I just started reading a book about southwest France, specifically about several family wineries that go back generations in the business.  Lots of European history.  It's very informative and I'm enjoying it.

When I first opened the book, I (naturally) read the dedication.  It said, "Dedicated to my mother, who first showed me the world and taught me that it was not a place to fear."  Wow!  Wouldn't you LOVE for your son to write a book and dedicate it to you, using those words?  Well, I would, anyway.  "... taught me that it was NOT a place to fear" is what really stood out.  Let me explain.

The minute I read those words, I was struck by the exact opposite my mother was to me.  This is not a put down, just the facts.  She didn't teach me much about the world, exactly.  I learned a lot about that on the evening news.  But she sure taught me to fear the world.  Everytime I wanted to go somewhere, she told me about someone who was murdered (or worse) there.  Everytime.  Without fail.  My mom is a worrier.  She could think of things to worry about in the most obscure places.  Things that might not occur to the average person.  Queen of worry, she was.  And so I learned ... to worry and to fear.  Now, perhaps that actually made me more adventurous, now that I think about it.  I have done many adventurous things in my life.  In spite of what she warned me of.  When we spoke of moving north, her response was, "What if you move to OR and lose everything?"  I said, "We could do that here (in CA) just as well."  When I gave birth to my firstborn, I called here to let her know.  Naturally, I was crying when I said, "Mom?"  She cried out, "You didn't lose the baby, did you?"  "No, mom, I had a son."   I guess you can tell I'm used to my mom.  Bless her heart.  I can't imagine being her.  I have struggled for years to overcome the worry/fear mentality.  Seeing how she sees the world has, perhaps, made me try harder to look for the positive.  Much to my husband's consternation, I often fail in this attempt.  But I do try.

Imagine, being able to present the world as wide open for learning, adventure, discovery, God's creation?  Oh, I really try to show that to my kids.  Yes, there are things to be wary of.  But not around every corner.  Just some corners.  And when the questions come from my little ones, I answer them as honestly as I can.  And I try to emphasize people's need for the Lord in their life.  I don't allow my kids to learn all the bad things about the world now.  That will come.  That can wait.  Right now, open that door of discovery and wonder.  Don't stomp on it with the latest horror. 

I called my mother later in the day, after I had started reading that book about SW France.  We were talking and I told about my in-laws, who are currently traveling in Africa.  My mom's first response was, "Oh, I haven't heard anything about Africa in the news lately, so it's probably safe for them to travel there.  Unless, of course, the plane crashes and there's nothing you can do about that."  Yes, mom, you are right.  There's nothing you can do about that.  Poor mom. 

P.S.  Thank you ever so much for your kind comments and prayers.  I am buoyed.  Bless you!