Bane and Blessing

There are days when just about everything seems to be going well.  Smooth sailing.  Upon deeper reflection, however, we will always find a bump.  The thought that there is always something wrong does not seem depressing to me, but simply realistic.  We can be sure that, in this life, we will consistently face troubles and difficulties.  The good news is that there will also be much happiness and blessing to savor.  The following quote, I think, gives very practical advice when it comes to finding balance in the ups and downs of life.

"Make the most of the best and the least of the worst."  ~ Robert Louis Stevenson

A Bit of Humor From Two "Saints"

I recently read a footnote in my Bible, commenting on Acts 2:46 and 16:34, which stated that "joy is to be the mood of the believer."  We understand that life will not always feel happy, but joy is another matter.  There is nothing much sadder to me than the Christian who appears to be joyless.  As God's own people, we have everything we need to not only survive in this broken world, but to live victoriously...with joy intact!

My son once told me a joke that absolutely cracked me up....it was about an alligator that walked into a bar and ordered a drink, causing the bartender to ask "Why the long face?"  The joke may not be quite as effective in written form, lacking my son's delivery, but you get the point. I do so hope that, wherever I walk, I give no cause for folks to wonder "why the long face?"!

"May God protect me from gloomy saints."  ~ St. Teresa of Avila

What Matters

As I was reading this morning, I came across a statement that resonated deeply....."do not be uninformed about life's significance" (these words are Dr. Joseph Stowell's, contained in a daily online devotion I receive from a ministry called Griefshare).  Dr. Stowell's admonition got me to thinking about what really matters in life.  I had been planning on writing today and using the quote you will see below.  I guess this could be considered a double-quote post!

What really matters in life?  People.  I am thinking this morning of the ones I  love, share with, am inspired by, challenged and encouraged by....whose lives touch mine. I am thinking of family and friends...some I have not seen in years but who still impact my life through their influence.  Some have gone on to be with the Lord.  Some are with me daily, weekly....some only with careful planning for opportunities to be together.  There are some I have never, and most likely will never, meet....those whose writings and words have influenced my thinking and therefore my life. 

Time matters, too.  How I spend my time, what I do with the 24 hours I am given each day...it matters.  Last night, at a brilliant fireworks display, my little granddaughter, amazed at the beauty of those explosions, uttered "this is a memory I will never forget!" ( well, I guess this is a triple-quote post!)  My best "memories I will never forget" almost always include the people with whom I share them.  Of course there are moments of solitude that I remember, reflect upon and treasure.  Balance is important, and "alone time" is valuable and productive, but sharing life with others is what this post is all about.  The fireworks display that so impressed a little girl was made more memorable because she was sharing it with those who love her.  I am sure of that. 

Today, and every day of my life, I want to be aware of what matters!

"Life is too precious to squander on trivial things."   ~ John Piper

A Little Bit More on Good People

I am rich. My wealth is found in relationships...family and friends.  I am so aware of this treasure that is mine, the blessing God has bestowed upon me, and have decided that a second post on "good people" is appropriate.  The first was a quote from a work of fiction.....this one is from the pen of an old saint.  She expresses well what is on my heart this morning.

"What a great favor God does to those He places in the company of good people."

  ~ St. Teresa of Avila ~

Horse Sense

I love the public library and all that it offers.  Having worked in that most wonderful atmosphere, I have benefited from its wide variety of blessings.  Now, as a volunteer and patron, I enjoy browsing the stacks and discovering new offerings and, sometimes, old favorites. My selections are most often for my own reading pleasure, but I also have the privilege of introducing good books to children.  A number of years ago, I was facilitating a book club for young girls.  We were exploring the oldies but goodies...the classics.  It was while reading one of these that I found the quote below.

Now, something one must never, ever do is underline a word, a sentence or a passage in a library book.  That is where my little quote book comes in handy.  Every once in a while, on the page of a good piece of fiction, a bit of wisdom jumps out, resonates strongly and demands to be remembered long after the book is returned to the library.  Jotting it down in my quote book insures that it will not fade away and gives opportunity to share it with others.

Yesterday, while enjoying the company of a dear friend, our conversation turned to appreciation for the good folks God has put into our lives.  We voiced our gratitude for His hand of blessing and provision, for where He has led us and for the wonderful people He has placed on our paths....for our homes and families, for our churches, for kindred spirits.  We spoke of the unexpected pleasure found in those little conversations with a stranger in line at the grocery store, where God seems to open a door to speak a word of encouragement or comfort.  We reminded one another of how often we are blessed through the friendly faces, smiles and words of people we meet in ordinary places.   I was instantly reminded of the following quote, shared it with my friend, and knew it would be my next entry on this blog.

"It is good people that make good places."  ~      from Black Beauty, by Anna Sewell

More Rainy Day Thoughts

Another rainy day.  It has been one of those off and on again rains, more on than off.  A good day to stay home, dry and warm.  My thoughts have been on so many little things that bring comfort.  Warm chocolate cookies, comfy clothes, soft socks, a book to read, vanilla scented candles burning, the tea kettle always ready, a sleepy, lazy dog curled up close, a phone call from a friend.  It is one of those days where the luxury of having nothing urgent on the to-do list gives permission to just live in the day.

This is an atmosphere that encourages gratitude for these small pleasures....and memories.  The sound of rain falling on the camper roof.  Or better yet, drumming softly on the tent.  Storms that brought power failures, along with candlelight.  A trip to the Jersey shore, interrupted by a rainstorm, but punctuated with a gorgeous rainbow over the ocean. 

I think it is time for another cup of tea, accompanied by memories, raindrops, and comfort. 

"Small comforts help to soften large griefs." ~  unknown ~



Light Hearted!

There is something so very wonderful about a rainbow.  It is always a surprise and a delight.  After the rain, when the air seems to have that certain almost-glow, I usually dash outside to check.....maybe, just maybe there will be a rainbow.  Last evening there was.....and it was spectacular! 

The thrill of that rainbow is still on my mind.  It seems that sunlight is actually made up of different colors, but in the sunbeam we can only see white light.....until it hits the raindrops at a particular angle.  Then...we see its colors in the form of a rainbow.  Amazing! 

And as if the rainbow wasn't joy enough, there was a full moon last night!   The sky cleared after the rain and there was the moon, reflecting the glory of the sun. 

I pray that my life might be a reflection of God's mercy, grace, love and compassion.....just as the moon's shining only reflects the sun's light, may my life overflow with Sonlight.  May my heart, like the raindrops, catch the color of God's amazing promises and faithfulness.

The following quote, one of my favorites, is from a little book entitled "Diary of an Old Soul".  I've read it as a devotional and have found wonderful nuggets of truth within those pages.

"Lord, make my mirror-heart Thy shining place."   ~  George MacDonald