Remembering . . .

So I am challenged this week to remember some good things, and I don't mean challenged in that it is a difficult thing. I mean challenged as in it my intent to be thankful and remember the good things about my life.

A tribute to a woman that I am honored to call family. . . my grandmother.

1. Whilst understanding and walking through grief over my Grandmother's passing, I remember the times we sat at the piano together and I sang random songs...from musicals, from classical pieces, from Disney movies, such a conglomeration!

2. My favorite place in the whole world to be is sitting behind a piano, fully emotionally connected, singing to the Lover of my soul. And boy, am I blessed that Grandma imparted a love of playing . . . I would truly be lost without it.

3. I love trivia, and bits of information that seem random and useless until the one moment when I remember that I only know said information because I spent hours learning from Grandma how to strategize about the Daily Times crossword puzzle.

4. I enjoy wine . . . another gift from her. And I am thankful for a redeemed appreciation of something so acquired a taste.

5. I enjoy my creative side. Knitting, crocheting, color, perspective . . . inherited perks of having an artistic grandmother!

"It is better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all."

These are the days . . .

These are the days when I am learning to lean hard into Jesus for comfort and security.

These are the days when I remember that my life is an adventure best lived with the One who knows me best, and the One who is teaching me to love.

These are the days when, when all else around me is disappointing, failing, and negative, I can choose to live in the abundance and joy of my Daddy.

These are the days when I get to hold little ones in my arms on a gorgeous afternoon, just a stone's throw from the Indian Ocean.

These are the days when I am reminded that "family" isn't an exclusive term . . . sometimes it just takes some redefining!

These are the days when I am thankful for my life . . . for His life in me.

These are the days when I am able to choose to go to the depth of my brokenness and pain and meet Him right there . . . when He reminds me that He never left!

These are the days when I am thankful for being able to "work" and have a great conversation at the same time.

These are the days when transparency is valued.

These are my days . . .