Tag Archives: Obedience

Dancing on a Prayer

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How many times have we said to our children, in frustration, “Do as you’re told!” How many times have we, as adults, been given instructions by a doctor (in other words, do as you’re told) only to disregard their advice? After cataract surgery in my fortieth year, I did just that. “Recuperate quietly with no abrupt movements,” the surgeon said.

Chapter Twenty-Four  –  Dancing on a Prayer

There was a party going on in the neighborhood, and I thought it would boost my morale to be with my friends. I told myself I would just sit quietly in a corner, listen to the music, and enjoy some light-hearted conversation.

My toes were tapping to the music in no time. I loved to dance. Soon I was slowly swaying to the music. Surely a little bit of slow dancing wouldn’t hurt. The music became a little more up-tempo, and my body moved to the new beat. Then, the pace picked up even more, and caution was thrown to the wind as my feet found a mind of their own. Disco and jive proved no challenge as the evening wore on. I had such good fun! (But what were the consequences?)

The Lord will keep you from all harm – he will watch over your life….Psalm 121:7

Tomorrow  –  Give Me a Break  –  A Lesson in What You Pray for

Nobody Argues with Grandma

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In this part of chapter seven, I am four years old and  looking at my favorite comic strip, Mandrake the Magician, in the attic of my grandmother’s farmhouse,

Chapter Seven  –  Nobody Argues with Grandma

My grandma is calling me to come and eat. I have mixed emotions. I want to stay in the stillness of the attic with my heroes, but the smell of the food is enticing, and my grandmother’s insistent voice is coming closer. I must go down to the kitchen.

The humming has ceased. Grandma is at the bottom of the stairs, sternly calling me to come at once. Lydia Airaksinen has raised four sons and two daughters, who even in their older years would not dare to disobey this tight-lipped, little lady. I fold Mandrake and Becky in half. They will still be here when I return. But for now, the voice that beckons will not wait. Nobody argues with Grandma.

 

I’m sad to say, the devil caught me in the vegetable garden in the rest of this chapter.