Interesting mix of activities this week – from work to a garden volunteering to a baseball game last night with a work crowd to a scientific conference in the morning yesterday in the city – and did I drive instead of take the train? yeah all three times – just that comfort of having my car – even if the traffic was less than desired…  but I waited and steamed quietly and we got there.   Last night getting home was just construction and that is to be expected on these roads and later after rush hour is when they close lanes (seeming too early) – but then comes the stadium crowd…  Well, patience…

Sitting in the conference was awesome and also at many points I had to issue patience to myself because the topic was of less interest. But the topics that interested me were spot on to me saying “yes, I took this time to learn, to look at new equipment, to understand a little more and to be able to ask questions in my own pace with the presenters after the talks. And the lunch? phenomenal…  and the “ahhh…” perfect for my “I need to treat myself” mentality at the moment…  The parking? OH – I didn’t make a plan but got there and they did valet parking for the event – OH – and I gladly jumped out of the car and got my validated sticker from the conference… I felt both slightly guilty to take the guilty pleasure but also that this is what they were doing as their job so I could do my job better – I gladly found the cash I had for a tip and just kept moving in a busy day…

And what WAS my job yesterday? to learn or to treat myself – no, I am pretty sure my job yesterday is what my job today is – to BE ENGAGED – to be into the conversations and people whom I met.  To see what the Lord needed me to do even if it was to sit quiet and reply to an email. I think it was to NOT be bored but to be on board…

The person next to me seemed totally not engaged in the talks – I am not sure that I could/would do that but yeah I understand that the topic may not have been of interest…  in the old days we would have a secret crossword puzzle in our notes – but now people just get on their phones. I remembered that it is not for me to judge – we observe for sure – but judging that person for that – probably not good lest we get judged too for snooping…  but anyway…

The ONE great interaction, in my mindset that I had, was to encourage a speaker after his talk on Alzheimer’s disease research which also hits home for him as his dad has it…. which you could also speculate that this young energetic smart gentleman might also develop it… ah yeah… motivation into research research research… I was in a prayerful mood for him – and the science was interesting too. I was a bit surprised that he was seemingly more excited to have me talk to him after that talk than him having talked.  I think that is the state of our nature – be open to what the situation needs – and be the encourager if called upon… And be encouraged if the other person wants to encourage you. The secret to learning is to learn what the learned people value – and that is someone interested in what interests you and how you are interested in it.

I think the secret to living life is to let life live in you. 

The baseball game – also – I missed some plays because I was not engaged – but I scanned the field for the mascot and saw him a couple times – I appreciated the amazing weather and simply that we had gotten there thru the traffic and the busy-ness of the week…  I was able to chat with a few folks who were family members of our work folks and that family atmosphere is so good for a workplace – we with each other can be engaged – and be engaging….

Well, my devotion here is that the Lord keeps us moving – TO BE ENGAGED – to find His people and to be His people – devoted to His causes. The Lord asks us not to ask “what is in it for me?” – but “what is it in me which needs to shine here? teach here? accept here? roll off my back here…” – and that is the Lord and His energy and His connectedness – and His Engagement…  We are all His children – even when we are stuck in traffic (that is a great place to be engaged in staying safe)… And so even more let us be engaged in being His where we already have safety – then venture out to be engaged with others….

Be of His Service.

Amen

Psalm 25:12-14

Who is the man that fears the Lord?
Him shall He teach in the way He chooses.
He himself shall dwell in prosperity,
And his descendants shall inherit the earth.
The secret of the Lord is with those who fear Him,
And He will show them His covenant.