A Hole in the Floor?! Ewww....

 This is kind of a gross post - sorry in advance, so just don’t read it…

Who in the world thought this contraption was a good idea? I gag just thinking about it. I’m not trying to offend Europeans or any other culture that uses these, but….REALLY?

So I was getting ready for a hike in the Parco Delle Fucine in Italy. I’m not usually a hiker, but I’m along for the adventure. My son was doing the scary rock climbing, and his wife and 2 babies, and I were following a trail as far as we could. But I digress….

In the movie “The Bucket List,” one of the characters gave a few bits of advice. One of them was, “Never pass up a bathroom…” So, true to where older age takes me… I usually heed that advice.

I followed the signs from the lodge at the park marked “toilette” and it took me down 10 million rustic steps to where 20 million people were picnicking and swimming in the beautiful river. There was a line waiting for the 3 toilettes. When it came to my turn, I confidently walked into the “toilette” and quite quickly walked back out, thinking it was for the male gender… I asked someone who did NOT speak English if this was for men… they were laughing at me because I was so surprised and puzzled and must have shown up on my horrified face. There was just a HOLE in the porcelain on the floor (see picture) that looked like a big, dirty sink! Someone in English told me it is all that was here and they are for everyone. Now, if EVERYONE had the aiming power that the male gender *potentially* has (notice I said “potentially”), it may not be a problem…. But HOW IN THE HECK is a woman wearing shorts supposed to navigate this ridiculous idea?!  That person even told me that it was more sanitary… ummm….no. How can someone expel “wastewater” from 3 feet up without splashing on anything nearby? (Read: shoes, sox, ankles….) The nastiness is so… nasty.

OK - even though I had to experience this twice - I think I got that off my chest for now. I may have PGOS (Post Grossed Out Syndrome.)

From Dark to Light

I am crying right now. Sometimes something on social media will do that to me… sometimes sweet, sometimes sad… sometimes nostalgic.

This time is different. I was doing the dishes and watching a few reels that addict me… and I ran across an old friend. She looks bright and joyful these days. 

But it wasn’t always so.

Around thirty years ago was the first time I saw Carrie, she seemed so dark and sad. Each day she dropped off her child at kindergarten, she never made eye contact or talked to anyone and it seemed that everything about her was black… clothes, eyes, countenance…

After a few days of observing her I remember getting into my car after the drop-off and saying something aloud to myself that I am now ashamed of. I said, “She will never know the Lord.” Call me judgmental (and I deserve it,) but that’s what I said to no one but me….

But God heard and I think even HE was surprised at my ugly-hearted words. You see, He already had plans for her…. To give her a hope and a future. 

As we continued to walk our children to their classrooms, we started talking. Our kids became fast friends and because of that, we were thrown together. So we talked. She was nice. Negative-ish, but a loving mother who seemed friendless. As our kids started playing together, one would have the other over. At first, she seemed to be more comfortable having my child to her home to play. She was very protective. We got to know each other and I sensed an impending break-up in her marriage. I watched her husband disrespect her and me being the negative judge that I was… decided that would probably happen. Well, it didn’t.

My child invited hers to something at our church. They came. They started coming regularly - and God started drawing their family into His! Before I knew it - and without my help - they were saved and baptized!

Today, when I saw the social media post, I noticed how bright and joyful she and her husband both looked! They are more involved in ministry than I ever even wanted to be! 

I love these sweet and silent miracles God does. I’m glad He doesn’t listen to our sweeping judgments, but moves forward with HIS plans for their future!

When You Come Home

When you come home I will shout. I will scream. I will cry my eyes out. I will laugh. I will dance.

I will be ever so grateful.

You WILL come home. When I see you afar off I will throw a party and celebrate! I will kill the fatted calf! I will put my ring on your finger and the finest robe on your back.

I will give you the best of everything because this son of mine who is dead will be alive again. He was lost and will be found.

I can't wait.