“When you approach me [God] in stillness and in trust you are strengthened,” per Jesus Calling, June 15. Maybe I should have, could have written sooner... and yet today is the day. One month since I retired since I filed for disability, one month in on my full-time job of caring for my body and learning to be still. Settle in—there is a lot to catch up on. Retirement started as a blur... a gathering that honored and celebrated me, not as a designer, but for me as a mentor, colleague, and friend. Wow, it was stunning and humbling to see and feel the love! I am still in motion, and it continues as my neighbor and friend, Landy and I led a team of interns to rebrand and launch a store in Lakeside, Ohio. All while planting and caring for many, many seedlings and my health, and schooling, both students and myself....and more of God’s word. and being still. Those who know me well, surely are shaking your head...vrooommm? The joys of still life 1. the birds: the chatter, the monologues and dialogues I script, and the little ask: red bird, bluebird, oh where are you, yellow bird? And yes, in almost 13 years only 1 warbler, and shortly after my plea... a beautiful goldfinch. like literally 20 minutes! The beauty of peace and quiet of our backyard oasis.
2. the word: meditation, devotions, and bible study... all pointing in one direction: strengthen. Strengthen in Hebrew means to encourage and comfort. 3 bible studies, 3 times: Hebrew 12:12-13; Job 4:3 and my favorite: Isaiah 35:3 With this news, strengthen those who have tired hands and weak knees.
3. the listening: being still enough to listen to my body and knowing what I need to eat, to replace, to avoid, and to stretch: slow, stretch and hold, repeat. and again. this is the long haul, stretching every day, patiently waiting for the possibility of awakening my muscles. These new rhythms give way to new life. the art of perpetual motion Vaccinated and free. ahhhh! worshipping together, visiting friends and neighbors! Laughing together, the bellyaching, crying, peeing kind of laughter... what an art and science in healing. Laughter is the best medicine! Yes, perpetual motion is impossible, and so is reversing ALS/PLS. Let’s defy the odds, let’s celebrate the small, slow, and steady successes for my tired hands and weak knees: 1. as I stood, cheering on the Chattanooga Chase, I was clapping. I haven’t been able to clap in over 2 years, and there I was clapping to my surprise!! 2. and as I stood in the shower, I was washing all parts of my body, all the hard-to-reach places! ta-da 3. and as I went to pull up my hair, making a messy bun was within reach. viola! next up... More from the garden, the front, that is, and fully wheelchair accessible! There is a plan, always a plan. I need to have a purpose, that is who God made us, for me, it is a way to contribute, it is part of my DNA, as is the joy of having my fingers in the dirt. Out front, I get to socialize and see friends passing by, I get to be physical, I get to give back, I get to share. Starting tomorrow, Jason the Mason begins creating raised garden beds for cut flowers and for all my hundreds of seedlings: the zinnias, snapdragons, poppies, oh my. Flowers for neighbors and friends: flowers to cultivate hope, friends, and joy. See below.
And my funny friend, my other Victoria, is moving here. Yes, Chattanooga! If you have moved away you know the gift of friends who know you, really know you. Oh, how God loves me so bring her here to share life with. I cannot wait, I am giddy with anticipation.
This summer is full of more and more goodness, like cousins weekend is a full week, all my besties, all the love, all the laughter, and all the joy my heart can contain coming to Chattanooga. More antics, and more giddiness.
Blessings to you this season, may you be refreshed!
With love and abounding joy, Victoria
