This morning it was snowing. Again. But it was the soft, big fluffy kind of snow flakes. It was so pretty. It looked like cotton everywhere. It was still very cold like 17 degrees. But the kids begged to walk to the bus stop. So we got everyone in their snow gear, everything that was needed for the girls for school, Anna in her car seat (yes, I drove along beside the happily running children on their way to the bus stop. Anna is just to heavy for me to carry that far and for that long. It was not stroller weather, so Anna and I took the car!) and off we went. I confess that getting four children ready to go outside is not a great experience. Thankfully, Lia and Ellie can mostly get themselves ready. But Zeke needs lots of help and Anna needed to be zipped into her snowsuit. The girls got on the bus and a very cold Zeke was glad to get into the waiting car. When we got home I caught Anna at the door watching the big flakes fall. She was so excited to see the snow!
All in all we had a great day. Zeke and Anna are always such fun and the day passed quickly. Lia had a dentist appointment, so Zeke and Anna and I picked Ellie up at the bus at the end of the day. By that time, the sun was shining and it didn't feel quite as cold (it actually was just as cold, but that sunshine makes it seem better). So Zeke insisted on "walking" to the bus stop again. That boy just loves the outdoors. As it turned out, Gwen and Lia got home just after we got back home with Ellie. And Zeke insisted on staying outside. He was still "shoveling" when I left!
On the way home I was reflecting on this place of the "blahs" that I have been in for the last week. I think when you realize that you are there, it is easier to push ahead and pull yourself out of that place. So I was looking more closely at the snow and the trees and I was treated to this wonderful scene....
There was a big, red, ball of fire in the sky as the sun set. It was just breathtaking. And I have to tell you, I did feel a break in that "slumber state" that had been with me. I confess that I am still tired tonight, but it doesn't feel the same. I am tired because I got up at 5:00am this morning.
That sun set just reminded me that every day is a gift. And we need to take the time to just stop and look around at all that we have been given! Being thankful has not been easy in these last months. But I have been CHOOSING to find things that I could celebrate with thanksgiving. Just yesterday I was contacted by someone that I had not heard from in over 14 years. She was a friend of a friend and we didn't have a close relationship. She discovered my facebook page and also read some of my blog posts. It was such an encouragement to me that the primary thing she mentioned was my relationship and love for Jesus. Truthfully, there is nothing more important than that. So tonight I am so thankful for the contacts and connections that I have made because of this blog! And I am thankful for soft fluffy snowflakes and bright sunny skies. And sunsets that take your breath away.
Jesus, thank you for your presence with me, even during this "slumber state". Holy Spirit, thank you for helping me find the way out of this place of the blahs. Thank you for the many people who take the time to read these words. I am sure that many others may be in a place that feels dark and hard. Jesus, keep us all aware of your great love and care. Help us to see the snow flakes and the sunshine and the sunsets. Amen
PS. I actually managed to scrap 24 pages on Saturday! So that was a very successful day!
Thanks Lyn for sharing this beautiful post- I too have been in a grief journey of loss for months. I believe God nudged me to contact you. Your writing reminds me of God's surprises when we most need it. I LOVE the photos of the sunset and your beautiful grandchild's JOY in witnessing the fresh fallen snow!! The grief journey is one of the most difficult and painful journeys and we cannot skip over it unfortunately- God has to do his work in that journey. We can observe all God's creation and provisions around us but the grief we are processing robs us of the JOYs that easily surfaced before our loss. But God does not forget us and I believe He sends breathtaking vignettes and glimpses of JOY to let us know He is there, even in our grief, to let us know the sun will shine brightly and that He brings Healing in his wings. I love the scripture verse that says- Grieve, but not as those who have not hope. God exhorts us, commands us, and even gives us permission to grieve our losses, not to stuff them, but His WORD never lets us forget the HOPE and JOYS to come. And his sunsets and smiles of children wake us from our numbed state of grief. Be blessed and encouraged today my friend!
ReplyDeleteIt was a beautiful winter day. Glad it made you feel better. Hopefully you are back on track.
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