Those blessings are sweetest that are won with prayer and worn with thanks.
Thomas Goodwin
Something thought-provoking: I saw an illustration on social media which said, “Instead of focusing so much on a To Do List, I’m starting a To Be List.” The other day, John was sitting at my desk looking at the sticky notes of reminders I had neatly placed on the right side and my calendar of events on the left. He seemed a bit numb when he explained he was looking at my brain. If I don’t write things down, I may forget! I am a doer. I enjoy making lists and find great satisfaction when I cross off completed tasks (using a red pen) from a well-thought-out list. I feel accomplished. Having things to do is inevitable as it’s a part of life. Did it matter more at the end of the day, though, that I was busy or that I had been kind? Or calm? Or thankful? No matter the daily dues, did I wear today’s blessings well?
Something unexpected: Our church’s interim pastor and wife were away a few weeks ago for their anniversary. Instead of seeking someone from elsewhere to fill the pulpit, John was asked to preach. He hasn’t preached since 2019. If you’ve followed along here (and you know us personally), you know he has been ill for quite a few years. It has only been close to two years now that he has been upright, able to drive, walk without a cane, and feel progress in his journey to better health. He was concerned that he could stand for the length of his message. He did well and received positive feedback. He has a desire to teach again someday and this was a great confidence booster!
Something enjoyable: In our younger days when John was in the Navy (in Washington), we used to have friends over all the time for dinner and games. Sometimes our friends would stay past midnight! When we lived in Kansas, we had friends we’d play games with until three in the morning. John taught a young families Sunday School class then and they would be at our house often for a fellowship meal. The kids would play in the yard while we adults visited and enjoyed getting together. (These nights were much shorter!) We loved those days and have missed having them be a part of our lives. Since joining our new church here in New Mexico, we have desired to invite others for dinner. It has been years since we have been in a place in our life where that was possible. There are a few people who we connected with quickly and time before and after church isn’t enough for deeper communication. Last week, we had a new friend over for dinner and enjoyed it very much. It seems people don’t do that too much these days anymore. Our next guests have been invited and we have a day planned. (Yes, it’s written on my aforementioned calendar.) It is refreshing to feel connected to that part of us again. We enjoy so much the memories of good fellowship and we look forward to making new ones with our new circle of friends.