Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgement that something else is more important than fear. ~Ambrose Redmoon

What I've Learned: incredible sacrifice happens quietly every day, as a matter of course and with great honor.
I've been in tears several times today, Reader. For almost a week now, I've been keeping tabs on the latest earthquake/tsunami/nuclear crisis news coming from Japan and praying for the Japanese people as they deal with unimaginable devastation, intolerable conditions and now, the threat of radiation exposure from a damaged nuclear power plant. I can't wrap my head around the magnitude of the destruction being reported.

As the casualty estimates rise, I've been hanging onto the few stories of hope that are surfacing: a 4 month-old baby found alive 3 days after being swept from her parents' arms during the tsunami, a Japanese student studying in America who feared her family was dead but then found a You Tube video of her house (the only one left standing in her neighborhood) and her sister holding up a sign, proclaiming everyone is all right. I can feel God working in these small miracles.

Then today, I heard about the Fukushima 50. Reader, I don't have the words to describe how it felt, reading report after report of these brave plant workers, engineers, soldiers, policemen and firefighters who volunteered or chose to remain behind at the crippled Daiichi plant after hundreds of their fellow workers and the surrounding inhabitants were evacuated.

These people are working in dangerous conditions amid flood debris, wrecked buildings and the constant threat of more fires and explosions. That alone is reason enough to call them courageous. But it isn't what moves me to tears. As these workers risk life and limb flushing damaged nuclear reactors with seawater in an attempt to keep them cool, they're being exposed to radiation levels that The New York Times calls, "five times the maximum exposure permitted for American nuclear plant workers."

They are braving lethal radiation to prevent more radiation leaks and protect their families and countrymen from the effects of a full nuclear meltdown. They are sacrificing their own health and lives to save their country. This isn't a movie plot or a cheesy, made-for-TV miniseries. These are live, thinking, feeling people with families who are out where no one wants to be, giving everything they have to do their jobs, knowing that it will almost certainly cost their lives.

How do you describe or honor that kind of courage? Their ability to put fear aside, keep suiting up and going out there every single day echoes what Jesus did for us by dying on the cross. Yes, I do think there is something very Christ-like in the quiet, matter-of-fact work of the Fukushima 50. He died for us. They too, are making the ultimate sacrifice to save others. I'm praying for them, for their families and will continue to do so throughout this crisis. Please join me, Reader, and keep them in your heart. Whatever the outcome, let us honor what they do there. And may our Heavenly Father, bless and keep them. Amen.

We are volcanoes when we women offer our dreams and experiences as our truth. All maps change and there are new mountains. ~ Ursula K. Le Guin

Today's Joy: Remembrance & Contemplation.
You may have heard, Reader, Elizabeth Edwards passed away this week. I've been thinking a great deal about the graceful and gracious way she lived her life despite several very public & painful chapters. She refused to be defined by the things that happened to her. Instead, she turned each setback, humiliation and tragedy into an instrument of strength with which she made a difference in the lives of others.

What an example she set! If Elizabeth Edwards could accomplish so much as an advocate, political figure & mother--all the while walking in faith and hope--what can I accomplish in my own life with the time I've been given? What could you accomplish, Reader? How would your life be different? How many lives could we change?

I am moved by the words Elizabeth posted on Facebook Monday--they turned out to be her last offered publicly:

"You all know that I have been sustained throughout my life by three saving graces -- my family, my friends, and a faith in the power of resilience and hope. These graces have carried me through difficult times and they have brought more joy to the good times than I ever could have imagined.

...There are certainly times when we aren't able to muster as much strength and patience as we would like. It's called being human. But I have found that in the simple act of living with hope, and in the daily effort to have a positive impact in the world, the days I do have are made all the more meaningful and precious. And for that I am grateful. It isn't possible to put into words the love and gratitude I feel to everyone who has and continues to support and inspire me every day. To you I simply say: you know. With love, Elizabeth."

An amazing and well-lived life. May we all be so blessed and strive to make the most of what God has given us.

Today's Joy: Little Signs.
Reader, when God really wants to get through to me about something, he gets on the radio. I love to sing in the truck & always have music on while I'm driving. It's my traveling sanctuary--a place I can think on problems and ruminate about life. So, it makes perfect sense that God often speaks to me through timely songs, lyrics & commentary when I really need encouragement. It's kinda nice too--like having your finger on the pulse of the universe. Anyway, I was wrestling with a particular question today and He sent me direction through one much-needed song, then another (just in case I didn't get the point). I love that He has a back-up plan. And I love His sense of humor.

He sent me another message today too. In this glorious spring season, I admit I've been feeling the recent loss of love pretty keenly. Seems especially hard when everything around me is growing or being renewed. But hope arrived today in the form of an attractive Nigerian man who came into my store and asked for my number. I turned him down--am not ready to think about dating right now. But His message was clear. I won't have a broken heart forever. And that small comfort is all I need. Whatever you're wrestling with, Reader, may God bring you some peace today too.

God is closest to those with broken hearts. ~ Jewish Saying

Giving up doesn't always mean you are weak; sometimes it means that you are strong enough to let go. ~Author Unknown

Quotes courtesy of The Quote Garden.

Photo: April Daisies, Platt Hill Nursery, Carpentersville, IL.

Today's Joy: Taking the Good with the Bad.
It was an odd sort of day, Reader. It started out rather poopy and I was afraid it might continue that way. But a little prayer for guidance & help, a nice visit with Mom and 2 exciting pieces of news (one job-related & one business-related--yes, in my world they are separate things) brought me out of my funk. So, now I'm facing tomorrow with all kinds of possibilities that weren't on the horizon yesterday. Isn't it funny how God knows just when it's time to bolster our hope and faith--usually when we're holding on by our fingernails?

Trust me, he says. Yessir.

There came a time when the risk to remain tight in the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom. - Anais Nin

Today's Joy: Green Things Popping Up!
Here they are, Reader. The first plants to emerge in the yard this spring! My aunt's lovely crocuses are taking advantage of the sunshine and popping up despite a roller coaster of temperatures that have us foregoing jackets in the morning and donning Carhart overalls by dark.
I can't help but marvel at the hardy little things. I admire their tenacity. And their faith that despite appearances, it will soon be warm! Hope there's a delightful little surprise growing outside your door this morning, Reader. If there is, send me some photos!

Today's Joy: Getting Back in the Game. Have been feeling a little disjointed, Reader. I didn't imagine 2010 playing out quite as it has and this last week has my head spinning. It feels strange to be back up north, shivering in the cold and starting over. I find myself seeking out old comforts, things that will help me re-ground myself.

Last spring, my head was full of the Chicago Flower & Garden Show. I submitted photos to their annual photography competition and was elated when two were chosen among 30 finalists to appear at the show. With an estimated 60,000 people attending, I was so proud to see my best shots on display at Navy Pier. The show was wonderful! Though, it was a bit surreal to see folks walking up and taking pictures of my photos. My mother was especially tickled--her roses were one of my subjects. It was an incredible day.

Just for fun, I got online and checked into this year's flower show. I'm delighted to find that I haven't missed the photography competition deadline. Now my head is all full of decisions--which photos to submit, which categories to enter, how wonderful it would be to see my work down at Navy Pier again in March.....

It just goes to show, Reader, even when the world is all upside down and you're feeling like you might not be up to the challenge, there is always an opportunity--always something to remind you who you are and what you started out to accomplish in the first place. Wish me luck!