January 2, 2012
One of the benefits of being a teacher is having a nice break during the Christmas season. Tomorrow, it’s back to work. I consider it the blessing of the Almighty to be content with the time off and with returning to work. I will, however, admit to figuring out there are about 450 more work days until I formally retire.
Most of us take time to reflect on the past year and to speculate what the new one will bring. I too have some plans hatching and look forward to a few special things. I feel a great sense of accomplishment having the album (well SEASONED) completed and available for sale (now on Indieheaven and soon on iTunes and Amazon). Through the marvel of Facebook, I have met many new friends and been in touch with some I haven’t seen since high school.
In addition to the celebration of Christmas, during my break I was able to take some day trips with my daughter and older granddaughter, spend a little extra time with my husband, and host some pretty good dinners at home with friends and family. I found a few ornaments in the after-Christmas sales, and one of them was a donut. “You have to get it,” my daughter cajoled. She was right and so was the price. It was a reminder to us both of a book I’m supposed to write. Maybe 2012 will be the year.
That very morning, I had been inspired to write the Introduction to Cafeteria Covenant – the Voice from the Quiet Years. It’s a story that will surprise and hopefully inspire others. It’s about how I came to really believe in the promises God has given us. To learn more, you can download the Preface and Introduction from my website FREE (livwellseedco.com/links). The first four chapters are also free to anyone who signs up for my mailing list. With just four chapters left to write, it’s very likely Cafeteria Covenant will be complete before my Easter break.
The donut-related book is a children’s story I hope to write and illustrate, called “Eye on the Donut.” It draws its theme from a poem I remember from my childhood, called the Optomist’s Creed (one of several, I’m sure), and it was written on the wall of a donut shop where my dad used to take my brother and me when I was very young. Finding the ornament that particular day was God’s way of encouraging me to continue… But, it seems fitting to share the poem with you, along with my wishes for all of God’s wonderful blessings for you and yours this year:
"As you ramble on through life, my friend,
whatever be your goal;
Keep your eye upon the donut
and not upon the hole!"
