Photo by Liz Gray
Go and wake up your luck. Persian Saying
Life is so beautiful. I should easily be able to think of at least a thousand memories from the 17, 184* days I’ve lived so far, but for sake of the preciousness of your life, allow me to account for just one day.
Yesterday was such a very happy day. I woke up; as is my custom, God willing, and that right there is something major to be grateful for. This was followed by a series of multiple media message checking from cell phone, to email, to facebook, to homephone—all before I had a chance for my morning coffee. Make the beds, make a plan for the day, change the litter box; change the plans for the day after consulting all the other family members and their plans.
Thankfully, it was Saturday, so we didn’t have the usual workday/school day stress of all trying to get out the door. As words were exchanged and plans revised and rearranged, I first felt the twinges of stress creeping in from an “overstuffed” day, but for once I was able to pause and remember something:
This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it! (Psalm 118:24)
See I wanted to go to a dear friend’s daughter’s high school graduation. I also already had plans to go see my daughter’s dance recital at a studio about two hours away, two hours from when the graduation ceremony started. I had not seen my friend in over a year or her family. Not only was her youngest daughter graduating, her oldest daughter was coming into town with a brand new baby, only a few weeks old. I could not skip my daughter’s recital, yet how could I miss the graduation of someone so dear to our family?
What to do, what to do? We’ve all been here. How do you either A: Stop Time or B: Be in two places at one time?
Well, if you figure that one out, please be sure and let me know, because it seems every day I live, there is more that either NEEDS to be done, or that I WANT to do, and sadly it’s just not possible to do it all.
So I prayed. I rushed, but I prayed five simple words: Lord, please order my day. BOOM! No sooner, than this simplest of prayers get lifted up, a possibility floated into my consciousness. It was as if God let me know a visit with a friend delights and warms our heart no matter how brief. I decided I would meet my friends, and hug her beautiful daughter if only for a few moments outside the church shortly before graduation started. We spent about thirty true quality moments. I did not get to see her graduate. But I did get to see her.
I got to admire the serene beauty of a mom who raised four amazing children who have grown into Godly, well-adjusted, kind, compassionate young adults who will make this world a better place because of their purpose in it. I got to see her two beautiful boys, one with a family of his own, and her lovely oldest daughter, a mom of three with her newest gorgeous baby boy. Hugs were exchanged and plans were made for a future visit.
Kiss, kiss, and off I went. I drove the two hours west where the foothills, turn into what I guess I would call sledding hills. Not quite the mountains, but there is a hint you’re getting closer. Along the way to the dance recital, I kept stopping because I am the kind of person who gets distracted by Kodak Moments. Rural America has a hundred snapshots a mile. I could write into eternity, and I’m not even sure that would be enough time to capture all the beauty I see all around me. Old wells, broken down cars, wheel wagon mailboxes, giant ten-foot neon signs decades old, purple houses with pink petunias everywhere, and even the unique, humorous, and downright weird billboards I saw were all “signs” from a higher power to: SEE! ENJOY! WHAT BOUNTY AND ABUNDANCE I HAVE PLACED BEFORE YOU!
My favorite pic of the day was a sweepstakes building. There was only one car there; I assume it was the owner or employee. There was not another car in sight. They were open for business. But no one came. Maybe it’s because this small town felt like I did; I already won the lottery!! Who needs a windfall, which often is accompanied by curses and broken promises, when beauty and memory is to be found everywhere.
I ultimately made it to the dance recital where my daughter sat in the front along with the other teachers, as opposed to dancing on the stage like all the recitals of the last ten years. Her choreography was amazing and loud applause warmed my heart, because God continues to water the seeds of her gifts too.
I thought of all the unwritten chapters yesterday. Not just what I want to write about, but what God wants to write about. He truly has written eternity into the hearts of man. Who will this new graduate become as she starts her voyage from this day forward as an adult? Who will this new baby be? What new adventures await my lovely friend who has successfully raised four amazing children and now after nearly thirty years will have the joy of time to do more of what she loves? What lies ahead for all the talented dancers I saw yesterday? Their possibilities of choices, colleges, and careers are endless.
See I didn’t have to go inside and play the lottery. For I have a secret to tell you. I already won!!
It’s not about what we have or haven’t gotten yet. It’s not about the career we have or don’t have that defines us. Life is about enjoying the gifts God puts all around you and within you. It’s not about stuff or status; it’s about purpose and perspective. Ah yes, definitely perspective.
Yesterday I hugged three beautiful moms and one beautiful graduate! I kissed a new baby. I met a new toddler. I saw dancers that could soar so high and dance so magnificently it made me cry that even that much talent can be squeezed into one person’s body, and even that was repeated in multiple dancers. I hugged and kissed a beautiful teacher–my daughter. Throughout the day I listened to music that inspires my soul and saw scenery that leaves me with only one thought. Thank you! Thank you God for letting me win life’s lottery. It’s not free from struggle, by any means, but it’s days like yesterday, that make me realize, I’m infinitely rich beyond measure.
Today I even got to wake up for the 17, 185th time. Seriously, how SWEET is that???
The soul, like the body, lives by what it feeds on. ~Josiah Gilbert Holland
How long have you been blessed? http://www.beatcanvas.com/daysalive.asp
u2areloved 