Purpose

I sleep like a feral animal. If you ask my long suffering husband he will likely regale you with chilling tales of how he shivers on the edge of the bed with absolutely no covers. My favorite position is part fetal, part sprawl with  a leg stretched out as far as it can go to lay claim to mid-bed real estate  for myself. In fact, hitching that leg out so far has given me some problems with my hip flexor and I'm trying desperately to pull that hamhock back in at night. So when I saw a trim little pillow  near the checkout at Walgreen's I made a purchase. THIS would solve my problem, allowing me to align my legs properly.

It does help and has earned in place in my nocturnal landscape, but Little Girl, our ancient pug and pleasure hound has found that it fits her chin perfectly. She has determined that the true purpose of that pillow is to support her precious head.

Little Girl and "her" pillow

Tuesday at PT (yes, for my hip flexor) I ran into the mom of an old friend of mine. Her daughter, Diana, and I were thick as thieves when our kids were in Durham Public Schools together, both of us were PTA queens and busy moms and lived in the same neighborhood. But then, life brought change and a move across town, and our relationship shrunk to a yearly exchange of Christmas Cards.  But despite not seeing her often,  I continued to hold her near and dear in my heart.

Mrs. Harmon and I at PT. We have the same therapist!

When my sister was in the ICU last March, I reached out to Diana for help. My sister was a member of the the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latte-Day Saints  and Diana and her family are Mormons, too, and fully embrace their faith. I texted  Diana at her number from years ago and she responded. She immediately stepped in, contacting Elaine's church family, asking if we needed help arranging a blessing for my sister, bringing a care basket to the hospital, feeding our family, and so importantly, helping us understand Mormon funerals. My heart swells with gratitude  to this very day for all the kindnesses she showed us - and the very real difference she made guiding us through Elaine's last days and service.

Diana's kindnesses was the personification of Romans 8:28:

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

God was with us in that painful week; He made his presence known in many ways, especially through the loving action of an old friend. He wrapped and comforted and prepared us, through a friendship that had been ordained years ago. Diana's purpose, in our lives, in that moment, was clear: to reflect God's love and extend His grace to us. I am forever grateful.

Father, help us find the purpose in our lives. Guide and direct us so that we might reflect your love and extend your grace to your children. 

Diana and I at the open house for the renovated Apex Temple last September. 

PS.   ...and Little Girl? What is her true purpose in our lives? Why to give us the opportunity to SERVE, of course!