Esse quam videri – to be rather than to seem [to be] – NC state motto adoptede in 1893…the last of the original colonies to come up with a state motto, btw.
One of the things that I have loved about moving has been learning new things about this new state. A lot of time when I am tutoring at the after school program where I work, I “sneak” reading time in my students’ history books. Actually, it serves a couple of purposes as my students observe me learning with them (Vygotski in action),, they get to mentor me, and they accepted my “Yankee” tutelage with bigger smiles on their faces. Can’t tell you how many times they didn’t have history homework but brought their history books just for me to read…not that I got to read it very often. Most times, we were just too busy doing homework. =)
“The end of all learning is to know God,
and out of that knowledge to love and imitate Him.”
~ John Milton
One of the things I don’t like about moving is leaving my friends and former students behind in OH. This weekend was an answer to a prayer that I didn’t even know I had since I got to touch base with a special friend and her daughter who just graduated high school. Days like these become rare jewels that decorate our lives with their radiance and sparkling facets when we bring them out to shine in the sunshine of our memory. Sharing time with prayer warriors who have been on their knees with me is beyond compare, and I’m so glad they squeezed me into their wonderful vacation plans.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
New things – old things – they blend together in our lives – weaving in and out to form such a artful tapestry that it is very hard to imagine how the completed work could be any more beautiful. Even the broken threads woven back into the picture add depth and highlights that seemed to have been a part of the design since the beginning. Is that possible or is Our Father so merciful that the broken edges are fused so completely where the new thread no long “seems” whole but “is” whole once more? Esse quam videri.
Bible verses – even mottos – are good things in our lives. They can give us direction just as they can give our state and country a direction The important thing is identifying the motto/the verse and keeping it as a light in front of us. As the tapestry leaves the loom, it is the creation that takes on a life of its own, reflecting its Creator’s creativity, design, love — and that is essentially what Sundays are all about. Relating – resting – relaxing – reflecting –
Tonight, as I walked into my writing room (which I totally am in love with), I found a poem that mom had in her Bible. Like most things, she wrote on the back of it where it came from and the year….1985 – Lakeside. Lakeside Summers – another one of those rare jewels that I bring out to polish with love every now and then, and it seemed to be the perfect ending for this blessed day.
He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater,
He sendeth more strength when the labors increase;
To added affliction He addeth His Mercy
To multiplied trials, His multiplied peace.
His Love has no limit, His grace has no measure;
His power no boundary known unto men;
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus He giveth and giveth and giveth again. – Annie Johnson flint
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