The expo weekend was an adventure with a fast paced start, heavy hard work and really long hours. By the end of Saturday both Jeannie and I, along with our husbands, all had aching back complaints. There were sleepless nights and early morning rises! Despite all of this toiling, my heart was smiling as I reflected back on it all and that’s what I want to share with you.
Recently, I’ve felt God speak into my spirit these words, “Pause for authenticity.” We live in a drive through, mobile phone, instagram, Snapchat world! Note; I don’t even know what those last two are but their names alone seem to tell a story about our world today.
We all need a speed bump to slow us down! We need to pause! Take time to see each other (that requires removing eyes from the screen), talk to each other (you know – face to face) and listen to each other (please repeat out loud what I just said). 😊
I found myself this past weekend doing just that, “pausing,” taking in what was going on around me.
It started with laughter amongst a group of longtime friends, all dressed to a T, walking past my booth. I complimented their snazzy outfits and enjoyed their camaraderie. I offered to take their picture. They struck a pose and then shared a moment of delight together as they giggled over their photo. “Are my eyes closed?” One asked. “You look fabulous!” Said another. I sighed to myself, these are the moments that count!
Another moment of pure joy was watching a loving mother (Jeannie) with her two adoring daughters trying on a box of old gloves. These particular gloves were awkward to fit but the smiles that accompanied them were perfectly suited on these three beautiful faces! My heart swelled as I took in their genuine love for each other.
There were also priceless moments of quietness. A dear lady entered my booth and she began to open up. I was honored to have her trust as she shared with me a deep heartache and agonizing loss. The tears that trickled down her tender cheeks were precious and were assuredly captured in His bottle. Together, a prayer was raised in faith and a hug was given for comfort.
Later, wandering over into my space and picking up an oldie but goodie, Linda Ronstadt record, was a fellow vendor. With her sentimental purchase of this album, she reminisced about the day she received her first car. The day that her parents drove it out to her, while the song, “Heart is Like a Wheel,” played inside.
Also skimming through the records, was a teenager, who to my surprise, thrilled at finding an Elvis album! We started chatting and I learned she not only loved the King but also ol’ blue eyes – Frank Sinatra! Wow! This generation has great taste!
My own personal gift was the moment that I looked up and spotted two good friends, who had read my post about the Coleman expo, and decided to drive two hours just to bless my heart! Thank you Sally and Lorraine for making my day!
Then there were the stories like Kimberly’s, she fell in love with a 1930’s house, had it moved and then restored. When she spotted my little farmhouse shelf, she envisioned it holding spices in her vintage kitchen! Both of our hearts were happy thinking of this cute shelf finding a new home.
Another cute pairing was the young granddaughter, who was sharing the day out with her Noni. They stepped into my booth and quickly bought a piece of dollhouse furniture that matched something Noni had in her own collection. Sweet affections and loving gestures went into this buy.
Finally, a new friend was made, as we searched for ages through her numerous pictures, trying to find a special purchase she’d once made, a painting of a delicate bird’s nest filled with eggs, painted onto a tin. The painting done by a mutually favorite artist (Mary Gregory). At last the picture was found and we equally shared in admiration of the talent that went into this treasured piece.
So many stories, so many lives encountered on this busily packed weekend! The takeaway was slowing down to appreciate life and love. Recognizing the ultimate Creator, the artist who fashioned each of us.
Pausing for authenticity, made it all an unforgettable experience, one that I’ll not soon forget and gave me an opportunity to encourage you, my reader, to go and do the same in your day!
Gloves and laughter shared between a mom and her daughters.
Going the distance for a good friend! Sally, me and Lorraine.
The cute farmhouse shelf, holding the piece of dollhouse furniture (miniature desk) top right and just below the shelf is the Linda Ronstadt record (all gone to new homes now).
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