Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Thankful Heart

It's easy to let life's ugliness spread out like an unwanted guest all over your mind and heart, seemingly crowding out beauty and joy. This, however, is merely perception.

Beauty remains. It needs only thought and senses to capture its reality.

Ugliness is a bully.

A simple contemplating of life's loveliness, however, lends perspective to the disagreeable. Merely shifting one's gaze from hostility to beauty immediately illuminates gleaming jewels of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, goodness, grace, mercy, forgiveness, and hope. Ugliness takes a back seat, where it belongs.

There is always something for which to be thankful. Always.

--A kindhearted husband who works for his family and continues to learn, be amazed, laugh from deep within, and love

--Wise, loving children who support, understand, explore, make merry, and hug tightly

--Sisters - and their husbands and children - who let me be me and love with observable, unconditional, unshakeable love

--A safe, comfortable home thriving in summer's generosity

--Friends aplenty who offer newness, hilarity, understanding, compassion for my family and me - all the time

--Healthy pets - nature's balm

--Wilderness

--Assurances that God is the Author of all Life, a Being in control who doesn't miss a thing

Yes, there is always something for which to be thankful.

Today, I am thankful. Very.

Sunday, July 11, 2010

To Run and Not Faint

Praying for strength. Praying for compassion. Praying for patience. Praying for a miracle. Praying. And waiting...