I started reading a book I read this summer again to refocus my thoughts. one thousand gifts by Ann Voskamp is just such a journey. Sometimes, in all the work we do, I get lost in the confusion of what we have yet to accomplish, or what we haven't done- In September of this year, I lost a student, and it really made me think about this book again. Specifically, the lines ... "Why would the world need more anger, more outrage? How does it save the world to reject unabashed joy when it is joy that saves us? Rejecting joy to stand in solidarity with the suffering doesn't rescue the suffering. The converse does. The brave who focus on all things good, and all thing beautiful and all things true, even in the small, who give thanks for it and discover joy even in the here and now, they are the change agents who bring fullest Light to all the world."
There is much JOY in my life- this young man, our son, will be at the University of South Carolina next year on a 4 year full ride football scholarship! Some say that we did that for him, and I say- no, he did it all :) we were just his support, his parents helping him and encouraging him in the right way.
This boy is true JOY- a testament to things not seen, but promises fulfilled!
And this relationship, well these smiles convey the depth of this relationship. And while at times I regret that Jap will be leaving high school as Macey is entering, I am reminded that the trips she will take to see him, to stay with him, and to visit with him will be so much more meaningful. In some ways, he is providing a glimpse into her future as well. A high school life well planned, executed, and the reward of college.
Side trips after a long football game to Friendship Fountain
Halloween socks from the treasure box-
Trips to the farm with school mates,
Hayrides that have been made possible by finally getting our Asthma
under control.
Those are the things that I am MOST thankful for!
A brother and a sister
A silly boy that for so long, just wanted to cheer with my cheerleaders, but found a whole other playground around the football field!
A boy who loves to help his mom cook :)
Animals that entertain my kids for hours!
and his afternoon naps when he gets home from Kindergarten!
A Coach and his player
A King and a Queen
A mom and her son- started with a prayer for two sons- How blessed I am!
A trainer, who has taken care of Jap for 4 years- who has guided him
provided words or wisdom, and just listened!
Things that we could not have imagined, but
things that were provided by Him.
 | |
| My youngest girl- My silly Bri! |
The relationship between families-
the ability to participate in Senior events
to quietly remain in the background
and to GRIN beyond measure
when he comes out to
"check on us"
My pride and joy!
My gifts that I treasure beyond the moon.
I have been blessed-
The world in which we live would have you believe that we don't have enough, that we need more- and yet as I type these words today I know that I have more than I could have ever imagined. I have learned that a clean house is overrated. That my kids are not going to remember what the house looked like, only the memories that were created there- I have learned to live, and by that, I have allowed my kids to live without fear, or worry. Being present in them, showing them how to live thankfully- knowing that nothing is promised, but that in Thanksgiving so much abundance is given.
We have had a great start to our Fall- minus Jap's broken foot, and my dislocated patella (HA!)-
My girls have had the best time dancing- I love that they LOVE IT! They have worked with Bad Boys of Dance, and the smiles going and coming have been well worth it! I love that we are able to provide this for them.
I think I have lived the last 20 years of my life trying to make everything "perfect". House, kids, husband, job, etc- and in the last two years I have finally realized that perfect is not a metaphor for neat- it is simply the ability to live fully right where I am!
So as we enter into this busy holiday season, I am not worried about the little things that I thought mattered to others, rather I am working on listening to my family and working on what matters to them- for they are the ones who will remember my deeds the most!
I am glad that I am living fully right where I am!
I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.
Philippians 4:11-12
I really took a break for a bit to read and journal through one thousand gifts. I encourage you to read and explore and see all that He has given you to be thankful for!
