I haven't been to the movies this month (or in recent memory), but I'm dying to get to the theater to see Tyler Perry's box office hit, "Madea's Family Reunion."
Tyler's work not only is gut-splitting funny, it often leaves you teary-eyed as you reflect on your own life and faith.
In fact, my sister's husband of more than three decades informed her last year when he recommitted his life to Christ, that seeing Perry's "Diary of a Mad Black Woman" had played a pivotal role in his decision.
So I can't wait to see this new movie.
This weekend would be a good time to unwind in front of a good flick. The past five days have been a whirlwind of non-stop errands, looming deadlines and too many other tasks to name.
Those of you who are juggling work and family life know what I mean. When one item is checked off of the "To Do" list, something quickly scurries to fill its place.
It almost makes me want to whine, but then the good outweighs the bad. The things I'm
doing are all connected to my passions: writing, speaking, my family (not necessarily in that order).
In fact, my first copy of my completed second book, "Nothing But the Right Thing," arrived in the mail yesterday. I wept when I held it, both because it looks so great and I'm praying that it will bless others when it is released next month; and because I'm saddened that this time around I won't be able to celebrate its release with my mom, who passed away last April.
My 7- and 4-year-old children watched my reaction as only wise little souls can.
"Are you thinking about Grandma?" my son asked as he gently wiped the tears from my cheeks.
I nodded as my daughter handed me a tissue she had retrieved on my behalf.
The sudden waterfall gave way to smiles and silent prayers of thanks for such compassionate children. I realized I was thankful to be in this moment - amid the busyness that comes just before a new book is released, the energy that fills a household
with vibrant young children and memories of a loving mother who surely is smiling down from Heaven as her baby girl's dreams come to pass.
Those thoughts were cemented today when my friend, Ursula, forwarded me a message that playwright Tyler Perry sent to his fans in an email newsletter yesterday. Along with thanking them for helping make "Madea's Family Reunion" the No. 1 movie in the
country, he urged them to have faith in their dreams, whatever they may be:
"I just want to encourage someone to hold on to your dream. Don't let anyone take it away from you. It may be dark now, but life goes on and if you hold on to your faith it has got to come to pass. You may be in it already. The things I prayed for years ago are just coming to pass. Sometimes we ask God for an oak tree and he sends us an acorn. Are you willing to plant it and let it grow? T.P."
Those words encouraged me. They reminded me that where I am is where I'm supposed to be, and that as long as I have faith, God will continue to water what I've planted.
As I nurture my acorn, I'm excited to see just how God will shape its growth.
