Isn't It Wonderful!
Sunday, February 20, 2011 at 11:47AM Life could not get any better than it is right now. Aren't we afraid to say that sometimes, waiting for the other shoe to drop? Focusing on what isn't right instead of what is, on the hurts instead of the blessings. All of my life growing up, in the midst of all circumstances, my dad would say, "Isn't it wonderful!" and "Life is good." He wouldn't just say these things when peace abounded, but also in the midst of situational chaos. I remember one day when I was particularly overwhelmed with the mothering duties of four kids all under the age of six. Two were sick and needed my constant attention while the other two were young enough to want it, too and my husband had to be away on business. My parents had come over to take the two healthy children out for some grandparent time so I could focus on the two who were sick. I met my parents at the door, completely disheveled and almost in tears from sheer exhaustion. My mom rushed in to the kids and my dad gave me a long, slow hug which was enough to bring my fragile psyche to salty streams running down my face. I remember him saying, as he held me close, "I know it's hard, but it's wonderful." No matter what the circumstance, my dad would always focus on the good, on the positive, on the blessing. It was one of the biggest gifts he gave to me and I never missed the message.
My friend, Leslie, whom I adore but don't get to see nearly enough, e-mailed recently about a book she was reading that she thought I would enjoy. I watched the YouTube trailer for the book and was immediately drawn in. Yesterday, curled up under a blanket in front of the fireplace with rain pouring down around the pine trees, I finally got to sit with my new book, ready to begin the journey into One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp. Unfortunately, my typical daily life leaves me little time to breathe in the written words of authors I long to read, but up here in the sanctuary of the mountains where there are no schedules, no obligations, no demands on time, I allow myself the gift of books and those around me graciously allow it also. For hours, I poured over the author's sweet words which were so beautifully strung into poetic pictures, an author who is obviously a gifted writer with a powerful message taken from the book of our Almighty God. Although I am only at the half-way point, I am moved. It is precious, it is powerful and it is just what my soul craves. She writes about gratitude, about joy, about grace and about life. That to live fully, right where you are, is to recognize and be thankful for the tiniest, most minute moments of your everyday existence. Pouring over the sweetness of her message, I am drawn back to the lessons of my father...every day is a gift...life is good...isn't it wonderful...stop and take time for the simple joys in life...don't rush and miss the blessings, be content in the moment.
Here in the pages of One Thousand Gifts, is the application of my dad's lessons. She takes pen and paper, making a list - not of things to do, obligations to fulfill, commitments to be kept - but a list of gratitude, joy and thanksgiving. She doesn't trivialize or ignore the suffering in the world, the suffering of her neighbors, her family, her friends. But she does take the time to find gifts in every moment of her being, in the hard situations of life and in the small mercies in each day. To find blessings not just in the peace, but in the situational chaos of life.
Today, curled up under a blanket in front of the fire, I will finish this treasure and I will start my list of one thousand gifts. 1. snow falling around me in a blanket of white 2. fresh bread baking downstairs 3. giggles from my children 4. our dog tasting snow 5. my oldest daughter beside me 6. kids singing off-key 7. my husband's rough hand holding mine 8. staying in pajamas all day 9. bubbles in a warm bath. All of this is not to say that my heart is not burdened with and my prayers are not filled with the suffering of friends....For our dear friend, Randall, who flew out this morning to be with his mother having emergency surgery in South Dakota. For my friend, Amy, whose twin, two-year old boys are hospitalized with influenza and pneumonia. For my friend, RoseAnn, who struggles with pain from severe burns/skin grafts from a recent barbecue accident. God does not want me to forget those who are suffering, but He does want me to find thanksgiving and joy in the smallest details along the way.
10. Memories of my dad, saying, "Isn't it wonderful!"
Reader Comments (1)
Life is good. That's my favorite. So true. Enjoy your peaceful weekend with family. KC