Victoria Advocate, A Different Perspective
The end of last week was a bit of a whirlwind. On Friday afternoon, I served as a greeter for Warriors Weekend. If you’ve not visited the Field of Honor next to Parkway Church on John Stockbauer, the flag presentation is stunning. Patriotism is alive and well in Victoria.
A motorcade drove through the Parkway parking lot. Fun to watch. Lots of loud, impressive motorcycles came roaring in, followed by two large touring buses full of veterans. We established a greeting line. It was a blessing to shake hands with men and women who fought for our country. Colonel Mike Petrash hosted a short program to honor the veterans, then dismissed them to find their flags in the Field of Honor. The heat was challenging, but the event was organized, classy and heartfelt. Joy permeated the atmosphere. The Victoria Police and Sheriff departments had officers present in full uniform. It was an honor to be there.
My daughter and her girls came for an overnight at Mamaw’s. Not sure who was more thrilled, the girls or our dogs. Ike and Lacey adore children. Lacey did her “crazy dog” antics and Ike, our stodgy old man, played too.
The next day, we hit our local Farmer’s Market. It’s been a while since I’ve attended. Lots more vendors these days. It’s a great place to pick up unique items such as homemade soap, candy, jellies, plants, and meat.
From there, we drove to Mother Cluckers on 110 N. Main. I loved my first visit and already have plans to return with Mom and my daughter-in-law. When my husband and I attended the Citizen’s Academy for city government, there was a group of city employees passionate about renewing the downtown area. The fruit of their efforts is a win-win for Victoria. If you’re looking for locally-made items, stop by the increasing number of downtown boutiques.
Later that afternoon, our two grandsons joined their cousins at our house. My daughter mostly kept things corralled while I took pictures and enjoyed the company. My husband had left for Illinois to visit with his brother early that morning, so their presence helped the day speed by. I miss him, and the dogs mope when he’s gone.
Ever the sweetheart, he installed our new dishwasher before he left. When I observed the installation mess, it seemed worse than usual. Various paraphernalia from under the sink was strewn around on the floor. He pointed to a basket of soiled and soaked kitchen dishcloths and said, “I wish I’d told you the garbage disposal wasn’t connected.” When he moved the old dishwasher out, the water line was no longer hooked up. But I ran the disposal at least twice, and the contents had spewed inside the cabinet instead of going down the line. Gotta love it.
As I was reading in the Bible this week, I came across a much-loved Scripture: “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Christians love these verses, but sometimes we don’t read far enough. The rest of the passage says, “In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.” (Jeremiah 29: 11-13, NLT)
Our God is a good God who is able to do for us what we can’t do for ourselves. But He also requires us to do our part. In verses 12 and 13, the part we often overlook, it says we need to pray so He will listen. It also says we need to seek Him with a whole heart. In short, we’re not going to obtain the good things God has for us if we’re half-hearted or passive about praying and seeking Him.
Are you doing your part?