Dusty and Delighted

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
Matthew 5:16

I found a walking stick- not because I needed one for the predominantly flat terrain, but rather it felt more like a hike to carry one along.  A couple of times a year- usually in the spring and fall, Mom would pack a simple picnic lunch and our family would pile into the station wagon and head to Waubonsie State Park located on the Lewis and Clark Historic Trail and a short drive from our home. 

Dad always wanted us to hike to a lookout where four portions of different states could be seen (Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri, and Kansas). The trails and open areas were rarely busy. Occasionally we saw a deer. Dad would want us to be quiet so he could watch it for a bit…

I was mostly unimpressed. 

As far as I was concerned there were only two things good about this family outing…The elephant slide, and an occasional splurge with our picnic lunch that included store brand sandwich cookies. 

I worked my way to the lookout location as quickly as I could, quickly “hiked” back to the picnic area, gulped down lunch, savored my portion of cookies, and waited impatiently hoping to be granted permission to go down the elephant slide. 

The slide was simply a dirt hill. Mom and Dad hated the mess and dust that accompanied the activity. I delighted in being dusty. This area of the park was often busy with other kids. We waited and took turns sliding down the hill making the family trek worthwhile. 

As I got a bit older, I was still usually first to the top of the hill. Dad wanted to talk about what we could look out and see. I was rarely interested in a history lesson. Despite having grown a bit bigger- when I looked out over the plains and farmlands of neighboring states- I felt tiny and insignificant. I truly had no idea how big the world really was- but I felt small in it. 

It gave a quest for answers and perspective on my belief that we are all connected- as sons and daughters of God. 

And what about me? Did my part in the grand scheme of things even matter?

That’s the journey I was on and the thoughts I was trying to sort through. 

A verse in one of my favorite hymns spoke of light. It resonated with me. If God was light and I’m His daughter – what does the request to let my light shine mean? I’ve learned over the years the specific tasks associated with how that light shines change from season to season. 

But as I simplify it for me, it’s to lift where I stand and light the little tiny realm around me. I’ve seen the light of others as it comes into my life when I don’t even realize how much I need it. 

Looking out at the four corners was cool- for a minute…Recognizing my place in this world and my infinite value to a Father in Heaven who created me- took time. 

To this day- I’m not so good at long pauses to gain perspective. I typically move quickly from one arena in my life to the next all while being dusty and delighted. 

I’m working to slow down in the good ways – recommitting to send the light of Christ through the things I do.

-JC

Orange Creamsicle Sugar Cookies (Chilled)

1 cup soft butter
½  cup vegetable oil
1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
1 ¼ cups powdered sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon orange extract
3 ⅔ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt

Cream butter, oil  and sugars with an electric mixer on medium-high for 1 minute or until well blended. Hand stir in eggs and orange extract; don’t overmix. Add dry ingredients all at once and mix until fully incorporated. Add 2-3 Tablespoons more flour for high elevation. Scoop out approximately 24 -2” balls of dough. Gently roll and flatten slightly. 
(For a richer flavor and smoother texture refrigerate or freeze until ready to bake.)
Place on greased or parchment paper on an aluminum cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 10+ minutes. Let cool completely.  Generously pipe Orange Cream straight from a Ziploc bag with a 1 inch corner trimmed off. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Garnish with fresh orange if desired.
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Orange Cream
1 cup boiling water
6 oz. orange flavored gelatin powder
24 oz. thawed Cool Whip

Mix boiling water and gelatin in the food processor until gelatin is dissolved. Fold in Cool Whip.  Spoon into two different gallon sized Ziploc bags. (This will make it easier to handle.)