A Word Edgewise by Mary Joe Clendenin

Last Updated 01/20/06

For more literature go to Clendenin Books
Email: mjclen@our-town.com

FAMILIES SHARE MANY CONNECTIONS

                  It was a great Thanksgiving Holiday, a family day for us with about 20 connected, in one way or another, sharing memories, getting better acquainted, recognizing new traits passed on through the genes. Some of the group were new to the family, a grandson’s new bride, and another considering the big step. Some broken connections because death has a way of seeking out beloved links of the chains, most unexpected ones. My brothers and sisters families found Fitzgerald traits as seasoning for the Clendenin ones. Comments like, “We were surprised how much Scott is like his granddaddy.” Or “You can sure tell he’s a Fitzgerald,” and “She can tell stories just like her daddy did.”

            We met and admired the new great-granddaughter, wondering if her eyes would stay blue or turn brown like her dad’s. Three other little connections, great-grand nieces and nephews had new skills to show, new learnings to share. They change so rapidly.

Cousins need to rub shoulders occasionally, lest some feel no bond since connections have stretched. I can understand adopted members of a family wanting to know about their blood roots, though that is too big of an issue to consider. Tracing is not always wise since it can cause more heartache than healing.

            Food! Our refrigerator is still packed. All sorts of delectable selections shouting “try me”, and here I am needing to watch my diet. I passed up the pecan pie, didn’t splash on the giblet gravy, went light on the turkey and ham, and still felt stuffed when I tasted all else. Now another holiday is spreading goodies beginning with the Christmas decorations on November 24^th. No wonder the fattening of America is so apparent. I hope to keep in mind this prayer I found in a book, “Plum Jelly & Stained Glass” by Jo Carr and Imogene Sorley:

                        “Dear Lord,

                        I do not recall a single beatitude about “blessed are the gluttonous”—

                        And yet I pursue my favorite indoor-outdoor sport with enthusiasm. Eating is a necessity for life, and (I have a hunch) divinely intended to be a pleasant necessity;

            But I have allowed it to become a besetting sin. I pile my plate with calorically forbidding delectables—and then later on, look with dismay at the rising numbers on the bathroom scale.

            And I yearn for chocolate pie in a way that I never seem to yearn for worthier prizes.

            Blessed are the dieters, Lord?

            Perhaps that’s the way it would read.

            Blessed are those who deny themselves the fleeting taste of a candy bar in order that they might be in shape for the task.

            Blessed are the dieters,

            Who manage to keep things in perspective.

            And count me in.                                  

Amen.

I would add my own tag to that, “Blessed are the dieters who don’t strive to

Impose their diets on others.”

 So, lets savor the joy of the season. May you find contentment in the midst of hectic excitement. May your life be a refreshing

link to those around you no matter how they are connected. It’s a great time