I haven't written much this week, but I've still been trying to be deliberate about gratitude out in the world.
I sent 20 overdue thank you notes to the people and businesses who donated to Glenridge's auction (thank you donors!).
I sent some notes and emails to folks who have been key connectors for me - the people who have taken the time to introduce me to the people they know - and that's how I got my new job.
I sent some emails to people who I had been thinking about for years, grateful for the encouragement they've given me in my life, and in the way of God's work, they arrived at the right time, including one note after the death of her mother.
And in the midst of this, I felt stifled on this blog!
The burden of writing each night on gratefulness seemed too much - when my mind was racing with all the other things I wanted to write about. And so, I haven't written at all.
It was a good reminder that anytime anything good becomes too dogmatic - it can lose its pure inspiration and become something we just do to go through the motions.
"For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings." (Hosea 7:6)
That said, habits are good things. Waking up in the morning and saying a quick prayer. Passing a candle at dinner and sharing a moment of gratitude. And a new one I learned when Keiko forwarded me a podcast from The Accidental Creative: spending the last ten minutes of a workday circling back to thank people, and reconnect.
Cultivating an attitude of gratitude is an amazing, life-changing thing. And I've realized that one of my gifts is encouragement - I have been truly amazed this month at how powerful an influence my little words have made in the lives of others.
And so I will continue to be grateful. And in the midst of this I will begin to follow the inspiration within to write about those topics that come upon me in the moment, and reach out to people as they come upon my heart. For I desire steadfast love not sacrifice...
And one last gratitude --- for my car, so I could whisk my youngest to the ER tonight for three more stitches.
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Grateful for Diane
In this month of gratitude, I am remembering a few people that have come along at the right time - to provide the encouragement and support I needed - including to shift me in a different direction.
Today I am thinking about "Teacher Diane" a City College teacher who taught a free infant/child development class at the local rec center. Each week she'd print out a helpful article that was great for dealing with sibling rivalry, or thinking big picture about the kind of parent I wanted to be. Mostly though she was just plain encouraging - in a time when I was sleep deprived, unsure of myself as a parent, and struggling to find the joy in the everyday life with two kids under three. Ultimately she led me to gain confidence in myself as a parent, and when the time came, encouraged us to explore co-op preschools - a journey that has changed the course of our family's trajectory - for the better.
Thank you Teacher Diane!
Who in your life has helped shape and encourage you? If they are still alive, can you call them or send them a note?
Today I am thinking about "Teacher Diane" a City College teacher who taught a free infant/child development class at the local rec center. Each week she'd print out a helpful article that was great for dealing with sibling rivalry, or thinking big picture about the kind of parent I wanted to be. Mostly though she was just plain encouraging - in a time when I was sleep deprived, unsure of myself as a parent, and struggling to find the joy in the everyday life with two kids under three. Ultimately she led me to gain confidence in myself as a parent, and when the time came, encouraged us to explore co-op preschools - a journey that has changed the course of our family's trajectory - for the better.
Thank you Teacher Diane!
Who in your life has helped shape and encourage you? If they are still alive, can you call them or send them a note?
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Grateful for Glenridge
Many of you know that my kids have gone to a co-op preschool. This means that the parents work shifts in the classroom - so on any given day at our school there will be two teachers and between three and five parents working. Then there's *lots* of out-of-school volunteer hours too - a family job (ours is treasurer - Jeff calls it his "other" business that he runs), auction solictations and event, and other tasks throughout the year.
It's a lot of work. And when I was first looking for preschools with Ben, and had a newborn in tow, I just didn't think I could handle it. I applied to Glenridge, but didn't pursue any other co-ops, and ended up for Ben's first year at a school with really committed teachers where I could just drop off and go.
Only it wasn't the right fit. And Ben would lash out with fists flying on his (then) baby brother every day when I would pick him up. It was only during spring break, when I realized I actually did like spending time with my little man, that I knew we needed to make a change.
Since then, Glenridge has been the nexus of our family life. Through the school, we discovered the canyon. And found our new home. Found good friends and community. Found amazing teachers (and other parents) who teach us about our own parenting.
And more than anything, Glenridge has given us this brief window to pause, and treasure the wonder of being four years old in the beauty of a canyon.
Tonight, on our walk:
"This is socktown. This is where Jessie found a sock and it was hanging from that tree, and that's why we call it socktown!" - Alex
It's a lot of work. And when I was first looking for preschools with Ben, and had a newborn in tow, I just didn't think I could handle it. I applied to Glenridge, but didn't pursue any other co-ops, and ended up for Ben's first year at a school with really committed teachers where I could just drop off and go.
Only it wasn't the right fit. And Ben would lash out with fists flying on his (then) baby brother every day when I would pick him up. It was only during spring break, when I realized I actually did like spending time with my little man, that I knew we needed to make a change.
Since then, Glenridge has been the nexus of our family life. Through the school, we discovered the canyon. And found our new home. Found good friends and community. Found amazing teachers (and other parents) who teach us about our own parenting.
And more than anything, Glenridge has given us this brief window to pause, and treasure the wonder of being four years old in the beauty of a canyon.
Tonight, on our walk:
"This is socktown. This is where Jessie found a sock and it was hanging from that tree, and that's why we call it socktown!" - Alex
Friday, November 16, 2012
Grateful for God
This post was going to be about my new career.
Last week I found a job. A job with a partner who values my input and experience, and is willing and able to let me work 10-20 hours a week.
Today I passed my exam. I am now officially a "Certified Salesforce Administrator". After being out of the working world for five years, it's nice to have an independent assessment that I know my stuff.
So I'm grateful for both of those things. A lot!!!
And I prayed to pass the exam, and asked for God's help (and the help of prayers from my small group). And over many months I've prayed for my work life - both for discernment about what direction I should take - and encouragement when I thought the door of the "right choice" had been mysteriously closed. Two years ago, I thought I could only pray to God for world peace and cancer (when I thought about asking God for anything). Troubling God for the little things in my daily world felt wrong.
And now, I invite God into a relationship with the little things. And I find I am so much less fearful than before. Thank you God for being in relationship. For giving me the courage to be at peace in your world. And at the same time have the confidence and clarity to ask you for my heart's desires.
Last week I found a job. A job with a partner who values my input and experience, and is willing and able to let me work 10-20 hours a week.
Today I passed my exam. I am now officially a "Certified Salesforce Administrator". After being out of the working world for five years, it's nice to have an independent assessment that I know my stuff.
So I'm grateful for both of those things. A lot!!!
And I prayed to pass the exam, and asked for God's help (and the help of prayers from my small group). And over many months I've prayed for my work life - both for discernment about what direction I should take - and encouragement when I thought the door of the "right choice" had been mysteriously closed. Two years ago, I thought I could only pray to God for world peace and cancer (when I thought about asking God for anything). Troubling God for the little things in my daily world felt wrong.
And now, I invite God into a relationship with the little things. And I find I am so much less fearful than before. Thank you God for being in relationship. For giving me the courage to be at peace in your world. And at the same time have the confidence and clarity to ask you for my heart's desires.
Psalm 27 (New International Version)
1
The LORD is my light and my salvation-- whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life-- of whom shall I be afraid?
2
When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will stumble and fall.
3
Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident.
4
One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.
5
For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling...
8
My heart says of you, "Seek his face!" Your face, LORD, I will seek.
9
Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, O God my Savior.
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Grateful for Wildcare
It's taken me many days to recover from finding the dead great-horned owl. My small group knows that I had to talk about it again this week, and show the picture to those who weren't there on the eve of my discovery.
I don't know if "recover" is the right word after finding the owl. I've resumed my normal days, and their rythm. And I'm able to see the beauty in most things.
Yet I still don't know the full meaning of the owl. I've been dreaming about people and things dying, though I expect that's just my fear talking.
And in the midst of this I am grateful for Wildcare, an organization based in San Rafael.
I made many calls after I found the owl, deciding that I didn't want the body to be thrown into the trash - and needing to know the cause of death, even if it just were old age. And I realized without a doubt that the neighborhood would feel the same way about such a treasured member of the community.
I found a couple of good advocates, but most calls were dead ends - until I called Wildcare. They were the only organization within 90 miles who were willing to do a necropsy (that's the animal word for autopsy) on the owl. They have been doing research on the concentrations of rat poison and other toxins in the wild birds that come under their care, and I'm curious to see what they find in "our" owl.
We will need to wait another week or so (likely more?) for the results. Yet in the end, I was forever grateful for someone who was willing the accept this owl's body. Telling me, yes this life was important. Important enough to study in death.
Thank you Wildcare!
I don't know if "recover" is the right word after finding the owl. I've resumed my normal days, and their rythm. And I'm able to see the beauty in most things.
Yet I still don't know the full meaning of the owl. I've been dreaming about people and things dying, though I expect that's just my fear talking.
And in the midst of this I am grateful for Wildcare, an organization based in San Rafael.
I made many calls after I found the owl, deciding that I didn't want the body to be thrown into the trash - and needing to know the cause of death, even if it just were old age. And I realized without a doubt that the neighborhood would feel the same way about such a treasured member of the community.
I found a couple of good advocates, but most calls were dead ends - until I called Wildcare. They were the only organization within 90 miles who were willing to do a necropsy (that's the animal word for autopsy) on the owl. They have been doing research on the concentrations of rat poison and other toxins in the wild birds that come under their care, and I'm curious to see what they find in "our" owl.
We will need to wait another week or so (likely more?) for the results. Yet in the end, I was forever grateful for someone who was willing the accept this owl's body. Telling me, yes this life was important. Important enough to study in death.
Thank you Wildcare!
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Grateful for our trusted Sitters
In November I embarked upon a gratitude project - planning to thank someone everyday, and ideally record my musings in this blog. The process has been good for me. I think I've been intentional about calling out the good in my life, but calling out the good in other people hasn't come as easy. There still have been days when gratitude has come at the end of a long day, and I collapse into bed without having expressed thanks to someone specific.
But I try not to beat myself up. Life is like that. And tonight I'm ignoring the dishes in the sink and feeling grateful.
I've tried to make a point of thanking our mini-army of childcare providers this week. We have two trusted sitters who come regularly at this point, giving me time to look for a job and build my experience in my new chosen field. And my kids (mainly my youngest, who spends the most time with them) are happy!
They are both extremely playful and get excited about daily marathon soccer and baseball and football sessions in the park. But mostly they are responsive to my kids. I don't worry so much when I'm gone anymore. And for that there's much to be grateful!
But I try not to beat myself up. Life is like that. And tonight I'm ignoring the dishes in the sink and feeling grateful.
I've tried to make a point of thanking our mini-army of childcare providers this week. We have two trusted sitters who come regularly at this point, giving me time to look for a job and build my experience in my new chosen field. And my kids (mainly my youngest, who spends the most time with them) are happy!
They are both extremely playful and get excited about daily marathon soccer and baseball and football sessions in the park. But mostly they are responsive to my kids. I don't worry so much when I'm gone anymore. And for that there's much to be grateful!
Monday, November 12, 2012
Grateful for Ben
Today we went to a Christmas fair (already!) and there was a petting zoo. Ben spent 15 minutes lightly petting the rabbits, with the softest touch imaginable from the boy who loves swords and Star Wars and ninja (and the fact that I've learned from your books that the plural of ninja is ninja!).
Ben you remind me that life has a duality - that spirit and fight reside together with softness. This is our essence, and when I see only one from someone, you've taught me to wait, and the other will appear if I look for it.
This week you desperately wanted me to order you pink rain pants. I ordered the black ones, assuming that once you wore them near your friends, you would change your mind. If you insist, I'll return them for the pink. Your unselfconcious days of softness are likely numbered.
Ben I am grateful for you - for the things you have taught me about myself - fierce love and a recognition that people can be many things at once. And mostly for enthusiasm to be with me when it comes - puzzles are cool.
Ben you remind me that life has a duality - that spirit and fight reside together with softness. This is our essence, and when I see only one from someone, you've taught me to wait, and the other will appear if I look for it.
This week you desperately wanted me to order you pink rain pants. I ordered the black ones, assuming that once you wore them near your friends, you would change your mind. If you insist, I'll return them for the pink. Your unselfconcious days of softness are likely numbered.
Ben I am grateful for you - for the things you have taught me about myself - fierce love and a recognition that people can be many things at once. And mostly for enthusiasm to be with me when it comes - puzzles are cool.
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Grateful for Alex
Today I am grateful for Alex (my youngest):
This week, every time I was cooking at the stove, you busted out the towel. Our neighbor told us that when her fire alarm goes off while cooking, she has waved a towel at the alarm to clear the smoke. You took it to heart. Now every time I have been cooking and you saw a hint of smoke (or steam) you busted out the towel and started waving it above your head - not neccessarily near the alarm, but the intention was clear. I love you little man, and you meant in your most earnest four-year-old way to help me!
For snuggles in bed, for towel waving, for puddle-jumping and pony-riding and general earnestness - thank you Alex for the richness you bring to my life and my world. I love you little man!
This week, every time I was cooking at the stove, you busted out the towel. Our neighbor told us that when her fire alarm goes off while cooking, she has waved a towel at the alarm to clear the smoke. You took it to heart. Now every time I have been cooking and you saw a hint of smoke (or steam) you busted out the towel and started waving it above your head - not neccessarily near the alarm, but the intention was clear. I love you little man, and you meant in your most earnest four-year-old way to help me!
For snuggles in bed, for towel waving, for puddle-jumping and pony-riding and general earnestness - thank you Alex for the richness you bring to my life and my world. I love you little man!
Friday, November 9, 2012
What happens when God shows me death?
I found a dead owl yesterday. A beautiful great horned owl with its wings spread wide.
I hadn't planned to be running around the canyon. Alex got a last-minute drop-in spot at his preschool, and instead of going to the gym as planned I thought I'd just jog around the canyon near our house a bit. The beautiful wild space of nature in the heart of this thriving city.
And so it was, at 10:00 am in the morning, I saw this wild creature splayed out on the grass near the ball field.
I hadn't planned to be running around the canyon. Alex got a last-minute drop-in spot at his preschool, and instead of going to the gym as planned I thought I'd just jog around the canyon near our house a bit. The beautiful wild space of nature in the heart of this thriving city.
And so it was, at 10:00 am in the morning, I saw this wild creature splayed out on the grass near the ball field.
I was devastated. I knew that this owl was one of the breeding pair that had been creating their nest in the big tree near the path. Each spring I had watched the fuzzy heads of those baby owls and I would cry with pure joy. Now there might be no more baby owls. Those of you who have been following along know that I talk about owls a lot in my posts - like On Fear and A Good Fear of the End of Thing.
I don't pretend to speak for God, but in my heart when I am listening, I've felt before that God has showed up in my life in the form of big birds - like when I wrote about The Grumpy Waiting Place.
So what happens when God shows me death?
God, why was I the one to find this bird, this majestic creature of yours that I cherish?
Tonight I am filled with pure grief. Sobbing, shaking grief. I finally went for a walk in the canyon, in the pitch darkness, hoping upon hope to see an owl. But mostly I just cried. In between the sobs that drowned out all other sound, I could hear an owl calling in the distance. Just one. Not the call and response I'd heard before of two owls calling to each other.
What are you trying to tell me God? Why me, now? I can still feel the heavy body of your owl in my arms.
In my deepest unspoken fear I imagine you are preparing me for the impending death of someone I love and I can bearly think the thoughts for fear they may come true. And mostly, I feel that even in death you have a plan. Too many unusual things lined up for me yesterday morning to be coincidence. Even as I trust that you meant for me to find the owl, I can not fathom my role in this sorrow.
Last night, in the company of my small group, I stumbled upon this Bible verse in Ecclesiastes 3, which mentions animals and death. It's right after the passage that I thought belonged only to the Beatles "For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die..."
18 I also said to myself, “As for humans, God tests them so that they may see that they are like the animals. 19 Surely the fate of human beings is like that of the animals; the same fate awaits them both: As one dies, so dies the other. All have the same breath[c]; humans have no advantage over animals. Everything is meaningless. 20 All go to the same place; all come from dust, and to dust all return. 21 Who knows if the human spirit rises upward and if the spirit of the animal goes down into the earth?” 22 So I saw that there is nothing better for a person than to enjoy their work, because that is their lot. For who can bring them to see what will happen after them?
And I continue to grieve.
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Grateful for Neighbors
It's Wednesday, or it was anyhow!, and so I always think of my neighbors.
Because Wednesday is trash day. And the first few weeks we moved into our new place, our neighbors noticed we forgot to pull out our cans, and they pulled them out for us. There's pretty much nothing more humbling and inspiring of gratitude than someone dealing with my trash.
There's a laundry list of other things that they've done for us (like check on us at the auspicious hour of 5:30 pm when our fire alarm was going off - dinnertime anyone?), and I couldn't begin to list them here.
And our neighbors at our old building were just as amazing. Fixing our mailbox, helping watch our kids, taking in packages for us. Conversation and lending slow cookers (for the fifth time this year).
There's a special relationship (and need) for neighbors. People who are there, in your place, who you can rely on to help when needed.
I love neighbors!
Because Wednesday is trash day. And the first few weeks we moved into our new place, our neighbors noticed we forgot to pull out our cans, and they pulled them out for us. There's pretty much nothing more humbling and inspiring of gratitude than someone dealing with my trash.
There's a laundry list of other things that they've done for us (like check on us at the auspicious hour of 5:30 pm when our fire alarm was going off - dinnertime anyone?), and I couldn't begin to list them here.
And our neighbors at our old building were just as amazing. Fixing our mailbox, helping watch our kids, taking in packages for us. Conversation and lending slow cookers (for the fifth time this year).
There's a special relationship (and need) for neighbors. People who are there, in your place, who you can rely on to help when needed.
I love neighbors!
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Grateful for my Small Group
I've been blogging a lot recently about my small group, and the book we're reading "The Me I Want to Be" by John Ortberg. I've been so blessed to have a place each week - a safe place, where we've been able to share about uncomfortable topics, our deep and personal struggles, and our questions about our faith.
We've also had the opportunity to encourage each other, and after each Thursday night I feel refreshed and renewed, and eager to meet the week's new challenges and joys.
A special thanks to Priscilla and Christina who've taken the time out of their lives to be a presence and force that blesses others.
We've also had the opportunity to encourage each other, and after each Thursday night I feel refreshed and renewed, and eager to meet the week's new challenges and joys.
A special thanks to Priscilla and Christina who've taken the time out of their lives to be a presence and force that blesses others.
Monday, November 5, 2012
Grateful for Energy (when it comes!)
Today my son has been home sick with a bad fever, and "sore mouth". The poor guy hasn't even learned how to say sore throat yet.
We had a pretty cozy day at home, playing some games - going outside when the medicine kicked in and he had energy, and finally taking a great nap on our fuzzy gray couch.
We are pretty healthy all in all, and though I expect this cold will hang on for a few more days (and perhaps infect other family members, knock on wood!) I am grateful for our health, and having the energy to do the things I want and must do.
I've been thinking a lot about energy lately. One of the other moms was wondering who made my son's fantastic costume at the Halloween parade (thanks grandma!) - and mused that it could only be a stay-at-home mom, because who has the time?
I think the grass is always greener when you are at home or working. When I'm home, I wish I could just meet a friend or coworker for coffee or lunch in the middle of the day. When I'm working, I wish I had the time to just throw a load of laundry in, or start dinner before it got too late.
Yet I think when someone asks, "Who has the time?" they really mean - I don't have the energy. I am overwhelmed with my commitments, my life, and I couldn't imagine adding one more thing.
Because when I am feeling good, when I have the energy - nothing seems impossible! The next time I think to myself - "I don't have the time" - I'll reevaluate. If it's something I really want to do and am passionate about I bet I can get rid of some things and make it happen. But first I need to replenish my energy stores - because with energy, all things are possible (except in my case, a homemade Halloween costume - I'll leave that to Grandma!).
We had a pretty cozy day at home, playing some games - going outside when the medicine kicked in and he had energy, and finally taking a great nap on our fuzzy gray couch.
We are pretty healthy all in all, and though I expect this cold will hang on for a few more days (and perhaps infect other family members, knock on wood!) I am grateful for our health, and having the energy to do the things I want and must do.
I've been thinking a lot about energy lately. One of the other moms was wondering who made my son's fantastic costume at the Halloween parade (thanks grandma!) - and mused that it could only be a stay-at-home mom, because who has the time?
I think the grass is always greener when you are at home or working. When I'm home, I wish I could just meet a friend or coworker for coffee or lunch in the middle of the day. When I'm working, I wish I had the time to just throw a load of laundry in, or start dinner before it got too late.
Yet I think when someone asks, "Who has the time?" they really mean - I don't have the energy. I am overwhelmed with my commitments, my life, and I couldn't imagine adding one more thing.
Because when I am feeling good, when I have the energy - nothing seems impossible! The next time I think to myself - "I don't have the time" - I'll reevaluate. If it's something I really want to do and am passionate about I bet I can get rid of some things and make it happen. But first I need to replenish my energy stores - because with energy, all things are possible (except in my case, a homemade Halloween costume - I'll leave that to Grandma!).
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Grateful for my Church
I am so grateful today for a place where I can go to be inspired, and challenged. Here's a link to my church home in San Francisco - Cornerstone. I love this place!
Pastor Terry gave a moving message about the conversion of Saul of Tarsus - basically he was one of the biggest opponents of Christianity in its early days, and then through a encounter with Jesus, became one of the early church's most influential evangelists. This week Pastor Terry spoke about a man named Ananias who had a role to play in this story. One point he underscored was that Ananias was open to the voice of God (though he protested the request!).
It reminded me that if I walk through life looking for mean people, I will find them (they exist everywhere). And if I walk through life looking for the voice of God, I will also find it (it exists everywhere). I wrote a blog post about this subject back in August - See What You Seek.
The service ended with a song I love by Matthew West - you can listen to it through this link: "Only Grace"
"There's only grace
There's only love
There's only mercy and believe me it's enough
Your sins are gone
Without a trace
And there's nothing left now
There's only grace"
Pastor Terry gave a moving message about the conversion of Saul of Tarsus - basically he was one of the biggest opponents of Christianity in its early days, and then through a encounter with Jesus, became one of the early church's most influential evangelists. This week Pastor Terry spoke about a man named Ananias who had a role to play in this story. One point he underscored was that Ananias was open to the voice of God (though he protested the request!).
It reminded me that if I walk through life looking for mean people, I will find them (they exist everywhere). And if I walk through life looking for the voice of God, I will also find it (it exists everywhere). I wrote a blog post about this subject back in August - See What You Seek.
The service ended with a song I love by Matthew West - you can listen to it through this link: "Only Grace"
"There's only grace
There's only love
There's only mercy and believe me it's enough
Your sins are gone
Without a trace
And there's nothing left now
There's only grace"
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Grateful for People who Serve
On Saturday was my son Alex's last soccer game. All season long, it was parent volunteers who left work early for practice and spent precious weekend time making sure all of our kids had a good experience, and were learning the game in a supportive environment (thank you Coach Tim!).
I realized that on any given Sunday, there are 15 people (plus!) volunteering in the children's ministry alone, so I can sit blissfully in church while they get their own time with peers and the example of other adults who love upon them.
These past few years I've come to realize that giving my money is very important. And even more valuable is my time. It takes energy and effort and time to give and to organize something the benefits others. With my money I will give something that will be spent - but with my time, I can make an impact that could last for years.
Thank you to everyone who volunteers their time to help build community and to impact the lives of others.
Where do you volunteer your time? What relationships are you investing in with purpose?
I realized that on any given Sunday, there are 15 people (plus!) volunteering in the children's ministry alone, so I can sit blissfully in church while they get their own time with peers and the example of other adults who love upon them.
These past few years I've come to realize that giving my money is very important. And even more valuable is my time. It takes energy and effort and time to give and to organize something the benefits others. With my money I will give something that will be spent - but with my time, I can make an impact that could last for years.
Thank you to everyone who volunteers their time to help build community and to impact the lives of others.
Where do you volunteer your time? What relationships are you investing in with purpose?
Friday, November 2, 2012
I Love Librarians - What's your path to the Word?
Today I am grateful for librarians, and in particular, my son's school Librarian - Winnie.
In the space of one month, my son went from doing fairly well at sounding-out and beginning reading - to *begging* so that he could read the books he brought home from the school library - and spending 40 minutes by himself digging through some pretty difficult stuff.
All because the school librarian brought in some pretty rad books (in Spanish no less) about knights and dragons and comic book style chapter books - pretty much a boy's dream (or at least mine). He no longer felt like a baby trying to read the old picture books - instead it was all about his current obsessions - superheros.
My small group is continuning to work through The Me I Want to Be by John Ortberg - and my son's passion about reading reminded me of his discussion of the various "sacred pathways" - quoting Gary's Thomas' book by the same name. For example, the naturalist finds God in nature and the intellectual finds God by learning while the activist comes alive spiritually in a great cause.
God's word has so much richness for all of us - though maybe some of us need to listen to it, while some need to read quotes from the Bible in blogs, and others of us (like me) need a Bible that cross references other historical chapters so I can get a rich sense of context. Or maybe we need a bible with lots of detailed pictures and action figures (my two sons still talk about the David and Goliath story they learned in church school - and the infamous sling shot!
The passion and knowledge is there - we just need the right librarian!
In the space of one month, my son went from doing fairly well at sounding-out and beginning reading - to *begging* so that he could read the books he brought home from the school library - and spending 40 minutes by himself digging through some pretty difficult stuff.
All because the school librarian brought in some pretty rad books (in Spanish no less) about knights and dragons and comic book style chapter books - pretty much a boy's dream (or at least mine). He no longer felt like a baby trying to read the old picture books - instead it was all about his current obsessions - superheros.
My small group is continuning to work through The Me I Want to Be by John Ortberg - and my son's passion about reading reminded me of his discussion of the various "sacred pathways" - quoting Gary's Thomas' book by the same name. For example, the naturalist finds God in nature and the intellectual finds God by learning while the activist comes alive spiritually in a great cause.
God's word has so much richness for all of us - though maybe some of us need to listen to it, while some need to read quotes from the Bible in blogs, and others of us (like me) need a Bible that cross references other historical chapters so I can get a rich sense of context. Or maybe we need a bible with lots of detailed pictures and action figures (my two sons still talk about the David and Goliath story they learned in church school - and the infamous sling shot!
The passion and knowledge is there - we just need the right librarian!
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Grateful for my Husband
Dear Jeff,
I am so grateful to have you in my life.
You love me, everyday, and for that I am the most grateful of all. You find me attractive even when I am bald. You want to talk to me at the end of the day, even when I think I don't want to talk to anyone. You want to stand beside me, and call me your wife. I am never alone when I am with you.
You are an amazing Dad. You shower our boys with affection and they bloom under your attention. You spend hours looking for lost things, and fixing broken toys - and as such, the boys know with a deep deep longing that you will never give up on them. And as I write this I know that you won't give up on me, even when I feel lost.
You are a supportive partner. Even when you don't share the same spiritual journey I do, you walk me and the boys to church, and you put the boys to bed when I go to Bible study. You drive to boys' soccer games while I get my own black eyes chasing the ball. You encouraged me to stay home with the boys when I felt the calling, and now you are patient with my job search as I seek to reintegrate back into working life.
You are a great husband, a faithful provider and a man with deep convictions of right and wrong.
But mainly you are a man who loves me, and that is enough, and will always be the best gift a wife could ever have.
I love you.
Megan
I am so grateful to have you in my life.
You love me, everyday, and for that I am the most grateful of all. You find me attractive even when I am bald. You want to talk to me at the end of the day, even when I think I don't want to talk to anyone. You want to stand beside me, and call me your wife. I am never alone when I am with you.
You are an amazing Dad. You shower our boys with affection and they bloom under your attention. You spend hours looking for lost things, and fixing broken toys - and as such, the boys know with a deep deep longing that you will never give up on them. And as I write this I know that you won't give up on me, even when I feel lost.
You are a supportive partner. Even when you don't share the same spiritual journey I do, you walk me and the boys to church, and you put the boys to bed when I go to Bible study. You drive to boys' soccer games while I get my own black eyes chasing the ball. You encouraged me to stay home with the boys when I felt the calling, and now you are patient with my job search as I seek to reintegrate back into working life.
You are a great husband, a faithful provider and a man with deep convictions of right and wrong.
But mainly you are a man who loves me, and that is enough, and will always be the best gift a wife could ever have.
I love you.
Megan
30 Days of Gratitude
This fall has flown by, and though Halloween will linger on for weeks in our house (due to the bickering and negotiating about candy consumption), November is upon us. For some time I've been wanting to be more intentional about gratitude, and actively thanking people that are making an impact in my life. This month, my goal is to blog about one person (or group) each day for which I am grateful (and hopefully follow that up with a direct expression of thanks to them). Will you join me on my trip of 30 days of gratitude?
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