Figuring Out Who I Am
The end of the 1700s was a time of revolution, first the American Revolution and then the French Revolution. As we came closer and closer to the completion of From Adam to Us, Ray brought up again and again the coming Ray and Charlene Revolution. We are committed to a calmer pace and realistic expectations of what we can do. We have both committed “our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor” to our revolution.
After weeks of getting up every morning and knowing that I would be working on From Adam to Us every waking minute that I was not getting ready, taking care of or spending time with the folkses in my blessed life, being involved at church, or eating, I am ready for that calmer pace.
While we drove home last Friday, we chatted and dreamed about our revolution. I said, “I’m going to have to figure out who I am and what I do.” At the end of a project that lasted for two years, it’s time for some reevaluating.
When we got back to Tennessee, family was the first order of business. My brother retrieved Mother from her mini-vacation at the assisted living and we went to his house to pick her up and enjoy a wonderful evening of conversation, laughter, and his great fajitas with his family. The next morning we reconnected with our Tennessee grandchildren, the youngest of whom thrilled me with his repeated requests for “Little lap!” It’s nice to be missed. On Sunday we had a sweet visit with my mother’s sister and her family.
Otherwise, I did a mountain of laundry and stocked up on groceries. You know the routine. There are many, many times we wives, mamas, and daughters don’t have to figure out what to do — we just have to figure out when!
When I got back to my desk and Notgrass History responsibilities yesterday morning, our 2016 catalog was waiting to be proofread. The booth for this year’s convention needs to be designed. It’s not going to take me long to figure out what I do.
As for who I am, that’s not so hard. Like you, I’m an earthen vessel with a treasure inside.
For God, who said,“Light shall shine out of darkness,”
is the One who has shone in our hearts
to give the Light of the knowledge
of the glory of God in the face of Christ.
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels,
so that the surpassing greatness of the power
will be of God and not from ourselves.
2 Corinthians 4:6-7
Soon after I sat down at my desk yesterday morning, I realized I had left my phone somewhere in the house. Not finding it immediately, I used the house phone to call it. I couldn’t hear it from the kitchen. Ray and our customer service representative did hear it but couldn’t figure out where it was. I dialed again. By this time, Ray, Michelle, and I were all listening for the ring. None of us heard it, but someone answered my call. Surprised and a little thrown off, I said, “This is Charlene Notgrass. Who is this?”
“Brandi,” she replied.
It’s always embarrassing to get a wrong number, but can you imagine mis-dialing and getting the wrong number when you are calling yourself? You can bet I didn’t tell Brandi who I was trying to call!
I hung up and dialed again. This time IÂ heard it from our room and I was able to retrieve my phone. I guess getting my own phone number right two out of three times is better than not knowing who I am at all!
One thing you didn’t mention that you do–besides work on history curriculum–is write these wonderful posts day after day! Along with all the rest that defines you, you are an encourager, and I am so thankful for that! As an aside, I LOVE your hair these days, both style and color. Just lovely!:-)
Thank you so much, Betsy. This meant a lot to me.
LOL! That’s funny. I once called my cell phone with the house phone and had it ring in my pocket.
It’s always takes a bit to get into a new schedule when you finish something big it seems.
Thank you for letting me know I’m not the only one! Yep, you are right; it does take a bit. I am really enjoying getting caught up on things around the house. I have culled unworn clothes out of my closet and done some mending! That feels great.