Back in the swing of things

Saturday, March 1, 2025

How can it be March?! 

My hair looks limp and straggly at the back. I roughly clip up the top two-thirds and pull a brush across the bottom third, where I cut an inch off. (No need to wet the hair.) The five-minute fix lifts the layers  and lets me avoid hours in a hair salon. I shave my neck and toss the razor back onto the shower shelf.

It's a day of odds and ends, picking up and putting down, and considering where to invest time and energy. In late afternoon, I squeeze acrylic paint onto the bottom of egg crates. I press those circles on a canvas that has a red background.

I swish the paint around with my fingers. It's oddly satisfying, not knowing if there's more to it or if it's done. Would a series of shapes on that kind of intense background be interesting? Maybe.

Speaking of fingers, Keelee sent a small prayer labyrinth along to Indonesia. I trail a finger forward as I speak the characteristics of God (loving, kind, patient, powerful, holy, wonderful ...) and trace the path backward as I present requests for others and myself.

Sunday

We're starting a new series at IES Bandung. I refresh the bulletin board with letters impulsively and crudely cut from yellow printer paper. (The person who offered to do the board is busy with other things.) Maybe an idea of what else to do with it will pop up this week. Got ideas, send 'em to me!

The tennis courts outside the hall are being hand-painted so the area is roped off today. We walk around.

Since not everyone can attend every week, we remind the Gathering that we are committed to serve as their pastors at most for another year. After, there's a team meeting and then we eat lunch at Maxi with Martin, Sayaka, and Harun.

Titik has made another beautiful flower arrangement.

Flowers from her bouquet last week are still blooming. I discard the wilted ones and put the leftovers in a blue vase.

The day is dark and perfect for resting. My notebook is full of tasks for next week but I take myself back to childhood, when Sunday afternoons were for napping and reading. Before bedtime, I write and send off 11 posts for Lent. Check ✓.

Monday

No walk today. I'm in early meetings and crunching through to-dos until lunchtime. With Muslims fasting, we combine errands with lunch out: Chinese noodles, a vegetable, and tea @$12 total. Someone paid to have "halal" (or Muslim-safe) put on the tissue pack. Is there a non-halal version of paper?

It's been many years since I stepped into a salon. DrW books us into the newly-opened spa down the hill. The draw is a half-off offer. I indulge in a relaxing 2-hour facial for $15 (incl tip). I must be over jet lag: instead of falling asleep, I relish every minute.

I might ask W for a second appointment as a birthday gift later this month. We never know what to give each other - this makes it easy. Besides, the shop gave me a good coupon for a return. (She smiles.) There are reflexology and other treatments on offer as well - it's nice and clean. I have no idea what all the machines are for and don't care.

Then it's back to work. I learn a new Indonesian word and clear up a few tasks before day's end. My computer is full of tiny ants. I spray the shelf where I stashed it and squish every ant that walks across my screen. (Next day, no ants.)

Tuesday

After a walk, I make crepes for breakfast - it's Shrove Tuesday or "pancake day" before Lent starts tomorrow.

Of all the online meetings, the most fun is a mid-morning call to grandkids. They've figured out how to make FaceTime explode with fireworks or give a thumbs up. They make me laugh.

There's a new kind of lily along the street, glowing pale pink against the dark hedges.

The vines are dripping color at #NaraPak and our favorite greeter waves as he is sweeping. 

I make tacos for lunch. We brought a kit of soft tacos, taco sauce, and seasoning from the USA. It just feels like today's the day to eat it. It's soul-satisfying to occasionally eat food from "before," especially when other traditions are being celebrated.

Read more:

*Samuel said to the people, “Serve the Lord with all your heart, and do not turn aside after useless things that cannot profit or save, for they are useless.” 1 Samuel 12:20-21

*There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: 

haughty eyes, a lying tongue,  hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies, and a person who stirs up conflict in the community. Proverbs 6:16-19

*In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grade that he lavished on us. Ephesians 1:7-8

*So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Ephesians 5:17

Moravian Prayer: Loving Lord, our hearts are yours. You shower us with all that is good and comfort us in our sorrows. Help us to recognize your will as our own and to turn away from all that deters us from your service. In your holy name, we pray. Amen.