The Important

 

Daily Gratitude- Year 14 - Day 43: Today, I am grateful for the important. 

"I want to do important work," I said. "Then smile at people you meet and play with dogs and tuck a blanket around someone who falls asleep." she said. "That's not what I meant I said." "Of course you did," she said. "You just had a smaller idea of important." 

I love this quote. It is so easy to focus on what we cannot do, do not have time to do, or we simply forget that small things are important, too. Whatever our age, health, or season in life... there are small things we can do that qualify as important work. 

When we are tired, it is easy to wish away our current situation, whatever that may be. It is better to count the "important things"  in our current seasons. The decades fly by so fast. 

It is human nature to get a little bored with the mundane. What if focused more on living out the ordinary in our days more like art. Do we see art in our ordinary days? Perhaps it is time to look for it. 

There is art and love in that first cup of tea, coffee, or cacao. It might be in the cup it is offered or the love of the person who prepared it. The scents of our beloved morning beverages are like no other. The hands that prepare it do important work. 

Our love of coffee shops in the USA reflect our delight in someone else preparing the things we could make at home. Familiar faces, a smile, and a kind message written on the cup are worth the time and money to many. It is important work. It is a cup of kindness we can purchase.  

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” – Colossians 3:23

We can pour love into cooking, laundry, and grocery shopping. The tall man at Kroger who helped me reach the too high items I need last weekend paused to ask if there was anything else I needed before he moved on. His smile was friendly and his kindness sincere. To me, it was important work. 

Wiping tears, changing diapers, washing dishes, sharing popcorn, and doing laundry are ordinary things we can do with love. They are important. 

Today, I am grateful for the important. 

Dark & Light

Daily Gratitude- Year 14 - Day 42: Today, I am grateful for the dark and the light. 

Og Mandino is one of my forever favorite authors. His writings have influenced my perspectives and approach to trials for nearly 40 years. It is hard to pick one favorite. The world mostly knows him for "The Greatest Salesman in the World." If you have not read it, it has very little to do with sales and much more to do with creating a life well lived. 

"The Mission" and "The Greatest Miracle in the World" are other favorites by the same author. They are quick reads and worth the time. We cannot always choose what happens to us. We can choose how we respond. 

"I will love the light for it shows me the way, yet I will endure the darkness because it shows me the stars." -Og Mandino

I love light. I love white walls, glass, and wide open spaces. I love the stars, too. 

A clear night sky is a tapestry of light as the stars shine bright. For thousands of years, stories have been born as human's watched the stars for entertainment, guidance, and beauty. One particular star was a birth announcement. 

This is one of my favorite passages:

"Look up into the heavens. Who created all the stars? He brings them out like an army, one after another, calling each by its name. Because of his great power and incomparable strength, not a single one is missing." -Isaiah 40:26

He calls them by name, and not one is missing. He knows us by name, too. He is the light in our darkness, but when the darkness comes, take time to look at the stars. 

Today, I am grateful for the dark and the light. 

 

Insight

 

Daily Gratitude- Year 14 - Day 41: Today, I am grateful for insight. 

"Sir, my concern is not whether God is on our side;  my greatest concern is to be on God's side, for God is always right." -Abraham Lincoln

Another Abraham Lincoln quote caught my eye. I love this image of the 16th president in prayer. He carried the weight of the country on his shoulders, but he did not carry it alone. 

He was mocked, called names, and underestimated. His demeanor was humble, so some thought him weak. His writings and records from those close to him remind us that he sought Godly insight. When he was weak, he knew His God would not abandon him. He hated division. He he had tasted deep grief. He did not want war. 

"This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” -Joshua 1:9

He knew that whatever the day might bring, he could cling to his True North. His greatest advisor met him in private, anytime of the day and night. Abe Lincoln was a man. He was not perfect, but he sought insight from the Word of God. He wanted to be on God's side. 

Today, I am grateful for insight. 

Love Grows

Daily Gratitude- Year 14 - Day 39: Today, I am grateful love that grows.

This is one of my favorite President Abraham Lincoln quotes.

"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." -Abraham Lincoln

We celebrate president's day next week. It was a painful time of division in our nation's history. Lincoln hated seeing brother against brother. He hated slavery. He hated seeing families with empty seats around the table.

He was a man who tasted loss at a young age and was deeply impacted by the griefs he carried. His mother, his first love, and the deaths of his sons.

Lincoln loved to read. Without many books available, he read the Bible many times in his youth. The words and knowledge of God's character was written on his heart. It made him entertaining at times in the courtroom. His wit was quick and his knowledge of the Word was deep.

Many books on Lincoln, including his own writings made a record of the weight of the power in his hands. At times, he was able to do the right thing even if it was unwelcome by many. Other times, he struggled to choose the lesser of two evils. He lived in the proverbial spot between the rock and a hard place.

Character is who you are when know one is looking. Loving our neighbor takes on many faces, but love is always the best choice. In love we learn to forgive and to appreciate our differences. In love we can press on when the weight is heavy because we can share the load.

"Dear brothers and sisters, we can’t help but thank God for you, because your faith is flourishing and your love for one another is growing." -2 Thessalonians 1:3

Keep loving.

Today, I am grateful love that grows.

The Flip-Side

 

Daily Gratitude- Year 14 - Day 39: Today, I am grateful for the flip-side.

Many years ago we did a program with the K-6th on Wednesday nights that I have never forgotten. I was not keen on the idea of a video each week, because we typically had used short dramas to teach the lesson, and the kids loved it.

I watched a video or two and was convinced. We spent the entire year teaching about how Jesus's upside down thinking. He flipped how people thought and lived. The lessons encouraged all of us to look beyond ourselves to see the needs around us.

The teachings of Jesus were about loving others, not self-improvement. Of course, living out his instructions quite often flips our way of thinking.

My friend, Sarah, just returned from a trip to Zimbabwe, Africa. I have not had a chance to see all of the pictures and hear the stories, but I know it was impactful beyond measure. She helped at an orphanage during their visit. They had a chance to be the hands and feet of Jesus.

Sarah is a nurse and she has a huge heart. I know it was hard for her to see the struggles and suffering that are a normal part of daily life in a place where they struggle to meet basic needs. I know she and Pastor Andrew made an impact in their time there.

“You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike." -Matthew 5:43-45

It was Superbowl Sunday (#60). A time to come together with family and friends to enjoy football and food. Those who choose opposing jerseys are not really our enemies. They all enjoy football and the festivities that are a part of the evening. The winter Olympics are in progress, too. There was much to root for. Both had stories of players, coaches, and the history of the games. In both events, there are stories of athletes changing teams or changing countries in the case of the Olympics.

It is touching to hear the athlete's stories. Resilience and hard work are a common thread. A few make it to the podium. On the flip-side are those who work just as hard, who do not win. How they act when they are discouraged or defeated speaks volumes about their character and their purpose. Sometimes the greatest lessons come from the flip-side.

Today, I am grateful for the flip-side.

The Spot Where the Light Comes In

Daily Gratitude- Year 14 - Day 38: Today, I am grateful for the spot where the light comes in.

I like to think of it as my spot. Daisy Mae believes it is hers. We share. It is that chair by the bay window where the light comes in during the morning hours. We delight in it. We savor it. Occasionally, we share it. 

I was reminded today of the simple pleasure of gentle sunlight through a window. 

“Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love.” – Psalms 31:16

Short post today. There is a fire in the fireplace calling my name. My best guy and Daisy are waiting. 

Today, I am grateful for the spot where the light comes in.

Good Pursuits

 

Daily Gratitude- Year 14 - Day 37: Today, I am grateful for good pursuits.

I needed a field of tulips today. I hope you enjoy them, too. The days are getting longer and whatever the groundhog says, spring will arrive right on time. 

February is a short month, but there is always plenty going on. How will we fill our schedules and spend our time today?

This passage reminds me that it is important to choose good pursuits. Our input has an input on the outcome. Do we expect God to rescue us when we knowingly make unwise choices or pursue things that are offensive to His holiness?  He is faithful. He is just. He has a big picture that he invites us to join the family. 

"Whoever pursues righteousness and unfailing love will find life, righteousness, and honor." -Proverbs 21:21

There are many times there is no backspace or undo buttons. Choices have consequences. Who do we choose today? What is our heart's desire? What will we chase? Who will we chase? 

Today, I am grateful for good pursuits.