“If you decide for God, living a life of God-worship, it follows that you don’t fuss about what’s on the table at mealtimes or whether the clothes in your closet are in fashion. There is far more to your life than the food you put in your stomach, more to your outer appearance than the clothes you hang on your body. Look at the birds, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description, careless in the care of God. And you count far more to him than birds." ~Matthew 6:25-26 from The Message.

The first snowflakes of the season drifted down Sunday afternoon amid golden leaves. It's been cold the past few days. But, just last week, we walked at the pond in warm sunshine wearing short-sleeves. On that walk, a white-breasted nuthatch said hello to me.

Several little red squirrels make their home in the trees in our backyard. They are territorial, solitary creatures who do not keep company with their big, gray cousins. I like them. The red squirrels come to the feeders first in the morning, then the gray squirrels, then the birds. Their lives are simple: they gather food, watch for hawks and cats, and sleep.Their purpose is just this: To be a squirrel, To be a bird.

I keep trying to find my way back to blogging, but it's hard. I have always been a private person. It is a struggle for me to share the details of my life. But, I think I should tell you why I haven't been here with any consistency, so that you understand. My oldest daughter has a serious chronic illness. She has been in the hospital twice since June, each time for a full week. We still don't have a definitive diagnosis, but I think--I hope--we are getting closer. Also, my husband's position at work came to an end last month after thirty-two years. We have been very fortunate in our marriage; for all of our years together I have been able to stay at home and educate our children. Things are rather uncertain, but my husband has a few interviews lined-up with some promising companies, however, all of them are in far away states. 

It is hard to imagine life somewhere else. But, really it is just hard to imagine life, isn't it? Five years ago, I never could have predicted how my life would change, the sorrow and grief, the beauty and joy. I've had to abandon my plans along the way, and instead, aspire to be "careless in the care of God." Like a sparrow. 

 ♥

Want to share the beauty of your Tuesday Afternoon? Join me in linking up with Kara @ A Spirit of Simplicity.