Plan to be surprised

As many of you know, I like to plan. I like to prepare. My lists are part of my attempt to bring the chaos of life under control. However, during the last few weeks, a subtle lesson for life seeped slowly into my consciousness. Lessons often come from the least likely of places. Lessons often come at the most poignant moments.

This summer, when the brevity and fragility of life has never been so clear, I watched two movies that brought the message home. The first one was Bella. A wonderful film about redemption. The film opens with the line "if you want to make God laugh, make plans."

The second movie was "Dan in Real Life". A very funny movie about family, love and awkwardness of life. One of the characters in the movie say "Plan to be surprised. It is the only plan that ever really happens."

However, as with most life lessons, the knowledge and the application can be miles apart. I don't know how "planning to be surprised" really looks like in my life. I have a couple of situations right now where I would love to take control and plan next steps. But, I know all I need to do is wait because what happens next will be so different and probably better than I could imagine.

So, in preparation, I just pray "Lord, surprise me, Amen!"

I have a dream

Here is the video from the Democratic Convention commemorating the 45th Anniversary of the March on Washington - "I have a dream".

a prayer for all - a fransican benediction

May God bless you with discomfort
At easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships
So that you may live deep within your heart.

May God bless you with anger
At injustice, oppression and exploitation of peopleS
o that you may work for justice, freedom and peace.

May God bless you with tears
To shed for those who suffer pain, rejection, hunger, and war
So that you may reach out your hand to comfort them
And turn their pain into joy.

And may God bless you with enough foolishness
To believe that you can make a difference in the world,
So that you can do what others claim cannot be done
To bring justice and kindness to all our children and the poor.

AMEN

summer lovin'

My blogging ways have deteriorated over the past few weeks. It is a good thing I had some multiple blog entries in the past few months or I would be SOL for my "blogging consistently once per week" on my 101 list.

I blame the beautiful summer weather for my not blogging. I love summer. Patios and martinis. Visiting family (especially a particular niece & nephew). Sandals and sundresses. Sunshine. Popsicles and slurpees. Summer crushes. Suntans. Farmers markets and fresh produce.

This season of summer is moving too quickly. The days are getting shorter but I made the most of it today. It was 32 degrees out and I was on a golf course. Before those who know me die of laughter, I actually did alright and had some good shots which did surprise me.

Well, that is it for now. I must finish some real work for ChristmasFuture now. Okay...not real work...just some volunteer time writing for them. I will blog more about the charity at a later date.

the random post

Just a day of sharing random stuff in my life (aka a demonstration on how my life is not as exciting as it appears on the outside)

1) New browser - Firefox - so much better than Explorer...really liking it

2) New external hard drive for music and pictures...it is a wonder. My computer is working like a charm now...the new macbook may have to wait until I can actually afford it.

3) I watched the movie "Into the Wild" last night. If you haven't watched it yet, do it. Here are a few quotes I loved from the movie:
"If we admit that human life can be ruled by reason, then all possibility of life is destroyed. "
"When you forgive, you love. And when you love, God's light shines on you."
"Happiness - only real when shared."
"This is a love story that is staggering to everybody in the whole world - God really loves us a lot."