Sunset Praise

I awoke this morning to see the sun shinning, the sky blue but the weather freezing. I am in northern Florida, in Florida. I moved to Florida to get away from the winter weather. I can't stand the cold or even snow. And now that I suffer from Arthristis- it does not help to have all this cold weather, ya know?

Once I got Tim up, dressed and we rolled out into the cold, it was like....burrrrrrr! this is just to cold for my blood. We got through the day just fine. I even ordered him some hot tea from Starbucks- passion (he didn't like it even if I loved it). The weather was indeed to cold for Tim. His small frail body just couldn't handle it. I did bundle him up, but the cold weather caused him alot more pain in his left shoulder. I didn't know what more to do for him. The herbal tea could had helped, if he had drank it.

Then we arrived at his Pysch class. It was on Gender. The subject was moving along just fine. Many of the students were participating in the topic. I raised my hand, because I caught the instructors talking about mothers choosing to work over staying at home, but then she did bring up how some mothers chose to stay home with the kids over working. She was sort of being critical about that. I kept my hand up for at least five (5) or so minutes. I waited and waited for her to call on me to my opinon...but she kept calling on others who raised their hands long after I did and then she decided to change the subject and move on. I felt that they should also be advised or informed that there are many mothers who choose to continue with their careers and still raise their children by working at home. However, she never gave me that opportunity to speak about it.

For some reason it upset me that she continue to ignor me. I stepped out side the classroom for a moment, came back in and sat there again listening to more of the lecture, and then again decided to step out. Part of me was upset due to that she ask for everyone to participate but yet she chooses to ignor some. How can she credit them for participating if she ignores them. I stood up and walked out again and as I walked out the classroom I began to hear music.

I was not sure where it was coming from, but I followed it. And then there they were. A large group of UF students standing there singing Praise music. I continue to walk closer to them, noticing that they were praying. The closer I walked to them the more I heard a guitar and voices singing quietly. Hearing them softly sing praises, I suddenly felt calm and mentally at ease. It was a just a wonderful sense - a circle of love and hope.

I slowly walked away and headed back to Tim's classroom. I felt a little better about myself. I felt God's presence for that moment. I felt a need of belonging and for that moment I belonged to a group that praised God in prayer and song.

When class was done, I was disappointed that the group was gone. When we got back to the van, I found a ticket on my van, not because we were parked in the wrong place but for an expired UF decal. $30!!! I'm going to fight it. But as we drove off, we turned on the radio, and lo & behold the Christmas carols were ringing there.

Despite the cold winter evening, I understood that despite my anger over something small and stupid, God was still there. It took a group of UF students softly singing His praise and their circle of prayer that help me to open my eyes ....& to listen to Him for that one moment.

Isnt' that fabulous!