This is another of my “in a place just right” stories. When you travel alone, you never know who will be your companions on the journey. I was blessed on a recent flight to be seated with Kim, and it turned out we had a lot in common. She had worked in children’s ministry and was in the process of writing a book. Me too! How is it these things happen to me? I do not know. God-incidences, I tell you. We explored our common experiences during the hours-long flight. Kim shared her writing with me, and I shared a couple of my prayer station meditations with her. We offered one another encouragement on our respective journeys - both the physical travel and the books we were creating. By the time the flight landed, we’d exchanged business cards and promised to keep in touch. Fast forward four months…and it did feel like fast forward! We didn’t do very well at keeping in touch over the busy summer, but a few weeks ago, I contacted Kim through her website. I wanted to let her know that Following the Bread Crumbs has been published and find out how her book was progressing. Kim has also finished writing her book, and it will be available in 2018. She’s still providing encouragement to me on this new venture, so I’d like to give her a shout out here. If you’d like to meet my new friend, Kim Chaffin, through her writing, you may enjoy her blog, Heartfelt Ramblings of a Mid-life Domestic Goddess, at www.heartfeltramblings.com. Her first book, Simply Blessed, is a 31 day devotional book for women, and is listed on Amazon for pre-order (and you can take a sneak peek at the contents). Any pre-orders before December 31, 2017 will contribute $1 to Generation Alive, a youth ministry dear to Kim’s heart. While you’re on Amazon, don’t forget to check out my book, Following the Bread Crumbs! I had my first book signing yesterday at Christ United Church of Christ, my church home. This is the congregation that has nurtured my gifts over my entire life. I love them and appreciate their encouragement.
“And when we find ourselves in a place just right, ’twill be in the valley of love and delight.” (from "Simple Gifts") Have you ever found yourself “in a place just right?” This has happened to me a couple of times in my life, and the sense of certainty is unlike any other I’ve known. After recently retiring from a position I’d held for more than twenty two years, I wasn’t sure what was coming next. I knew it was time to move to whatever that next thing was, and I had to trust that it would come - the exact opposite of certainty. And believe me when I say I know how lucky I am to be able to do such a daring thing. I had passed up a chance to participate in a ten day photography seminar in Tuscany for a variety of reasons, but mostly because I had other things on my calendar. About three weeks before the event, I received an email informing me that there had been cancellations, and the leader was willing to discount the fee for anyone who could join on short notice. I let it sit for several days, since I had already made a decision about it, even though my calendar was now clear. But that email was still in my inbox every day. Eventually, I shared the information with my husband, who encouraged me to go, if I was interested. Who wouldn't be interested? After contacting the leader and learning there were still openings, I made my arrangements. A few days before my departure, John declared a date night and got out one of our - okay, my - favorite movies, Under the Tuscan Sun. When I left on my adventure, he told me, “have as much fun as Francesca, just no Italian men, and don’t be buying any villas.” So imagine my delight when, on our first excursion to a Tuscan town, they were having a cheese festival complete with flag throwers! (part of the movie plot) It was one of those “in a place just right” moments for me. I haven’t finished processing everything I learned about my craft or myself during that trip, but I’m grateful for the experience and the other five women with whom I shared it. I’m pretty sure the lessons will lead me further down that road to whatever comes next. Do you have a “place just right” story? You are welcome to share in the comments! Next post - 34,000 Feet. |
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Shirley K. WeyrauchI love reading, writing, and photography! Spending time with my family and friends around the kitchen table is about the best occasion I know. I'm just beginning to stretch my creative wings, so here's to gentle breezes and clear skies. Archives
May 2021
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