Doodling

Callaway Gardens - March 2007

John 8:1-8

1 Jesus went unto the mount of Olives.

2 And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them.

3 And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst,

4 They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act.

5 Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?

6 This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not.

7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.

8 And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.

9 And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.

10 When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?

11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.

When I woke this morning and brought my coffee into my sitting room, my Bible fell to this passage. Although I have read it many times and heard many speak on this passage one thing struck me this morning and that is the part where Jesus was making marks in the sand. I suppose it's because I too make marks when I'm thinking or listening, especially if I'm on the phone. The marks I make don't mean anything, they are just doodles. Those marks, however, do serve a purpose for me...otherwise I wouldn't do them. I think they are a means to create space between what is happening and what I might need to do next. Maybe doodling is just visual thinking.

While all the other folks were shouting and running around gathering up stones, Jesus was quiet, thinking first before He spoke or acted. Doodling probably allowed Him thinking and waiting time. I think this is a big lesson for me to learn. Sometimes I need to stop and think before I speak or act. I also think I need to learn that a quick answer to a problem is not always in my best interest. I'll remember this the next time I think I'm not getting an answer to a prayer in the time I think it should take. Maybe God is just listening and doodling giving me space and time to see myself and what I am asking or doing in the interim.



Yesterday afternoon I experienced what I think was another reaction to the medication I'm taking for a weird rash I have across my belly. Since I was dizzy and didn't feel well, I didn't keep the girls and I miss them this morning. I'm feeling better but not up to par or up to keeping up with two energetic girls. Perhaps today is a doodle day.

Maxine's Squash Casserole - A favorite of mine

2 lbs yellow crook neck squash, cooked and drained
1 cup sour cream
1 can cream of chicken soup
2 carrots, coarsely grated
1 small jar pimento diced
1 medium onion chopped
1 package herb dressing mix
2 tablespoons butter

Mix all except dressing mix. Line casserole dish with half of the dry herb dressing mix. Add squash mixture and top with remaining herb dressing mix. Cook at 325 for 30 minutes or until top is light brown.

Again, this is not a low fat/low calorie recipe.