Daily Gifts

I think it can well be said that "Thankfulness is a gift to the soul."  In the ebb and flow of my life, this is a gift I give myself sporadically and this ought not to be so.  There are so many things to be thankful for.  So many things to accept just as they are, not wishing them to be different or "if only..."  Things to be listed and voiced with a song of gratitude because everything - even the hard things - cause life to grow.  Growth is good.

Safety in storms that would tear the heart or the roof

The dog obeying my command for stillness and silence when she would much rather chase a rabbit

A well made bed by one who is struggling to learn responsibility

The sweet balm of God's Word to a mind that is restless

A storm which caused people to come slow down and take time for each other

New friends who graciously share their time and knowledge, and are beginning to feel like family

Technology that allows us to see loved ones who are very  far away

The unfolding of a flower given to my garden by a friend

My list is growing and my heart is full.  It is so much easier to look at the day with a smile when one focuses on good things.  Stress may still be there, but it isn't quite as daunting.  Philippians 4:8 must therefore be true.  I like how The Message puts it:

 Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.

A Birthday of Epic Proportions

I offer up thanks to the One who made me for having His hand on me and for guiding my steps. Yesterday was The Most Epic Birthday of All Time in my book, with certain elements that I hope never need to be repeated. 

Highlights included coming home from work to find my gift from Mr E being a cleaned kitchen, a lunch of stuffed shells made for me by Miss A and eaten with the 3 people I love most, lemon cake with lemon frosting, a present from a friend and being sung to in not only English, but Dutch and Portuguese as well! There were so many well-wishes and birthday hugs, I am truly blessed to be on this earth!

The not so fun but very much needed element was spending 4 hours in the ER with a dearly loved one as they again came face to face with some serious stuff. I would like to encourage anyone reading this who may be in a terribly impossible situation. I don't know what you are going through, but I challenge you to wait. Waiting is the hard part, but it is so worth the pain. I am encouraged to know that my hope is not in vain. God DOES have a plan for us and our families. His timing is never our timing, but it is always RIGHT ON TIME.

Hang on, dear friend. Look up and dare to keep hope alive. Reach out to the One who made you. He loves you more than you will ever know.