“From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the LORD is to be praised.” Psalm 113:3 (NIV)
The Walk
A long day at war with worry and fear,
Little boy squabbles, and
Needs far and near.
Head is pounding. Thoughts running wild.
Tears threaten to spill, Lord
Do you see me, Your child?
Shoes on feet. Helmet on head.
“The evening is calling us
Let’s take a walk before bed.”
Step after step, labored and slow.
Boys on bikes buzz by
Leaving a trail of laughter as they go.
Longing for an answer, I lift up my eyes
Turn the corner. Stopped in my tracks.
An unexpected surprise!
There in every hue of His love
God’s peace painted for me
Across the sky above.
Finish our stroll bathed in pink light.
A beautiful reminder
We’re never out of His sight.
“MiMi, the sky!” I hear them say.
Smiling, I thank God He is with me,
And that tomorrow’s a new day.
“I will praise you, Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples. For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies.” Psalm 57:9-10 (NIV)
“The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.” Mark 12:31a (NIV)
Content
It’s always been this way. For as long as I can remember I’ve been most content when I’m near the water. Lake, ocean, river, pond, it doesn’t matter. There’s just something about being waterside that calms my soul, relaxes my shoulders, quiets my mind (which is no easy feat), and lets me breathe, really breathe. It’s my happy place.
My better-half does not feel the same as I do. Being in the mountains brings him the most satisfaction. I like the mountains but they’re not my first choice. He can spend time at the water, however it’s not his favorite place. Guess what? This is not the only thing we don’t agree on. Guess what again? We still kinda like each other despite our differences.
The thing is, we are all different. Content, not content. By the water, on a mountain, or maybe the desert is your happy place. Country girl or city all the way. Conservative, liberal, vaccine or no. Artistic, mechanical, intellectual, athletic, agricultural. Right-handed or left, words or numbers, risk-taker or comfort zone…the list goes on and on. People, we are created uniquely. And guess what? We can still kinda like each other!
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Romans 12:18 (NIV)
“Living at peace with everyone.” Now that’s a Happy Place!
I know I always say this, but it feels as if I just wrote my August Four Somethings post! This month has come and gone and I’m not sure how I didn’t notice it flying by. September was full of good news though, and I can’t wait to share it with you! Here we go…
“Children are a gift from the LORD; they are a reward from him.” Psalm 127:3 (NLT)
Something Loved
It’s been the everyday little things I’ve loved this month. Bike rides at sunset, planning and digging an “underground house”, both boys back to school, wild basketball games, singing together, making cookies, and so much more. Each small moment with my grandsons has made a BIG memory that I’ll cherish always. There’s an old Oak Ridge Boys song called “Thank God For Kids” and the last chorus says:
“Thank God for kids there’s magic for a while A special kinds of sunshine in a smile. Do you every stop to think or wonder why? The nearest thing to Heaven is a child. When you get down on your knees tonight To thank the Lord for His guiding light Pray they turn out right. Thank God for kids.”
Magic, smiles, sunshine, Heaven. That’s how I feel about spending time with the kids I love more than anything and I thank God for them everyday!
“When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.” Romans 12:13 (NLT)
Something Read
To say I’m excited is kind of an understatement. For the first time ever, my words are actually in print! I’m so honored and grateful to be part of this beautiful journal! The “Woven Journal” by http://www.sweettothesoulministry.com is full of devotionals, articles, recipes, art, coloring pages, scripture, and more! The theme of Woven is centered around being invited and hospitality which allowed me to share the story of my first year teaching and the kind veteran teacher who took me in when I had nowhere to stay. She’s now my mother-in-love but that’s a story for another time. Writing has been my dream for a very long time and to read my own words in such a special publication is, well, just plain amazing!
“Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes not only me but also my Father who sent me.” Mark 9:37 (NLT)
Something Treasured
Sutton’s homecoming! Need I say more? Those who’ve been reading along here know that for the past three months my youngest grandson has been in Nationwide Children’s Hospital after a traumatic health emergency in which he lost all of his small intestine. But God. Sutton has now been home for a little over a week and doing fantastically! Life is different but what a gift to have him reunited with his brothers and to be back to being a family of 5 living at home. And what a celebration it was! The wonderful community once again came together and had a Homecoming Drive By Parade with Fire Trucks, Police Cars, and even Silly String! It is a day I will treasure in my heart forever more.
“I remember the days of old. I ponder all your great works and think about what you have done.” Psalm 143:5 (NLT)
Something Ahead
Now that I’m also back home, I feel somewhat adrift, so I’m looking forward to trying once again to do the 31-Day Writing Challenge sponsored by Five Minute Friday Writing Community to anchor me. 31 prompts. 31 days. Can I do it? I haven’t ever completed it the times I’ve tried before, but there’s a first time for everything, right? We shall see how it goes.
I love this practice of reflecting on the month and choosing moments to share with you. It helps me to be grateful and more aware of my blessings. How about you? What Four Somethings would you share? I’d love for you to tell me in the comments. And don’t forget that you can always go to http://www.heathergerwing.com to read more or better yet, to join in. As always I so appreciate you taking your time to stop in here to read my ponderings. It means more than you know!
“And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 (NLT)
Day 1: “Need”
We are a generation of stuff, overrun with things we think we need. The proof is on our porches, in outbuildings, our closets, self-storage units, and in my own garage. I used to teach my Second Graders the difference between a want and a need. It’s a lesson I’ve been reminded of in the last few months and one most of us could use a refresher on. Really, we only need the basics for life like food, water, and shelter. All the rest we can get by without. Difficult, challenging times make it clearer than ever that “things” are not what will sustain us.
The chorus to the hymn above has run on replay in my mind for weeks now. “I need Thee, oh I need Thee. Every hour I need Thee.” Maybe you’re like me and have found yourself in the midst of an unexpected situation in which you have no control over or the strength to face on your own. That’s when we learn what needs are truly essential: the Bread of Life (John 6:35), the Living Water (John 4:14), and the Shelter of the Most High (Psalm 91:1).
“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:8 (NIV)
God, who sees us at our worst and best, strongest and weakest, when we’re rejoicing and grieving, knows what we want, but more importantly, He knows and is able to provide exactly what we need, not just for ourselves, but so we might share with others. God’s abundant blessings of praying friends, supportive communities, encouraging church families, and overwhelming love from others doing “good work” have been what’s helped my family endure these past months. So now it’s my turn to richly give those in need, not stuff, but the abiding, overflowing love we’ve been shown. A love that sustains not just life now, but for eternity. #31Days2021 #writingprompt #fmfparty #1/31
We often think of joy and sorrow as opposites – their definitions far apart from each other. But when you’ve lived a “few” years you come to realize that they’re actually connected. Joy and sorrow walk hand in hand together throughout our lives. Even in the most joyous times there are twinges of sorrow present; and as I’ve learned in this past month, when experiencing great, overwhelming sorrow, joy is also right there in the midst of it all.
My grandson, Sutton has been in the Nationwide Children’s Hospital for a little over two months now. His life and ours, have changed. With that, comes the darkness of grief. But friends, I’m here to tell you that joy lights the way through it!
“Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning.” Psalm 30:5b (NLT)
Share Four Somethings
“I thank my God every time I remember you.” Philippians 1:3 (NIV)
~Something Loved~
As Sutton was life-flighted to Columbus at the end of June, my husband and I were packing to make the four hour trip to be with our two older grandsons. Time passed with little talk and lots of prayer. Upon arrival we immediately went into caregiver mode. For two weeks, together we tried to put our fears and grief aside to meet all their needs. After that, my husband had to return to work and I began caring for them on my own. I’ve been here ever since.
There’ve been days I was sure I couldn’t go on, times the boys were so upset I didn’t know what to do, moments when I had to ignore my MiMi heart to discipline, and nights when we all cried ourselves to sleep. But woven through it all has been the realization that we are making memories that we never would have under “normal” circumstances. The funny thing is, before all this happened, I’d find myself lying awake praying that nothing would happen to me before I’d spent enough time with the boys for them to remember me. And now….here we are together! I’ve loved spending time with my grandsons; from doing simple things like playing office, to celebrating the first day of kindergarten, visiting Sutton every weekend, touring a museum together, reading bedtime stories, singing songs, and laughing…a lot. In the middle of the pain: Joy!
“Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2 (NLT)
~Something Read~
Living in an unfamiliar town, driving a van, having a much more active schedule, etc…. For this “comfort zone addict” gal, being away from home has been hard at times. There may even have been a bit of whining. It’s amazing though, that when I’ve had an especially challenging day, I’ll go to the mailbox and find a card from a friend or my phone will beep with a text from a loved one. Reading inspiring Bible verses, encouraging words, even old fashioned newsy letters, have brightened my days and improved my mood…a lot. In the midst of change: Joy!
“But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” Luke 2:19 (NIV)
~Something Treasured~
As parents, we hope and pray that our children, no matter their age, have friends who’ll always be there for them, a community that embraces them, and a church family to uplift them. I’ve worried about this (I know shocking, right?) But there’ve been times when these things were missing from my kid’s lives.
Thankfully, my worry was unwarranted as usual, as both our children now have a wonderful support system! Never was it more evident though, than in this last month! The outpouring of care and concern for our family through this health crisis with Sutton has been beyond amazing! It’s impossible to find the words to express the gratitude we feel. There have been T-shirt Fundraisers, a Benefit Golf Tournament, an Auction of a one-of-a-kind clock made by the Blind Clockmaker (if you’ve never seen his inspiring story, I’ll link it below), cards, gifts, meals, donations to the Ronald McDonald House, and so much more. And oh my goodness, the outpouring of prayers lifted for Sutton. It’s been miraculous really, how such a little boy has brought so many people together!
Do you remember what the Bible says happened after the Shepherds had visited Jesus in the stable then left to spread the message the Angels had given them? Yes, Mary thought about all that had happened and she kept it in her heart. That’s how I feel too. I will treasure all I’ve seen, heard, and felt this past month, keeping it close at heart, knowing there are others who’ve got this support thing down pat, and I will ponder on that…a lot! At the center of great need: Joy!
“He sets the time for sorrow and the time for joy, the time for morning and the time for dancing,” Ecclesiastes 3:4 (GNT)
~Something Ahead~
Home. That is what’s ahead!
We’re rejoicing! If everything keeps going as well as it has been, Sutton will be home in a very short time. And while it will be different, and scary, and hard, and yes, sad sometimes, it is an answer to all our prayers and a gift we’ve been given that many do not receive. In time, these months will be behind us and a new normal will develop. Doing a happy dance just thinking about it!
Having Sutton home means that I’ll go home, too. I’ll return to my normal, my hubs won’t have to live the bachelor life anymore, my schedule will be my own. These are happy things. And yet.. I’ll be leaving the boys. No more tucking them in, fixing their breakfast, watching Bluey together while eating popcorn. Mother-daughter time will be less, too. The pull of home means leaving a part of me here and I’m going to miss them…a lot! At the heart of joyously moving on: sorrow.
August for me, has been a month of ups and downs, highs and lows, and many joys and sorrow. But really, that’s life, isn’t it? As Solomon reminds us:
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:”
Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NLT)
But no matter how long the season or the night, we can take comfort in knowing that “Joy comes with the morning!”
I’m once again linking up at http://www.heathergerwing.com to Share Four Somethings. Click over to read what others are reflecting on this month. I’d love to know what you’d share! Let me know in the comments. I want to remind you that I am so blessed by your presence here! Thank you for stopping in! And don’t forget to watch Jim Morgan’s story below. You will be glad you did!
“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12 (NIV)
Out of Order?
At the beginning of each new school year a “Meet the Teacher” night was held for my incoming students. And every year I listened as parents proudly listed all the things their son or daughter already knew: letters, sounds, fact, numbers to 100, 500, 1000. I’d smile, shake my head, and say to myself, “we will see.”
Children are very adept at rote learning. That is, repeating things enough times that they become comfortable with them and can repeat them on demand, as long as they are in order. Whether spelling words, answers on a study guide, or numbers to 100, the true test is being successful even when things are OUT of order.
My family and I have been experiencing the same kind of test. If you’ve read much of my writing you probably know that I am a comfort zone gal. I like my days to repeat over and over in the same way. The repetition allows me to seemingly meet the demands of life; as long as it remains in order, that is.
In recent weeks however, our lives have felt completely OUT of order! My youngest grandson suffered a traumatic health emergency and now our schedules, priorities, plans, dreams, just about everything, have become rearranged. May I say, it is anything but comfortable. As you might guess and maybe have experienced yourself, it’s left me feeling extremely weak so I’ve been clinging to this familiar verse:
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13 (NIV)
These words reassure us when our worlds are in chaos. As He often does, God is teaching me in this unexpected, upside down, mixed up, time in our lives and it’s occured to me, that we (I) may say these words from memory, without real thought of the true meaning, which lead me to read Philippians 4, verse 12. Here are the words Paul writes leading up to these often repeated ones:
“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” Philippians 4:12 (NIV)
Just like my second graders, the true test comes when we’re victorious even if nothing is as we thought it would be. So, whether in joy or sorrow, fear or courage, peace or anger, health or sickness, “whether living in plenty or in want”, we can be content in “all this”, not on our own, but through Christ. What I’m learning (maybe kicking and screaming) is that life is never going to stay in order, and maybe, just maybe, we (I) shouldn’t want it to be, because it’s in those times when we’re blindsided, off balance, out of sync, discombobulated, and uncomfortable that we look to the One who DOES stay in place, to give us the strength to be content in it all
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ ” 2 Corinthians 12:9a (NIV)
I’ve joined with others at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com today to write to the prompt “Order.” I encourage you to click over and read more! I have been so overwhelmed and grateful for all the prayers given for my family and especially for Sutton from this wonderful writing community, our family, friends, and even people we don’t know. God is working and prayers are being answered. Follow Sutton’s journey at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100070279381003
It’s always amazing how God teaches me lessons right where and when I need them using what’s familiar. Honestly, I think that’s why so many happened in my Second Grade classroom. He knew I required the “elementary” version! Now retired, I can look back and see how, like my students, the foundation I received there helps me continue to build on and trust those basic truths I’ve learned.
“This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT)
These words came alive during a favorite project of mine that included one of God’s most mysterious miracles! Every year, my students and I would begin to collect Monarch Caterpillars. Filled with Milkweed to feed them and long twigs to climb on, a large, glass jar on the Science table became their new home and the venue for us to observe an incredible transformation.
Metamorphosis (a profound change) doesn’t happen overnight, but it didn’t take long to recognize that once a caterpillar moved as high as it could go on a stick, the process had begun. That’s just what one of our “guests” did while I was working late at school.
Determined to watch the process from start to finish I settled in. Somewhere between caterpillar and chrysalis, this teacher became the student. It no longer was just a caterpillar’s rebirth I was witnessing; I was also gaining a better understanding of my own. A familiar unit, alone in my classroom, at a time I felt stuck between the old me and becoming “a new person”, amazing God at work? No doubt about it!
I don’t know about you, but I often feel like a caterpillar, slugging along, always looking for the next best, tasty thing to consume, hoping it will satisfy my hunger. And just like a caterpillar, that’s usually when we begin to feel something stirring deep within that compels us to think Higher and prepare for change.
Surprisingly, what struck me the most as I witnessed this wonder of nature, was the struggle. Back and forth the caterpillar swung, writhing as if fighting with all its might against what lies ahead. (Something else we have in common!) Then I blinked. On the branch in the same spot where the caterpillar had been resisting change, hung a chrysalis. The fight was over.
Maybe, like me, as a Christian you too find yourself suspended between old ways and the new life Jesus offers. Fear, worry, perfectionism, and so much more seem to continually worm its way back into our lives, but here’s the heart of the lesson: The struggle is real, but my friends, the fight is over! Jesus hung in our place and was encased in the tomb, taking our sins with Him.
For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives. Romans 6:4 (NLT)
Excitement always built as the children and I waited for each butterfly to emerge. Through every opened chrysalis that released a new creation with furled wings and shaky legs, The Teacher continued His lesson. Even though the cycle was complete and the old caterpillar nature was replaced with the new nature of a butterfly, it took time for each one to stretch its wings, to be a butterfly. I’m learning, and I hope it encourages you, that the same is also true for us.
“Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like Him.” Colossians 3:10 (NLT)
Did you catch that? Becoming more like Christ is a profound change. As we learn to know our Creator, we become like Him. Becoming more like Christ doesn’t happen over night. It’s a life long process of learning, knowing, and trusting. Just like the Monarchs in my classroom project, with patience, practice, and lots of love, God takes who we think we are and completely transforms us into who He knows we were always meant to be! As we spend time in our relationship with Christ, we can be certain He is working within us and that our “new life” has begun..
“And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” Philippians 1:6 (NLT) We can trust that!
I was honored to write this as part of the #TrustThat Verse by Verse series at http://www.faithfullyfollowingministries.org I encourage you to click over to read more. You will be blessed if you do!
“Smile, when you think you can’t. Smile, get up and dance. Smile, there’s a bigger plan. The storm only lasts for a while. So smile!” The Sidewalk Prophets Photo credit to Claire Cottrill Photography
Facelift
Recently, I was invited to an on-line cosmetics party and the hostess asked a question about our biggest skin concern. My immediate response was, “I can only choose one?” But, out of the choices she offered, my answer was “wrinkles.” Spending time in the sun and the passing years show on my face. Some might say I’m in need of a facelift. You know, where they pull your saggy skin back and in the process give you a perpetual smile? No thank you! But the truth is, I do often need another kind of facelift. One that’s not given because of time in the sun, but rather, one that is the result of time with the SON!
“We serve God whether people honor us or despise us, whether they slander us or praise us. We are honest, but they call us imposters. We are ignored, even though we are well known. We live close to death, but we are still alive. We have been beaten, but we have not been killed. Our hearts ache, but we always have joy.” 2 Corinthians 6:8-10a (NLT)
Life is hard. You and I know that things don’t always go our way. Friends betray us. Jobs are lost. The world shuts down. Dreams feel out of reach. People die. We could spend all day adding to the list. And when I’m faced with worries, fears, and challenges? My face shows it. It’s not just my skin that sags, but my mouth droops, eyebrows slump, and my demeanor, well it just wilts, taking those around me down with it. You see, unlike the disciples, who, by the way, knew all about how hard life can be, I lose sight of joy. I need a face lift! Been there?
Throughout the Bible the disciples show us what it means to live with joy. Now you might be thinking, “Cindy, no one is happy all the time.” I agree. Joy and happiness though, are two different things. Being happy results from what’s happening around us. Always having joy, comes from the Spirit inside us. I’ll bet you’re like me and can name people in your lives who like the disciples, have experienced tragedy and yet rejoice. They’re the ones who remind us, that in the midst of our biggest concerns, we can still smile by lifting our face to the Son.
“Since you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Think about things of heaven, not things of earth.” Colossians 3:1-2
I continue to learn (yes, it takes me a while) that it’s all about perspective. If I stand too long in front of the mirror (focused on myself), all I see are the wrinkles of life. But a face lifted from the imperfections, heavenward toward Jesus’ perfection, allows us to echo Paul’s words above in 2 Corinthians 6:10, “Our hearts ache, but we always have joy.” Always, my friends! And that’s the uplifting way we want to face life and to share with others. Let me leave you with these words:
“I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Romans 15: 13 (NLT)
Now, if that doesn’t give you a everlasting smile, I don’t know what will!
“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 (NIV)
Not in My Dictionary
As a teacher and mother, I’ve received my fair share of excuses. From “I forgot”, to “They told me to”, and the ever-popular “I didn’t think it applied to me.” One of the most unique though, was used on the familiar assignment of looking up and writing the definitions for vocabulary words. Thumbing through the returned papers, one stood out from the others. At first glance it clearly had much less writing on the page and a closer look revealed why. Behind a majority of the words the same phrase was written; “Not in my dictionary” was the excuse used for not completing the homework as expected.
Answering a knock on my classroom door, I found a co-worker holding in her hand my son’s “creative” attempt at following directions. Promising to get to the bottom of it, that’s just what I did. I was relieved (however short lived) to know he hadn’t blatantly lied, BUT, because he didn’t want to take the time or put in the effort, my son decided to use an advertising pamphlet for a dictionary that had a few sample pages in it, instead of the actual dictionary sitting on his desk! The words were in fact, not in the dictionary he purposely chose to use. Instead of giving his best, an excuse was offered and ultimately, an opportunity to shine, lost .
How often do we adults do the very same thing? Maybe it’s taking a short cut, looking for a way out, or choosing quick over quality. Similar excuses? Oh I have them and I’ll bet you do to.
~Tithe? “Oops, I forgot this week.
~Watching THAT show. “They told me to.”
~Forgiving a family member. “I don’t think it applies to me in this situation.”
We even live as if saying “not in MY Bible,” when we attempt to purposely pick and choose the verses and words we’re willing to follow, while knowing we have the whole Word of God to guide us right at our fingertips. Instead of presenting our best, we often offer an excuse to put forth less, and our opportunity to be a light in the world, is lost.
“Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:15-16 (NIV)
In my dictionary, some of the definitions for “excuse” are: to remove blame, serve as a justification, and release from an obligation. Unfortunately, we don’t have to look far in this world to find lots of dimming and extinguished lights being smothered by a “bowlful” of these very reasons. I don’t know about you, but sometimes, I don’t have to look any further than myself!
“Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life.” Philippians 2:14-16a (NIV)
If I’m being honest, “shining star” isn’t always an accurate description of me. You either? Here’s the thing though, I’m learning we can’t let that be an excuse to not give our best to complete our “assignment”. Is illuminating God easy? No. Does good work take time and sacrifice? Definitely. Will we always get it right? You and I both know the answer to that. We won’t. We’re challenged however, to work at living lives with meaning found “not in my dictionary“, but rather, ones defined by God’s Word, bringing Him glory and offering a glimmer of hope to those around us.
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be throughly equipped for every good work.”
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)
Once again this is MORE than five minute MONDAY for me, but I am joining with other writers at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com this week, thinking about the prompt “Excuse”. (Yikes! I have a lot of them in my life) If you’re interested to see what others have to say on the subject, just click the link. You won’t be sorry! I am grateful you’ve taken your time to join me and my pondering once again. I do not take it for granted!
Somehow I’m always surprised when I start seeing others’ Share Four Something posts at http://www.heathergerwing.com! It doesn’t seem possible that another month has come and gone. I guess that old Tracy Lawrence country song is right. “Time Marches On!” April has offered many things like reminders of rebirth, a restarting of things paused by the pandemic, reassurance, and reuniting! “Re-” means again and yes, I am happy to relive my joys of April again with you!
Something Loved
“Three things will last forever-faith, hope, and love-and the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13 (NLT)
After months of being apart, we finally were able to make the trip to see our daughter and grandsons. My heart overflows as I type this! To say we loved being together is an understatement! While the visit was short, the memories will last and last! Soccer practice, T-Ball, bedtime stories, Lego building, baking, snuggles, and lots of laughs, all in person, being together was as you can imagine, a highlight of my month!
Another special moment happened this month with a three-generation get-together. Our son and daughter-in-love took time out of their busy schedules to take grandma and mom on a spectacular daffodil adventure! I was in heaven! Time with the” kids”, my favorite flower as far as the eye could see, an amateur photographer’s dream spot, and time with kids! Oh did I already say that? It was the best part! Yes, I LOVED reuniting in April!
Something Read/Said
“So encourage each other and build each other up, just a you are already doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NLT)
I’ve had the unique privilege of being a mentor to a student I taught in Second Grade. He’s now a Sophomore in High School! Again, time DOES march on! April has presented him with some challenges and so each morning for the last few weeks I’ve been sending “Wise Words” of encouragement to reassure him of all I believe he can accomplish! We all need something said like that now and then, don’t we? I’m so proud of this young man and can’t wait to see all he achieves in life! Mentoring is an honor and I’m pretty sure that I’ve gained more than I’ve ever offered! There’s no doubt I’d do it all again!
Something Treasured
“Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises!” Psalm 98:4 (ESV)
“The only thing better than singing is more singing.”(Ella Fitzgerald) Oh, how I believe this! I know that I’ve shared (probably more than once) that I have a musical soul. Music of all kinds fills the rooms of my house all day long and you can often find me dancing and singing along! Do I love to sing! Well, really I’m making a joyful noise, but I make it with a lot passion!
The Pandemic has taught me and probably you too, about taking things for granted. Never, did I imagine there’d be a time when our church buildings would be closed! And once they reopened, it seemed unbelievable that we wouldn’t be allowed to sing as part of our worship! I’m so grateful that this month that changed for us! At the conclusion at our last two Sunday services, we’ve joined together for one song. What a beautiful sound, masked voices and all! Regaining a little “normal” is such a blessing. One I’ll not take for granted again!
Something Ahead
“Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.” 1 Corinthians 13:7 (NLT)
This is the last picture I have of the four of us together. It was taken on August 26, 2019. 2019! My mom, sisters, and I usually meet at least three times a year but have now been apart longer than we’ve ever been in our whole lives! Finally, we’re vaccinated and ready to go! I’m counting the days (literally) until we leave Michigan, Indiana, and West Virginia behind to rejoin each other in Ohio! Words cannot express how thankful I am to be looking ahead to being with these amazing women this week! I can just hear “Peaches and Herb” singing: “Reunited and it feels so good!” (You young people will have to Google it!)
April began with reuniting and will end with reuniting, too! Can’t think of a much better way to spend a month! Can you? Join me here next month as “time marches on” and we’ll do it all again!
What about you? What Four Somethings did you find in your month? I’d love for you to share them with me in the comments! Better yet, click the link above and join us there. As always, I want you to remind you what it means to me that you take the time to join me in my ponderings here! Wishing you many blessings in May!
