A Smile from A Red Bird

"A smile costs nothing but gives much. It enriches those who receive without making poorer those who give. It takes but a moment, but the memory of it sometimes lasts forever.”

Interesting facts about cardinals (sometimes called "red birds"), they do not migrate, but stay in the same area all year long. The males are very protective of their mate and defend their territory with vigor. They are also considered one of the most attractive song birds by birdwatchers. Biologist have even observed that some cardinal songs are sung with an accent.

Lydia loved red birds, her house was decorated everywhere with ornaments, statuettes and pictures of red birds.  She truly was a fan of this majestic bird.  It is no surprise that the red bird was her favorite, because she was much like the red bird. God was always first with Lydia, but family was next and friends not far behind.  She stayed close to her family, even taking care of her parents. Like the red bird she found comfort being surrounded by her family and friends, defending them at every turn.

Although Lydia did not sing, at least not in front of us, her smile could be considered her song.  It was her smile that attracted people, made them feel at peace and made them feel loved.  Like the red bird's song, Lydia's smile was beautiful and real.  I don't think I have ever heard a bird sing sadness, and I never saw Lydia without a smile.  She could see past a person's defenses and see their heart.  Her smile was contagious.

Lydia cared about people, especially children and adults who struggled.  She wanted to give love to those who felt no love, and she wanted to care for people who felt no one cared for them.  Lydia was definitely a servant of God.

Lydia passed away on October 9th of this year, a sad day for many of us.  A smile that was extinguished for us here on Earth; at least that was what I thought.  It was during her memorial service that the deacon said something that brought a smile to my face.  He said, we must be like Lydia, smile at one another, care for one another and love one another.  He was so right!  We couldn't let Lydia's smile be extinguished, but allow our smiles to be her's. Her smile was a reflection of the Christ-like love she had for people.  We too must have the same smile; a smile that tells people we care, we love them and we are here.

Philippians 2:3-5 says "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.  Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but to each of you to the interest of the others.  In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus"

I know that each time I see a red bird, I will think of Lydia and her beautiful smile.  I just hope that my smile can be as radiant as her's.  We love you Lydia and miss you, but look forward to that day when we can see you again, and see that smile.

Chappy

A Letter To My New Daughter-in-Law

"We love because He first loved us"

                                     1 John 4:19

Well you have gone and done it.  You have entered something far different then the Twilight Zone.  You have become a part of the family.  This family is not your typical family; far from it.  We don't allow many people into our circle, we tend to keep to ourselves and we find humor in the dumbest things.  

Getting nervous?

This family did not start on a foundation of God, in fact if you really wanted an idea of what this family started on, you would have to watch the movie Princess Bride, and the travels of Princess Buttercup and Westley through the Fire Swamp.  

Got that image in your head?

You married the eldest of four children, which puts you at the top.  The spotlight is on you, because there are two brothers behind who will monitor your every movement.  Your actions will determine what kind of women they will look for to wed. 

I'm sorry, does that sound like too much pressure?

So, all kidding aside.  Although this family struggled, fought to keep our heads above water, we did find solid ground.  That solidness was a foundation of God.

Whew!  do you feel some relief?

You see, although we may not be your typical family, we do know who is truly in charge.  We may not be the embodiment of angels, but we do understand what it means to love others and put others before ourselves.  We still struggle, we still fall, but now we have someone who has our back.  

We don't take life nonchalantly.  So with that all said, sit firmly in your seat, fasten your seat belt and get ready for the ride of your life.

Welcome to the family, my dearest daughter-in-love.