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Gratefulness
My answer to today’s question is the word, “relinquishment”. For me life is a continual “letting go”. I let go of my expectations, my pre-conceptions, sometimes my “rights”, and allow things to simply “be”. I can not change the past, I can not control others, I can find peace in accepting Life and others as they are.
Life is fleeting and my own is waning. I am in my “senior years” and sometimes, frankly, it scares me. It’s taken me so long to accept the imbalances of life…the “whys” if you will. Why are some given so much in life and others so little? There are no answers to these questions. Life is not “unfair”, it is simply, Life. I receive peace when I accept that life is a gift, none of us deserves but each are allowed to experience, for whatever time we...
Life is fleeting and my own is waning. I am in my “senior years” and sometimes, frankly, it scares me. It’s taken me so long to accept the imbalances of life…the “whys” if you will. Why are some given so much in life and others so little? There are no answers to these questions. Life is not “unfair”, it is simply, Life. I receive peace when I accept that life is a gift, none of us deserves but each are allowed to experience, for whatever time we have.
I’m celebrating the start of the Advent season. Not only does it signal the most joyous event on the church calendar, Christmas, but it marks the beginning of the end of this grueling year. My neighbors are decorating their houses with lights and baubles, and last night my husband and I talked about setting up our tree. January 6, my daughter is flying in for a week’s visit…so much to look forward to!!
Unfortunately I am at a loss in this circumstance. I have struggled with fear my whole life. I am riddled with PTSD…it sometimes frustrates me that the trauma I suffered as a young child plagues me to this day. When fear assails me, I remind myself that God is with me and my loved ones and that we are very dear to Him. I take comfort in the unchanging love of God and find my rest in Him.
Possibilities. When my heart is clamped in fear and dread all I can see is the barriers of Life. When I awaken grateful, the world feel new and full of limitless potential.
Time spent with two of my grandchildren.
I see my son in his children and it takes me back to the days when I was a young parent of “littles”. The years I spent raising my family were filled with new experiences and challenges. Especially for an orphan like myself. Being a parent was my first experience of being part of a family. I would often ask myself, “What would a real Mommy do in this situation?” It is only by the grace of God and with His daily help I wa...
I see my son in his children and it takes me back to the days when I was a young parent of “littles”. The years I spent raising my family were filled with new experiences and challenges. Especially for an orphan like myself. Being a parent was my first experience of being part of a family. I would often ask myself, “What would a real Mommy do in this situation?” It is only by the grace of God and with His daily help I was able to have any success as a parent.
I have two grandchildren I am not allowed to see, because, sadly, my youngest child is estranged from my husband and me. This loss makes moments with my son’s children even sweeter. I am amazed that I am allowed to be a grandmother, at all.
The Lord has been very good to me.
I’m afraid life has taught me to be cautious. I don’t assume the worst about people, but on the other hand I would find it hard to assume the absolute best as well. As Carol has already mentioned, I keep an open mind.
Wow, such a powerful question…
I have struggled my entire adult life with letting go of the resentment I feel toward the people who raised me. I have learned that there is an incredible freedom in “letting go”.
I can’t change my past, I can’t control what other people did to me, I can’t change how I instinctively view the world, BUT I can choose to forgive. That is the first step toward regaining control of my life experiences.
I have consistently underestimated my husband, Earl.
As I’ve mentioned here before, I was not raised by my parents. I was in foster care by the time I was 6 months old. I was shuffled between different homes and family situations my entire childhood. I learned quickly that I was a burden and an inconvenience to my “caretakers” and that everything in life is disposable, especially people.
I met Earl the summer before my senior year of High School. I was 16. He was a 19 y...
I met Earl the summer before my senior year of High School. I was 16. He was a 19 yr old midwestern boy stationed in Southern California with the Marines. We dated my senior year. He took me to my prom.
I joined the Marines when I was 17, against Earl’s objections. We had a tearful goodbye. I was sent to Parris Island, South Carolina for 3 months of basic training. We were allowed a single phone call during that time. Most women called their parents. I called Earl.
We were married 7 months after I graduated boot camp. Later Earl and I would admit to one another we were scared to death.
I know this is a long post, and I apologize, but today’s question got me remembering…
I used to ask Earl, numerous times a day, if he really loved me. Deep in my heart I was afraid he would throw me away too. He never got tired of telling me, he really does love me and he’s not going anywhere. He makes me feel safe.
Fast forward 40 years. Earl and I are grandparents now, living out our retirement years in Florida. We raised four children together (buried one of them when he was just 14). Our life has together has had abundant blessings and challenges. People have often asked what our “secret” is and I don’t have an answer. I know our shared faith plays a big part but I’ve seen lots of good Christian homes shattered by divorce.
My daughter came closest to an answer, I suppose, when she told me, “You and Dad are both loyal and forgiving.” And for that, I am extremely grateful.
There’s an old gospel song, whose lyrics say, in part, “Little is much, when God is in it…” Today’s question reminds me of it.
HE is my sufficiency, in all things.
Faith is like a muscle, it must be used in order to strengthen. My doubts give me opportunity to exercise my faith.
Faith is a choice.
Take care of myself. An empty vessel can not pour out into another. I have to be consistent and intentional in my daily devotions and meditation/prayer, so that I am capable of recognizing need and reaching out.
I vow to spend time strengthening my connection to God, who enables me to serve others.
We do celebrate Thanksgiving, thank you! Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours as well.
Ah, Zenith, I can relate…I was a runner, back in the day. I was a Marine and my body was young and strong. I would run for miles easing into my runner’s rhythm. I can’t run anymore, but I still enjoy music! DeBussy’s Clair de Lune is mesmerizing…
I agree, Kevin. We lived in the country for 35 years in Michigan before retiring to Florida. My husband and I would set our alarm clock so we could go out and watch a meteor shower, or the planets align. I can’t see the stars now like I used to, but now I have the sea again. There’s something timelessly consoling about the rhythm of the waves. Life is a wonder.
Same here Patricia, except I have traded the frosty northwoods for the sunny South. I look out my window each day and marvel at the blue skies and sunshine and feel so grateful for the life we share.
Amen, I’m right there with you
Dear Patricia, It sounds like you have a plan…I like that!
Dear Papilio, I am so glad you’re feeling better! Blessings to you as you reach out to your friend.
Dear Zoe, I’m sorry your family is struggling right now, but I am grateful you recognize the role you can play by working on your own peace moving forward. I said a prayer for you, just now.
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