Life is a Treasure

The sun is shining, there's not a cloud in the sky. The wind that charmed my wind chimes yesterday has died down and the temperature has come up. I've gotten in my walk, swiped some blossoms off a neighbor's tree and put them in a vase on my table. I've got laundry going and have sucked down my 3rd cup of coffee for the morning. I've cleaned out my junk mailbox, caught up on facebook and checked out craigslist.

It's just a day in the life of.

I've got no complaints, I feel content  and I am grateful for all my blessings. I am fully aware of how precious each moment of our lives is, perhaps today more than ever.

You see, today there are 2 memorials taking place. I'm not planning to attend, as I didn't really know either of them. But I do know the people who are grieving their passing so today, in my own way, I will take some time to honor their memory and hold my friends up in prayer.

One of the memorials is for the mother-in-law of a friend of mine. I met her once or twice many years ago. She lived a long vibrant life but the past couple years has been rough on the family as they watched her take that agonizing decline into dementia. And I would surmise that as much as saying good bye hurts, they are also rejoicing over her graduation to heaven.
I'm not there today my sweet friend but know I'm thinking of you and sending you hugs and prayers.

The other memorial is going to be much, much harder I am sure. This friend is saying good bye to her husband who passed away unexpectedly after brain surgery. I did not know her husband at all, except by name. And truthfully my friendship with D. is one of those kept alive only by the powers of facebook. She was a year behind me in school and we didn't hang out together but there was a short period in my life where we shared office space as we worked at our respective jobs. Being women, being wives, we shared more than office space, as over a period of months we revealed our hearts through our conversations. I know her as a sincere and gentle-hearted person  and my heart aches for her and what she is going through.
I'm not there today lovely lady, but you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Thinking about those kinds of losses makes me somber and thoughtful. I lost my dad about 8 years ago and I know the day is coming when Mom will go home too.

I don't even want to think about what life would be like if my husband was gone.

We just celebrated the 19th engage-aversary of when he proposed and every minute we have together is precious and treasured.(Yes, even when you snore and I have to elbow you honey- it's precious)


So, yes the sun is shining and there is not a cloud in the sky. I'm taking some time today to lift up those who have lost a loved one by embracing the moment and being grateful for those special people in my life.

BECAUSE LIFE IS INDEED, SWEET.

A Bruised and Tender Reed

A bruised reed He will not break, and a smoldering wick He will not snuff out.  

Isaiah 42:3

This morning I received in one of my daily email devotionals, a word, for me, about healing. I also received an email from a treasured friend that contains timeless truths about healing and forgiveness. So timely, so apropos for my circumstances right now.

The devotional (which can be read in it's entirety by clicking the link) spoke about the reeds found in the Red Sea and how the children used the reeds as toy flutes. A sweet image comes to my mind as I picture that. I can imagine the children making a joyful noise as they played along the river banks. The piece went on to say how delicate the reeds were and how easy it was to damage one so that using it as a flute was no longer possible. 

How many of us are as tender as a reed? I like to think of myself as fairly tough, resilient, but when I am hurt, it hurts deep. The recent confrontation that I shared here is still a fresh wound. I still feel bruised and jagged from the encounter. It has helped to share with a few trusted friends the more intimate details of the wrong and know that I am surrounded by praying, caring individuals who are bringing a balm to my broken soul. And I know God is so very near; why else would the timing be so perfect for healing words to come? 

In the midst of pain and sorrow, with Christ at our sides, we can all experience joy. Submitting the hurts to him makes all the difference. To quote the writer of today's devotional piece: If God can make a melody from the hollow reeds of a swamp, imagine what he can do with the willing spirit of a man or woman?

Today I am going to the memorial service for the mother of one of my friends from high school. I was able to reconnect with this friend at my high school reunion last summer and I am blessed to be able to go today and offer whatever support I can. I imagine she is feeling as delicate as a reed from the Red Sea as well. I pray God will use me today. By submitting my willing spirit to Him, I believe He can.