Christmas tradition over the years always included a family trip to the movies. Since the boys have gotten older and have interests of their own (including, but not limited to their own friends and families now), we have drifted away from that tradition. But during our Christmas gathering, we all agreed that taking in a movie would be a fun expedition. So, football behind us and decorations put away, we agreed to meet and see Guilt Trip with Barbra Streisand and Seth Rogen. Although it seemed to begin a little slow (and it didn't help that we were the only ones in the theater!), it continued to build and turned into a fun movie with a nice plot. I must admit that I did burst out a time or two (and I heard some giggling from my family too). I suppose I related a bit since I have three boys. Now understand that I haven't been to a movie in a very long time so this could be a common thing? But at this theater you could get a glass of wine or a beer and they offered free refills on soft drinks and popcorn. The prices on those refreshments were reasonable too so that was a plus. I treasure our family times. Speaking of family, thought I'd post a recent photo taken of all of us. This doesn't include our dog, the granddog or the grandcat but they'll make an appearance later.
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| L to R: Daniel, Sarah, Matt, Me, Eddy, Jonathan and Luisa (and Baby Moody) |
I am very excited to mention that my middle son (Jonathan) and his wife (Luisa) will celebrate three years of marriage tomorrow. Congratulations, kids. Dad and I are very proud of you and the life you have begun. It doesn't seem like three years but it is a memory I won't soon forget. I hope one day to be able to visit Guatemala and go down memory lane and reconnect with Luisa's family.
Cannot wait to meet our new granddaughter some time in June of this year. I pray for her every day!
Switching gears a bit, this week has been quite a trying time at Moody Manor. On Thursday afternoon I witnessed a tragedy unfolding right across the street - right in front of my eyes. Although it took me some time to finally realize what was happening, I later learned that my neighbor pulled a gun and began shooting, hitting his daughter multiple times and inflicting what would be fatal gunshots to his wife, then stabbing himself repeatedly as well. He obviously was distraught and certainly could not have known what he was doing. Only God knows what could have caused such a tragic act. But I do know that the situation hit me harder in the ensuing days than I ever thought it would.
We live in a nice neighborhood. It's quiet and everyone pretty much keeps to themselves. I suppose the "keeping to oneself" idea is what I continue to think about. I hold a sense of guilt for not reaching out to my neighbors. And now that this tragic situation took place, I will never have the opportunity to greet Lisa and introduce myself as her neighbor. Neither will I know what Suzanna's favorite song was or what she liked to do in her spare time. And worst of all, I doubt I will ever have the opportunity to meet Dr. Greer and extend my hand.
My heart goes out to this family. Equally, my thoughts and prayers go out to my neighbors, especially those who live right next door. They simply were in the right place at the right time to help what was a terribly tragic situation. And as I was drawn to attend services yesterday morning at Mt. Vernon Methodist, I found myself crying right after entering. As Crossfire began the worship, the lyrics of the music spoke to everyone there offering healing words within the stanzas displayed on the multimedia screen. Although I had never heard any of those melodies, the music rang true in beginning the healing power of God. The parishioners of that church are obviously strong. This experience will only make them stronger. In the words of a Facebook friend, "the rebirth from this is going to be beautiful!"
Bishop Debra Wallace-Padgett delivered an important message yesterday to the parishioners of Mt. Vernon; that we are in a storm and we are all in the boat with Jesus together. Our faith in Him will keep us safe and comforted. Her words helped to remind all of us that "nothing can separate us from the love of God."
I suppose I take away one major thought from this past week and that is this ...
More often than not, it often takes a bad experience or event for us to look up and realize that we haven't stopped and taken time to reach out in closeness to each other. Consider the events of 911, Katrina, Sandy Hook or even a death in a family. It takes an event like that for us to stop and reach out for God and each other to help us get through those times.
So this experience has helped me to make a new commitment to my neighbors. Now that we have stood in the street and talked to each other, come to the house of God and cried and prayed together, it's time to continue that outreach and become closer to one another. Let's see if this is a goal I can add to my list for The Next Chapter.
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