It's All Good

I have been in a whirlwind of activity since my last posting. It is all good.

Last Friday I took the day off. In the morning I walked in the robing ceremony for Texas Wesleyan. We got to choose a professor who showed support during our college journey. I chose Dr Lisa Hensley. Dr Hensley is an undergrad psych professor who taught our graduate lifespan development course. That was my first semester in grad school, and she was tough! She showed me a particular kindness that semester, a kindness I will never forget. She treated me like a human being during a very trying time. She modeled good counseling behavior.

In the evening I walked in the commencement exercises. It was all kinds of special to sit with my counseling compadres. The speaker said that he has never remembered a single commencement speech. Then he proceeded to make all the graduates stand up and do the hokey pokey. I can honestly say that I will remember his commencement speech.

My beautiful sister, Diane, and her husband and son were in town for graduation. I was thrilled that they were able to attend. They gave me a gorgeous angel from the Jim Shores Heartwood Creek collection. (I love that stuff - I have two Tinkerbells from his collection on my desk at work.) It stands about two feet tall! I was really touched by their generosity. I received other graduation gifts in the mail as well, although I certainly didn't expect any. Can't believe how loved I am!

Saturday was a choir concert for the Not-So-Little One and a dress rehearsal for the chancel choir. Both were a big success. Between Sunday morning services and the Christmas cantata, my North Texas family threw me a graduation party. I got to see some old friends and introduce them to some new ones. And - more presents. Again, who knew I was so loved?!

The cantata was everything I had hoped for. The youth who performed the speaking parts were terrific. The choir sang its best ever. I got two remarkable comments: from a 90-year-old woman, "I was able to hear and understand every single word," and from the sound man, "It takes a very talented director and teacher to make 8 people sound like 30." I was very pleased. And I was so glad it was over!

Yesterday I watched my employee and close friend BB be recognized with his peers as an Employee of the Year at our agency. The 10 of them are being sent on a cruise. I was very proud of him. It is unlikely that I will ever be bestowed such a distinction, but I don't mind. My gift to the agency is my ability to hire well. The staff I have hired over the years have always performed well, represented the agency well, and made me look very good. That is gratifying to me.

Mikel and the girls and I are heading south in the motorhome next week, and I will not have access to the internet. So don't be surprised not to hear from me for a couple of weeks. I will update when we get back. If I know my girls, there will be plenty of fodder for a humorous post.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, my loves. May you receive your every hearts' desires and begin your new year in peace, grace, faith, and love.