Brenda’s Blog – June 1, 2021
Put away the duvets, store the flannel sheets, and turn on the fans – it has gone immediately from spring to summer. Or so we thought a week ago. Today, fires are being stoked, sweats are awakened from their hibernation, and soup sounds good! The cold rain, and the dreary 50 degree days followed 90 degree scorchers just three days ago.
What do we learn from this? Don’t move to Texas unless you are “Semper Gumby” as a friend says… translated “ever flexible!”
A majestic flag dominated the front entrance of a Dallas business until a swift wind tore it from its pole. Why? Because it was permanently affixed without any slack. When it was restored its infrastructure contained springs. I have an American flag attached to my log house. At first I nailed all four corners, but soon discovered the East Texas breezes will fight desperately to unseat any nail! So, on those days the top hangs firmly from the log, but the bottom waves patriotically.
Living with no “give” leads to disappointment and often breakage. Age and years teach willow tree wisdom….a slight bend is not only structurally sound, but much more graceful.
The Bible speaks of “stiff-necked people.” They were actually arrogant and egotistical, but they were also focused on control and having their own way. These characteristics don’t play well with a life goal of finishing well. As we learn to surrender the urge to be in charge we learn the softness of submission to God. In turn we experience the joy of more satisfactory relationships.
Tomorrow it may be sweltery again, and all the accoutrements of the cold snap will be snug in their summertime beds. But the lessons of flexibility will continue to grow us as acclimated Texans.