Sharon Kinsey's Reflections

I think I have mentioned before that I dearly love my collection of “little books.” These are not novels or textbooks, or as my students used to call them “chapter books.” No, these are quite small, perhaps 4” by 5,” sometimes a bit larger. They sit on my desk, end tables in the living room, on my bookshelves, and sometimes I gift them to others that I think might be in need of some precious words of encouragement. My family understands my obsession with these tiny tomes, so I often receive one to celebrate a special day. My most recent acquisition was “The Little Frog’s Guide to Life” by Maybell Eequay. The illustrations are fabulous - all picturing events that take place during a normal day in the life of this tiny amphibian. In every picture, she wears a red dotted mushroom cap for a hat, and rainboots that come in a variety of bright colors, all having platform soles and high heels. The very sight of her makes me smile.

Here is a quote that I have found most helpful recently. Little Frog is standing next to her pink cellphone, her arms crossed, and the phone is saying “Pay attention to me!” Frog, replies, “No!”. And the author writes “…in the morning, try to let yourself fully wake up and get ready for the day before checking your emails, texts, and social media. You might be surprised at how much clearer your mind feels if you don’t check your phone until after you’ve eased into your day.”

This one really hit me - I gave up candy and cookies for Lent which led to a few cranky days; however, all is well now. But I have three friends who give up all social media during this season. I have a lot of admiration for their grit, but I’m not certain I could do it. I am so disheartened by a lot of what I see posted. Not much free exchange of ideas but lots of insults. When Facebook first became popular, I said to Jack, “This will be the downfall of civilization.” But I also love seeing what my children, grandchildren, and friends share, especially those who live far away. So, I am trying to be more intentional about keeping away from my phone and tablet early in the morning, and spending this time with scripture, writing Bible study lessons, using one of the spiritual practices I am learning, and praying. No more feeling guilty, or feeling compelled to fact check … just an easy sense of connecting with the One who grounds me, informs my decisions, and loves me without condition.

Romans 8:26 reminds us, “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groaning too deep for words.”  I also love the words in Matthew 6:6 that suggest, “When you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” I don’t shut the door or go into my room; but I do look for a quiet cozy spot - one that addresses my issues with “continuous partial attention” - and lets me listen closely for that still small voice. I guess the Little Frog speaks to me in love, about love, and for love. Thank you to my Boston family for introducing me to her.