More Memory

Today Molly went with me to Staples to purchase an external hard drive. The shopping expedition had something to do with backing up my computer files so she can wipe out my computer so she can reinstall stuff so it will run faster. The "run faster" part is really all I'm interested in.

It would be so nice to be able to get an external hard drive for my brain. That way, if I wanted to remember something (or anything), I could just plug into this extra drive. I could certainly recall my stored information faster and find the needed information easier than I do now. You know, like when you leave a room on a mission in another room, but find something to do on the way, and when you get to the destination room, you have no idea why you there.

Anyhow, the hope is that in a few days, my computer will be running quickly, my pictures and files will be safely stored for future generations, and I will once again be at one with the current century.

At least my computer will be.

Playing With Time

Yesterday Steve and I traveled to another time zone to attend a wedding. Since then I have lost an hour, then gained it back, only to lose it again this morning at 2am. I don't know if it makes me ahead or behind, but I know I am tired.

I do like Daylight Savings Time. I'm not sure I really understand the purpose of the whole concept, especially since there are some places that don't even bother changing their time. I do know that with the time change, when I do get out on the golf course I can play late, after the real golfers have finished.

The first week of DST always gets me confused because by the time I think it's time to go to bed, it's WAY past time to go to bed. In the morning, it will be dark when I get up. Again, it will confuse me because I will think it is too early to get up. But I will have the opportunity to see the sun rise.

What's the point of all this? I don't know, except that maybe as we get older, we have to make sure we have all the hours we're supposed to have. Next week we're going to California for a week of vacation. We leave here and get there later but earlier. When we return, we will return even later than when we left, or something like that.

Oh well, as Alan Jackson says, "It's always five o'clock somewhere."

Nashville in March

Just when we think we're ready to say good-bye to winter, just before we get ready to turn our clocks ahead, just as the trees begin to bud, God gives us one more gift - that of a beautiful, abundant snowfall. We have it long enough to watch it develop, measure it as the drifts deepen, then enjoy it. We have time to appreciate the snow's beauty, appreciate that the snow came on a weekend so we have the opportunity to play, and appreciate the fact that it's a seldom-seen treat.

I just hope we remember to thank the Source.

And Now A Word From My Sponsor - God

Last week I managed to catch up a little on my Bible study. One day the commentary was focused around the thought that God is always watching and watching after me. This week was certainly an affirmation of that promise.

I like to think that God was watching with amusement as Molly, Scout, and I rushed to catch a plane. Humanly, there was little chance of our actually getting to the plane on time, but we did. I believe He laughed along with us as we dropped our bags and fell to the floor upon arrival at Gate 206.

I like to think that God knew exactly where Molly's paper wallet with her ticket, driver's license, room key, and photo pass was on Tuesday. He knew exactly where it was, who had it, that it was safe, and when it would be returned. I believe He felt our frustration and worry as He taught us to trust Him to take care of getting it back to Molly.

I like to think that God knows every bump that an airplane flies over, especially when I'm on that plane. Actually I have to believe this, or I would never board a plane. I know these are His skies, and He is in control of everything that flies in them.

I like to think God sent my missing suitcase on a little vacation until it returned to Nashville and to me this morning. I believe He smiled as he listened to my scenarios of where my bag might be.

I like to think God worked with the weather as Maribeth and Mathieu sat stranded in a snowy ditch in Wyoming. I know He watched and kept them safe until help finally arrived. I believe He was happy as they were when they were on their way back to a warm house and dry clothes.

I believe that in every moment of my life, God knows exactly what is going on. Sometimes He allows life to happen as I go my merry way, and sometimes He steps in because He knows what is ahead. He's always with me, always watching after me, because He always loves me. He never leaves me - it's me who forgets He's always there.

Flying THROUGH the Airport

So maybe it was poor time management. Maybe it was faulty communication. Maybe it was somebody's fault. Maybe it was that "last day of vacation and I don't want to leave" mentality. Maybe it was simply irresponsible behavior.

Whatever it was, it was 4:30 and we were still 10 miles from the airport, on a crowded freeway, trying to make a 5:30 flight. Traffic was heavy, and we had no exact change which required waiting for the change line at the toll booths. We still had to check bags, print boarding passes, and turn in the rental car. This would all be before we would have to stand in long lines (at Orlando International it is more accurately known as a crowd) at security before we could reclaim our carry-ons, grab our shoes, and run for the shuttle to our gate.

Remarkably, we made it to the gate at 5:15, just as the inbound flight was deplaning. Molly was flushed, Scout was gasping for air, and I was looking for the paddles to restart my heart. We all made it on the flight and back to Nashville - well, all but one of our checked bags (mine).

What a way to end a vacation!!