When did I become Ma'am?

As a teacher I'm usually addressed as Mrs. ..., but today (and it wasn't the first time!) someone sent an email to me and addressed me as Ma'am! I might add that this person was being respectful and I would venture a guess that he was not too far from my age! How did that happen? When did I become a Ma'am? You know in my mind's eye I see myself as a tall, young woman with long dark hair. Now today I've been jarred to a wide "aware" state by the word "Ma'am" and may need to change my self-perception. Ma'am what does that mean? Address of respect? It is only a word and a fine word that holds respect. Age, does it say anything about age? How could that little salutation of respect remind me of my REAL age? I guess I'll have to ponder this throughout the day to see how I feel as I dye my hair, take my calcium, and call my grandchildren. :]

I'm Thankful...

Today I found another friend in need. I'm thankful God gave me the words to encourage and the ear to listen so that I could understand. Life is tough, but it is so much easier when you have friends that can help you rise above the problems you face and feel that tomorrow will somehow be much better. I encourage and challenge you to find something good to do for someone else. Think about the power of this challenge! If each of us go out and make the world a little kinder, a little cleaner, a little bit better then we've accomplished our goal - finding a friend in need.

Just A Blog...

What is it about this blog that keeps calling me back to write the words that I seem unable to express? Like a gardener, unearthing an old clay pot and scraping away the layers of dirt and debris that have crowded out the color that resides underneath, so it has been with life and my writing. For some unknown reason I stopped writing. I became incased in the daily tragedies of the have to and not the want to of day to day life. Then, I met the blog. For that I have a professor to thank. I know it is open to all readers, but somehow I feel that my private thoughts are safe in the vast domain and it allows me the unbelievable opportunity of publishing my work and going back to reexamine my ability to let my true colors shine through as the earthy dust of a world of responsiblity falls away.

How Do You Know...

How do you know when it is the right time to move on? How do you know when God is opening a door for you? How do you know if what lies ahead is better than what lies behind? All of these questions are dancing in my head this morning. I believe in hard work, big dreams, and God's ability to keep you moving toward the goal. I know that dreaming is essential to living. I am sure that God is in control and as His child I can fully trust in Him. But the question is FEAR or FAITH? Choose one!