Blog - Kitchen Table Devotions

99 Years of Wisdom

by Rita Macdonald

Recently a friend of mine lost her husband of 34 years. Because of COVID and work and, well just 2020 in general, I was unable to attend his funeral. Earlier this year, I had a close friend die from COVID leaving his two grown children and his wife. I was at the Memorial, but the funeral was during the thick of COVID, and it was not possible to attend. Family only. It's my custom to wait a few weeks, and then send a card or make a call. I know that weeks after all of the news and activity, oftentimes that's when the reality of the loss hits, and the most lonesome days and nights become difficult, so that's when I like to reach out. As always, and probably like everyone else, I often hold the pen in my hand and stare at the card, right? I mean - what do you say? May the ... View Post

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Not Just Joy – GREAT Joy!

by Rita Macdonald

Usually just about this time of year, my excitement about the upcoming holidays begins to fade. I get a little down, and I can't wait for the new year to come - but not this year! And that's odd because, duh.... COVID! I've witnessed a lot of people die this year from COVID, both my patients and my friends. Then I blew my knee out and ended up having to retire from the job I loved in the ICU. I had to say goodbye to the friends I'd had there for many, many, many years. I had to rely on the help of family and friends during my recovery, and some of that was rather humiliating. Then I had to find a new job, and had to learn so many new things, and get to know so many new people, and then COVID came back, and...... Well, it's been quite a year - for you too, I'm sure. Can you ... View Post

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Jim’s Good Story

by Rita Macdonald

I really didn't know what else to title this blog. I love a good story, and I love a crowd of people gathered around to hear one. And if you're a Christian and you follow Jesus - you've got a story to tell. In fact, I would argue that not only do you have a story to tell, you are obligated to tell it. Sharing your story should bring you great joy, and always, always point others to Christ (not to yourself). My friend died today, and he had a great story. "Cancer is the best thing that ever happened to me," he told me one Christmas as my friend and I walked through the live nativity with he and his wife. I asked him that night if I got a crowd together - would he come over and tell his story? He couldn't wait, but we never got around to doing that, and I'm sorry tonight. Jim ... View Post

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When I Grow Up

by Rita Macdonald

I have this friend. I cannot tell you her name, but she is who I hope to be wise, and kind, and generous, and thoughtful like when I grow up. Let me tell you why... For several years now, I have watched this friend serve her friends and others in the community when they are sick, or struggling, or sad, or financially hurting, or just in need of a ride somewhere, or a few bags of groceries. She drops off meals, listens intently, cooks homemade soups, writes checks, buys thoughtful gifts, calls, sends cards, checks in on people, encourages, prays - and when I say she prays - I mean this woman storms heaven with her prayers! What sets my friend apart from most people is that she doesn't advertise all that she does for others. She doesn't call people and tell them of her ... View Post

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Our Holly

by Rita Macdonald

There are days I make plans to reserve evenings in order to write because in my quiet time, writing is one of my favorite things to do. But while I can certainly block out time on my calendar, the best of blogs have never been born on a schedule. In fact, at least three evenings last week I sat down in the quietness of my empty nest, placed my fingers on the keyboard, and wondered, "what shall I write?" knowing full well - it just doesn't work like that. My fingers never typed a word. Eventually, I shut down my laptop. So, how DOES it work (for me, anyways)? Most often my favorite and easiest-to-write blogs just land on my heart and stay there for many days until I shut off all communication with the rest of the world, and hunker down in my favorite chair and let the words start ... View Post

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See Ya Later, Crocodile!

by Rita Macdonald

I had thee most uneventful day today. I spent almost two hours organizing my pretty paper and stationery. Oh, and I ironed for just about as long. My junk drawer also needed some purging, so that happened, but I was soon distracted by a small blue notebook where I recorded funny things my sons said when they were really young. So of course, I stopped everything I was doing and sprawled across my bed to flip through the pages. I know I laughed out loud - really loud, as if I was hearing some of these things for the very first time. How I wish I'd have recorded more. And how I wish I'd have taken more pictures. I need to not make this mistake with my grandchildren. I need more pictures! When we're raising our littles, I think we are all too busy chasing them around to record ... View Post

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Be Quiet, Siri – I Will Not Return to the Route

by Rita Macdonald

Yesterday after lunch, I was seeing a patient not far from my home, so I had a general idea of where I was going. I still went ahead and plugged the address into my phone though, because I'd need the details once I got closer. I began driving down Metro Parkway, and Siri told me to stay there for two miles and then turn on Garfield, but that's not nearly as pretty a drive, especially this time of year, as driving down Millar Road. So I went out of my way and turned and chose the winding two lane road where trees whose colors are changing line the street. Siri would not stop telling me to "Return to the route. Return to the route. Return to the route." In fact, I'm convinced she got louder, the further away I drove from the route she thought I ought to take. So I yelled at her. I ... View Post

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Spiritual Castor Oil

by Rita Macdonald

After an extensive knee surgery back in May of this year, I've been slowly trying to get back to "normal," but I'm not really quite sure yet what that new normal looks like yet. My limp is finally gone, and that's good! And I've been going to the local park that is alongside the St. Clair Lake and walking my old route. Sometimes I have to cut it short, but other times I can walk the entirety of the park with just a couple of stops. And as far as I'm concerned, that's okay. Just two months ago I couldn't even make it up the stairs, or carry my dinner to the table because I was using crutches. It's okay. I'm making progress. Years ago, I used to actually go running at this very same park, but those days are over. And back in 1986 through about 1991, I used to actually run for an ... View Post

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