Is It Really That Simple?

Recently I was a spectator at a hockey game. Every time I watch this sport I am struck at the end of the game when the two teams line up after the game is over, to shake hands with their opponents. The poignancy and power in such a seemingly simple action moves me.
 I commented to the person I was with "this is my favourite part."" Because it's over," she  teased. " Maybe," I acquiesce.


But as I consider this further I decide it is more than that.

It can best be summed up in one word RESPONSE. 
Isn't that the critical element to what life doles out?
 Response; how is my response to that outstretched hand of life, 
         that may at times I feel have played harsh and unfair?
Can I extend my arm and shake the hand that has been playing against me for the whole game?

How do I respond to those sudden changes to my day that require a bit of grace and bending for someone else?

My response to a cutting remark from someone,  is the key to further pain or beautiful blessing.
I hope this makes sense, but response can make a huge difference to my day.

 I stand at the window of a new year, and look at all the footprints in the snow of children and dog and skis and sleds.
 I think about what may or may not come to pass this year and how so much of it is beyond my grasp.....
                   except for one  small but monumental reality,my RESPONSE.

I hold out my hand with courage and HOPE beyond my own.

New things, shiny things, have a certain awkwardness that I am not sure I am ready to embrace, but tentatively I stretch out my hand to accept the one being offered in a truce like manner,and
I gratefully accept the chance to get up and TRY and hope my response will be worthy.

                I just love the Serenity Prayer ,but it really is 
 all about the last line....so I have this plaque on my wall as a reminder 
 where to find wisdom.










Thank-you Susan for the book you sent, and this bookmark, which I will treasure, with the serenity prayer on it.






still gratitude abounds here:
275-sleeping in,276-daughter's who want to read  Bible through this year,277-having a campfire with friends in our woods,278-turkey soup,279- a fun New Years eve,280-skating outdoors on New years eve and admiring the lights in the city,281-impromtu invitations, 282-generosity,283-watching Ground hog day with hubby and laughing at the absurdity,284-Divine protection,( I say this a lot because I mean it a lot!) 285-cross country skiing,286-staying up late,287-observing characteristics in my children that make me happy,288-learning to tell them,289-libraries to visit,290-organizing and decluttering,291-hanging up the new calendar.

The Quest of Contentment

Contentment; it really feels like that elusive attribute to me sometimes. This is the thought I have while I pull out my trusty garden journal and jot down what to plant where and what not to 
                                                                plant there.

  

    Does a human being ever reach that pinnacle of contentment here on this temporal planet?


       I have felt like I am often dancing around contentment in my quest for purpose,
                                         voice and expression.


Don't get me wrong, being a mom is definitely the vocation and epitome of contentment for me.

But some aspects of contentment are that proverbial "pipe dream" that "pie in the sky" maybe
 " some day "dream.
I used to be discontented with my house. I thought I should have a charming two story ,rambling, stone mansion. Instead it is a simple, unpretentious ,brick bungalow. And believe it or not I am actually content with it! It has some uniqueness just like me ,and it is home sweet home.

There are some physical attributes that took me a long time to chalk up to being content about, but thankfully age brings a certain degree of wisdom and I realize what a futile battle some things are.

 

"There is nothing like the thrill of the hunt" oh how I have discovered this to be true, as many times when I have been searching for just the right item for my home, I discover after I have gone ahead and purchased my treasure, I find out my treasure was the quest not the destination.

 

Godliness with contentment is great gain.....1 Timothy 6:6 This is my goal, that thing I strive for as earnestly as this flesh lets me. Thankfully His grace is abundant and His mercies new each and every day as I walk in step with the Spirit towards eternal contentment.