Be Excited

Daily Gratitude Year 13 - Day 93: Today, I am grateful for the choice to "be excited."

It is the simple joys that make life good. My dear friend, Jim Sedgwick, was one of a kind. He often said, "Make every day a holiday and every meal a feast." It always made me smile, but it stuck. 

My first year at Peoria Alternative High School, they didn't really have space for me to have an office. I met with students everywhere and often joined the classes to connect. Our work coordinators were Cleve Klopfenstein and Jim. They were both over a decade older than me and I learned so much watching both of them. They shared their space with me when I was homeless. 

Cleve... well I still refer to as one of the great loves in my life...  he adored his wife and raised his family with faith, integrity, and intention.  I've written about Cleve before. I will again.

Jim was the guy who proudly wore his White Sox fan gear in a place that was split between the Cubs and the Cardinals. He lived his life with excitement and enthusiasm. He would be excited for church choir, although he went every week. He was excited every time he helped a student get a job, even if he knew it would be a challenge to help them keep it. He would fret and get frustrated at the battles of keeping 100 students employed or volunteering... but then he would celebrate the little things... like something he and lovely wife Linda would do together. Jim was as rare as his White Sox jersey in Central Illinois. 

I do not know if Jim intentionally chose excitement or if it was in his nature. He was a one-of-a-kind. He has been in Heaven's choir for many years now. He is not forgotten. I often say, "Make every day a holiday and every meal a feast. Be it a PBJ or a steak dinner. Simple life choices are sometimes the biggest game changers. 

"Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus."-1 Thessalonians 5:18

Choose joy. Be excited for that next cup of coffee and rain that stops just before you have to go out. All things. 

Today, I am grateful for the choice to "be excited."

New Things

 

Daily Gratitude Year 13 - Day 92: Today, I am grateful for the chance to do new things.

Technology changes so fast. It can be amazing, exhausting, and frustrating. Still, it is the gift of "new things" that gives us a chance to stretch, learn, and grow. 

New things can be uncomfortable at first, but like new shoes, it takes time to break them in. Some will be new favorites over time. 

"Look at you doing that thing you once thought you couldn't do." -Eliza Todd

When our hearts need encouragement, we can remember we are all works in progress. We are still being molded by the Master Potter's hand. 

Time, relationships, practice, instruction and prayer all are part of the journey. Be patient. Be kind to yourself and others. Do not forget to enjoy the journey. 

This is one of my life scriptures:

"For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland." -Isaiah 43:19

I am not particularly brave by nature. I like the safe route. I pack extras, "just in case." When I risk a step outside of my comfort zone, there is often exhilaration and delight. I am reminded that the author of fear and lies is the enemy of our souls and the father of the "I can'ts." 

Try something new this week. It is good for the soul. 

 Today, I am grateful for the chance to do new things.

The Art of Pottery

 

Daily Gratitude Year 13 - Day 91: Today, I am grateful for the art of pottery.

Our school mascot is the "Morton Potters." I thought it odd when we came nearly 40 years ago, but I have come to love it. Shaping lives is what schools and communities do. (The name came from the "Morton Pottery", a local business that was important to the community.) 

The Love of my Life has been watching a series, "The Great Pottery Throw Down." The competition is fun to watch. Each artist has a unique style and vision. The comradery between the artists is special. Clay can be finicky and the best plans can go awry. Still, they keep trying. 

There is an element of understanding that whatever they envision and intend, the kiln makes the magic and breaks hearts. Some pieces do not survive the heat. Some things come out better than expected. I can see why those who are called to the kiln find it rewarding. 

My dear friend and artist, Brittany Du Pont, always reminds me that until the clay has been fired... it can be reworked and saved. Some clay is harder to work with than others, but with patience and determination, it can bring beautiful outcomes, much like her work with Jr. High students discovering their art. 

I love this scripture:

"And yet, O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, and you are the potter. We all are formed by your hand." Isaiah 64:8

Sometimes, we are a mess. There are times we seem impossible to shape, mold, and save. Sometimes, great patience is required of the Master Potter. I keep going back to this thought, "The opposite of impatience is surrender." 

I am so grateful for the Master Potter who uses every experience to help shape us. He sees our potential and longs for us to discover it, too. 

Today, I am grateful for the art of pottery.