Do you remember when your first born baby came home?  Do you remember "older, more experienced" parents (and maybe even the doctor) telling you "when the baby takes a nap - TAKE A NAP."  My son will be 50 this year but I remember not only being told but actually following the advice.

I also remember the occasional nap while being Dad's caregiver.  Not as often, but they did happen.  Not as often because I only rarely had to be up in the middle of the night.  I did learn to sleep with "one ear tuned for Dad" though - in case he needed me, or fell, or called for me.  Makes for interesting sleep patterns - right?

The interesting thing, as the 3 of us take care of the 3 of us, is one sister just came home from having surgery and being in the hospital for 4 days.  Our bedrooms are next to each other so, yes, I'm the one listening for if she needs help.  The problem is.......  I seem to "hear" things.  I came to hearing her call me - at 3:00am.  The problem is she was sound asleep!  I definitely think a nap is on the schedule for this afternoon!  Sometimes it is easier to laugh.... or you will start screaming!

So many memories this week......  First the Olympics were awesome to watch and reminded of other Olympic games - both summer and winter -- AND when we were a lot younger and riding sleds or trying to skate.  What were you thinking of?  Did you get to watch any of the Olympics?  What is your favorite to watch?

​We always watch figure skating but added skate boarding, some skiing and some of the bobsled.  The skiing was both skiing down the hill and jumps - as in jumps with "flips."  We agreed it was interesting to watch and reacted when the jump didn't work.  None of us had tried skiing so memories were of agreeing we weren't going to try more.  The bobsled reminded us of a friend of our family's who had a 'toboggan' run from their back door, twisting and turning down the hill to the edge of the river.  We all agreed it was a LOT of fun.

Then we were watching a different table, while we were out to eat, with a LARGE piece of chocolate cake.  We remembered going out to eat with our mother, the night before she suddenly died, and have a wonderful dinner with all four of us eating some of the chocolate cake with some left on the plate.  A wonderful memory we could share! 

​Memories......something to think about...........  

When you see "step" what do you think of?  The flight of steps in front of you?  The steps to actually finish the project you have started?  The things you need to do?  The steps to learn a new ________? Or, maybe, like me you are watching where you put your feet because carpet can trip you?

I've recently been learning new exercises, following step by step, to get stronger.  I've also been trying some new patterns in knitting which require, at least the first few times, following the directions.  Then there is the decision for which step to change or eliminate.....

OR..... with the snow, and sometimes ice, there is the fun of walking - anywhere.  My family tends to point out "steps" - like carpet and uneven surfaces - because I can trip over carpet!  It can be very helpful because I may, or may not, have seen it.  Our trip to the United Kingdom almost two years ago, started with both sisters saying "step."  By the time we got to the airport our two friends were also pointing out any steps.  By the second day of the tour everyone on the bus (all 28!) were pointing out steps.  I did point out that one or two would be enough!!  The memory is fun, and still able to laugh...... because otherwise you will start screaming!

So....what do you think of when you see/hear "sharing"?  You have shared a room with a sibling?  You have shared the last piece of ______ with a sibling?  You probably did it the same way we did - one person "cuts" the other person decides who gets which piece.  What other things are you sharing?  Maybe your talents?  Food?  Making warm things for people who are cold? Maybe sharing when you have felt God's presence, strength and guidance?

Sometimes the people, in this house, are pretty good at sharing.  Sometimes not so much.  We are pretty good at sharing what we are good at - one cooking, two with needlework.  We are willing to help someone else learn how to do something -- cook, quilt, knit.  We are even willing to make for someone else to eat/use.  Then there are the times when it is the last of some dish (a favorite) or dessert.  We are NOT always willing to share them - especially chocolate.

So..... how are you at sharing?  With everything going on right now CAN you share about God's love?  Can you show God's love, even with "just" a smile?  Something to think about.........