Traditions in Transit

 When I was a little girl, before Ben was born, I remember my grandmother and mother jetting off to the beach every year during the month of May. You'll never guess what that meant! 

Seven full days with my daddy. 

Just him and me.

We spent 6 of our days fishing and playing hide and seek. Occasionally I would pout because he didn't know how to fix the perfect ponytail. High on my head, with absolutely no bumps. Every night while driving home from a full day of adventure, he would slow his truck until it came to a stop. Our cozy house was always in sight, but I knew that this was my cue. With the smell of a breezy summer and fresh cut grass seeping in through the truck windows, I crawled over and sat on my daddy's lap. With my neck stretched tall and my eyes wide, I could barely see over the steering wheel to claim the responsibility of a back road driver. 

But I proudly welcomed the task and for that mile of traveled gravel, I felt untouchable.

So, for the next 5 days my fair, freckled face beamed with excitement when the truck hit the gravel and daddy began to hit the brakes.

Day 1-6 of Beach Week. Yep, this really happened. I'm so glad Ben (my brother) was finally born.

The laundry was stretched in all rooms of the house. Our dishes weren't spotless and they were not occupying their usual position in our cabinets. My diet consisted of Poptarts, Happy Meals, sunflower seeds, and homemade peach ice cream. 

But at 4 years old, none of this seemed to matter. At least not until day number 7.

The day that mama was arriving home! 

Year after year, the reaction of this day was always the same. Excitement and a sense of panic. Day number 7 was devoted to tidying up all the messes that resulted from our week of play. Washing and drying our clothes, stuffing my baby dolls behind the curtains in my bedroom (that was my best kept secret), rinsing the dishes and learning which button started the wash cycle. 

Day 7 was chaotic. 

However, completely necessary so that mom would believe that everything was under control while she was away. As eventful as daddy-daughter week was, I remember pressing my nose against our sliding glass door watching and waiting for mom to come home and cradle me in her arms.

 

Day 7 Transformation

As you are reading this post, you will find me in transit. That's right, I'm beach bound! 

This isn't just your typical east coast vaca. This particular vacation has history. It's a tradition in which my membership was just approved last year. I have a one year tenure. However, it's the same beach getaway that the women in my family have taken with their best friends for over 20 years. 

It's been a time for them to escape the reality of everyday schedules. A time to share stories with their best friends. A time to shop and see who can find the best deals at the Tanger outlets. And for a week, they could bask in the sun and pretend that everything is right in the world. 

The timing of this trip is very appropriate. Memorial Day. As I travel this meaningful route, I can't help but to feel as if I'm leaving someone behind. The memory of my mother's last beach trip is playing on repeat. When scrambling through old documents, I found a letter that I wrote and sent to the women of a bible study at my church. 

  

 "As for mom, she has been at the beach with her friends and is traveling back home this evening. I’ve called her several times and

although she has been sleeping a lot, her friends have also kept her laughing. She seems to be enjoying herself. Mom has always loved pretty pajamas, shoes, etc. So I was not surprised a few weeks ago when she showed me a new swimsuit and matching cover-up that she bought to wear at the beach. She called me on Thursday night as I was driving to let me know that her and the girls walked down to the beach and then stopped to get virgin strawberry daiquiris. She added that she was wearing her new swimsuit and matching cover-up. Stories like this make me so happy because I am assured that she’s doing all she can to enjoy the time that she has left. Although none of us are able to determine the timing of future events, I feel like the next few weeks are a time to really treasure. I am convinced in the power of prayer. Our family has been blessed and able to spend way more time with my mom than most people that are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Even though my heart aches with a sadness that may never go away, I cannot help but to give praise to the Lord for the time our family has been given. As I reflect on the past two years, I continue to be amazed of God’s sovereignty in my life and the way He can reveal the small blessing that can come despite tragedy. These small blessings are the pieces of encouragement that give me hope and remind me that I have no reason to fear. For this really is our temporary home and I know that this is not the end, but only the beginning of an eternal life. How great are God’s love and his promises? I am so thankful to know the love of Christ and for each of you ladies for the love that you’ve shown to my family." (May 22, 2012)

This year, the tradition is different however I am choosing to rejoice in the memories that this beach trip represents. The tradition must go on, and I am smitten that I get to carry this forward. Often times I feel like the freckled faced 4 year old anxiously waiting for my mother to return, only to realize that she is already home. I often like to imagine how she is spending her time. The possibilities seem endless however, I trust that the Lord will forever keep His promises to me, and to all of His children. Eternity is a place of no pain or hardship. A time when He will embrace me with outstretched arms. A time to thank Him with my knees bent low and hands reaching high in praise. A place where my sweet mother is waiting for MY arrival. A place like the beach where we can permanently escape schedules, we can share stories with our best friends, bask in the grandeur of The Son and know that everything is right. And maybe, just maybe there will be a majestic Tanger outlet mall with a never ending closeout sale.

-jpr-

The "Greene" House

 

Every year my grandparents plant a huge garden full of many different fruits and vegetables. These seeds are planted with the intention to provide fresh food for our family, to share with friends, and allow others to gain a taste of some delicious produce while providing them with seeds to begin creating their own garden. During the spring and summer months a lot of sweat and time is devoted to the garden. The first step is to plant the seeds. Once this is accomplished, they spend many weeks ensuring that the seeds they've planted are nurtured in an atmosphere that will yield a healthy harvest.

It's that time of the year.

Summer break.

For some of us, summer is already here!

For others, sitting through a long graduation ceremony is the only event standing in your way.
In reflecting over my own high school graduation, I realize that most details were a blur. However, I do remember re-reading my graduation speech in my head 100+ times, posing for a never ending stream of photographs, wrapping my arms around my mother's neck as I received my diploma, and then getting plastered with silly string in celebration.  

For some members of my class, that was the last day our paths have crossed. I often wonder how life's circumstances have treated them and how they have spent the past few years. 

For others of my class, I have never once had to question where they are or what they are doing because I've been able to build on the memories that were established many years ago.

It's not until you grow and reach new heights that you are able to look back and fully appreciate those precious times. I suspect this delayed appreciation will continue to happen as we enter new stages of our journey and later understand the magnitude of the moments that once seemed insignificant. After discussion will a friend and former classmate, some of our greatest “delayed appreciations” involved subtle conversations where a coach or teacher expressed that they believed in us.

A seed was planted.

They believed in us and it allowed us to believe in ourselves.

 They invested in us, so that we could invest in others. 

According to Google, a greenhouse is a glass building in which plants are grown that need protection from cold weather. In the same way that my grandparents tend to their garden outside, the educators in the entire Greeneville City School system help students grow academically, professionally, and as individuals. As a teacher’s daughter and former student, I speak from a personal note when I say that the school system served as my Greene-House and gave me a place to grow even during the coldest of seasons.   

 For that, I am thankful. 

I've discovered that we aren't planted here to be the daisy, the tulip, or even the rose. This lesson has been revealed to me recently, however I regret not discovering this sooner.

 Complete fulfillment cannot be achieved by satisfying my personal wants or by obsessing on how others perceive you. This concept is often a struggle for me. Especially in a culture that constantly projects a false illusions that material gains and the perfect hairstyle will result in happiness.

A dainty, vibrant, perfectly flawless flower sitting gracefully in a vase for everyone to view.

Daily I find myself striving (and failing) to be the flower, only to realize that I'm completely missing the point.

You see, once the stem of the flower is cut the beauty remains for only a few days before wilting and becoming dead. 

It's purpose was solely for fragrance and appearance.

Don't misunderstand me. Looking and feeling pretty is part of our feminine nature that should be embraced. However we are meant for so much more!

We are called to be the cantaloupe, the tomato, the watermelon, and the squash. You and I are people of substance.

It's our job to continue to enrich the lives of others, to share wholesomeness, and to feed others the opportunity to grow.

We are the produce. 

With that comes a great privilege to share our seeds with others.  

Seeds of encouragement and seeds of hope. 

jpr

Green and Yellow Goodbye

Nothing Runs Like a Deere.

This slogan has been around for decades and is recognized not only in this region, but globally.

For the past twelve months I've been able to learn what sets Deere apart while working as a co-op student in the engineering department.

I've been exposed to a wide range of engineering projects and I've also had an opportunity to get a taste of other aspects of the business.

The corporate world spends billions of dollars on advertising each year in an attempt to appeal to the consumer and boost sales. Traditionally, John Deere relies on name recognition and the high standards of quality, performance, and customer service that have been built over generations.

However, this past year Deere released a new marketing campaign that not only explains the product but the loyal employees that spend their days ensuring that the reputation of John Deere green is upheld.

The campaign focuses on the people. It focuses on "How We Run".

I had an opportunity this past year to work with the marketing team, film crews, make-up artists, and my friends and co-workers at the Greeneville facility to capture some of the footage found on the JD website and commercials that debuted during March Madness. My role in all of this was small. Very small in fact.

But the impact that this company has had on me is truly immeasurable. Whenever I reflect over my time spend at John Deere I realize that I spent hundreds of hour’s number crunching, collecting data, updating CAD drawings, creating Excel spreadsheets, and generating improvements based my research. However, the memories that I carry with me from this past year aren't about the things that I've accomplished or the work that I completed. Rather when I think about John Deere, my mind in filled with the faces of the people I've encountered and the friendship I've formed.

The lessons I've learned this past year are far deeper than theories and laws of science.

This year I've witnessed first-hand the folks that make John Deere run. I've experienced people. I've listened to their history. I've laughed hysterically and offered a hug to friends in need. I've been the subject of office pranks and enjoyed more Top Choice BBQ than any 5'4 lady should. 

Today I say celebrate navy blue uniforms and steel toed boots.

I lay my ear plugs, gloves, and safety glasses down (for now) with a new appreciation for the working world.

Whether you make lawn mowers, educate our youth, own a small business, provide health care, or deliver our mail...remember that you and I, the people, have the power to make a difference!

So don't be afraid to tell others where you stand.
Show them exactly how YOU run.

-jpr-

Blessed by the Rain

April showers bring May flowers. 

The only problem is that when this month approaches,  I often forget to pause and enjoy the new life and beauty that brightens up this great big world. It's easy to get weighted down by hectic schedules, planning summer events, celebrating the ending of a school year, the list goes on and on.

However, this year has been different for me.

Even though my agenda has been busier than ever, my thoughts are at peace. 

Even when by body is constantly in motion, my soul is still.

Even though the future is unknown,  my destination is clear. 

Even when pieces of this life fall apart, my heart is mended. 

Even when loved ones seem distant, His Presence is near. 

This past week has been an emotional roller coaster. Just as I began to believe that the grieving process had reached a coasting speed, milestone events and celebrations such as Mothers Day cause the pain of losing a special lady to resurface. During a day meant to be full of joy, it can also be a time that draws attention to the reality that some mothers, grandmothers, or aunts honored on this day are no longer present with us in the flesh.

For those of you who have experienced this feeling, know that even though I may not understand your personal situation, you are being lifted up in prayer.  In the midst of the twists, loops, and sudden drops that exist take hope in knowing that there is a Creator that wants to be your safety harness,  hold you close, and take away your fear.

What are you dealing with right at this moment? 

Surrender it. 

In doing so, you will learn to appreciate the showers. And even in the rain, you will be able to look through goggles of hope and witness the goodness instead of the tragedy. Look for the blossoms. We live in a world full of life, so live! 

Tonight, I am thankful for the showers because I realize it's necessary for growth and appreciating this beautiful life that we've been given. 

Truly blessed by the rain.