle and glitter but filled with sounds, tones and inflections. The movie Chris' date "saw", was adapted to her world.

FATHER, all we all want to be is normal and to fit in. FATHER I don't mean to back seat drive. Things go so much better when I just give it up to YOU, to use me, place me, fit me, where YOU want me in this world. Forgive me, and take the keys, YOU are in control. FATHER I am thankful that YOU saw me through the past week. I continue to ask for YOUR presence in the weekend and coming week. I pray for those returning from spring break, I pray for those just beginning theirs. I ask for safety for all. I ask YOUR blessings upon Hag, B., Lillie, Carol, Michelle, Aimee, Jennifer, Ashlyn Kate, Tj, Anna, and those recuperating from their injuries. I ask YOUR intervention and healing for them. I ask YOUR comfort for those grieving, let them know YOUR presence. I pray for those of us with spiritual needs. I would ask that YOU meet these needs. Renew us, boost us, build us up. I pray for our spiritual family and our leaders. Shout hallelujah!