Beyond Ourselves

I have a granddaughter, Gabie, who is away at college. I send her packages and cards on a regular basis as well as talk with her by email and phone. I do this to stay connected to her, inspire her, work to keep her heart turned towards Jesus and look for ways to help her reach out beyond herself.

For Valentine's Day I sent her a three pound chocolate heart. The shipping cost me more than the heart.

I chose this vehicle because I knew it was bigger than she was and she would have more than enough. Just as I hoped I received a phone call. "Grandma, I got your present today. Where did you find it? I could never eat all this myself. I will probably be able to share it with my entire floor."

Mission accomplished.

Just think in life we have so many opportunities to connect with people, inspire them in some way big or small, look for ways to move their hearts toward Jesus and even help them reach out beyond themselves.

Not too long ago I visited a pregnancy center that asked the women to return the baby things that they were finished with. They would then reward them with some different products or needs. This allowed them to reconnect with the women and inspire them to think beyond themselves.

May God give you a freshness as you think about this concept in your own life, for your family and friends and those God has called you to.

Anne

Cell Phones and Texting

Because of the Christmas season we have had many family times and I have loved every minute of it.

One day all the girls in our family - myself, daughter and grandchildren - went to lunch. After lunch we were going to shop for a birthday present for Pop (Jimmy).

At the lunch table I asked Gabie (18) and Rachael (15) if they could help me understand cell phones, but most of all texting. They were more than happy to share with me.

I specifically asked them if they felt they could concentrate on the conversation that was present at the table and text a friend at the same time. Their response was immediate. They could and when they are with friends they all keep their cell phones out and available, doing both at the same time.

I made it clear to them that I was not being negative or judgemental, but just trying to understand their lives. I told them I wanted to be able to reach out to others and not be "old" in my thinking.

Later in the car, Gabie told me that one of the things she liked about me was my desire to learn and understand others.

I am finding it is not about being critical, but having an attitude of wanting to understand and to find out more than what appears at the surface.

I am learning how to text and it is true that I am finding I can text and listen at the same time. I guess that shows how remarkable our brains are.

I am also finding that most of the women who I reach out to often text me rather than call me. I am trying to pick up my speed and learn some of the shortcuts. Obviously, my grandchildren have been my best teachers in this endeavor.

So if you want to text me I am now able to respond and am actually learning to enjoy this new mode of conversation.

Anne