Kids were out in mass holding court in driveways all through the accustomed neighborhood. Dribbling basketballs punctuated my walk on this, the third Sunday of Lent. Temperatures were hovering near 45 degrees and I was almost CRAZED with spring fever. There was nearly a sense of disorientation – Seven days of sunshine in a row? Was this really Western Michigan or had I been transported to another place? Yet, here were all the familiar houses along the routine route which I have walked countless times over the years. My thankful heart, overwhelmed with yet another day of brilliant blue sky, pumped a new rhythm into my step. Yet, aside from the abundant sunshine, there was something more… Walking through Lent, an attitude of gratitude is being cultivated. A growing mindfulness of what is good and plentiful stirs my heart to sing a grateful song of praise, here, to the One who supplies an abundant and loving provision for me, his beloved Honey Girl.
Now, some might say that it’s simple to be so happy on such a beautiful day. I’m highly aware that clouds will, one of these days – perhaps tomorrow, blanket the sky. Using that as a metaphor, I recall the first entry of this blog. The quote below, from Donna Roberts and http://www.gratefulness.org/word/index.htm, helps me bear in mind that in sunshine or rain, joy or pain, mad, glad, or sad, we need each other.
A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart, and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words.
A day is coming when I’ll need a friend or two to sing to me. Meanwhile, I’m going to continue the cultivation of this attitude of gratitude – shoring up for myself daily reminders of God’s lavish and bountiful store. I invite you to do the same. Here’s what I’m grateful for this morning:
Community
Friends
Timely quotes
Opportunity to simply be home today and get out for another long walk in the sunshine and blue skies
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