Brian Fantana I am not. But it seems like 100 percent of the time I feel behind here at this blog. I admit it: I am a lazy blogger. I don't have the energy to post every day. I'm not that interesting anyway. I do, however, value the posts I've made (going on over 4 years now). To be completely honest, I have plenty of moments where I think, "I should write about this." but then I don't. Or sometimes I just can't because of it would jeopardize "security". Anyway, thank you for reading this sporadic, yet well-intentioned, blog.
So.
I had a great lunch this past Friday with a dear friend. Whenever we visit she always makes me think and I appreciate that so much. She's such a strong person, and a good mamma. And right now she is the very definition of grace under fire. After our yummy lunch I picked up a copy of 1000 Gifts by Ann Voskamp that was on hold for me at our local library. I started reading it last night and was dumbstruck by the first two chapters. You know how sometimes there are people in your life, people who you know just get it. For me, the one person that I always think of whenever I am faced with adversity is my Grandmother, Marjorie. My Grandmother is the kindest person I know. Every single day I wish we lived next door to her like we did when I was a kid. What a gift, to grow up 100 yards from her and my Granddad. Anyway, in the book, Ann Voscamp begins to share that the key to everything is Gratitude. When I read that all I could think of was my Grandmother who has lived that way for as long as I've know her. That and the one Bible verse, above all others, that makes me think of her: "In all things give thanks." (from 1st Thessalonians 5:18) I seriously cannot remember a time where I heard her complain about anything. She's just always been so thankful and joyful and peaceful. She is such a beautiful example of how to BE. I stop now and ask myself: How many times do I pause to say thank you, even for the so called 'bad' things in life? I know for me it is not enough. I have so much to be thankful for. So much. But so often I think about the negative, I plan for it, I scrutinize it, I don't stop to breathe in and exhale the words: THANK YOU.
Life is beautiful. It really, really is. And I am truly thankful for every bit of it. Let this serve as a reminder for me to say it. To say "Thank you". For all things.
Much love to you and yours.
S

A just barely one-year-old me with my Grandmothers. Marjorie is the beauty in pink.
(Thanks, Mom, for the photo.)