27. The promise of eternal life with God. Father, thank You, for overcoming the grave, that I may say with Job that, yes indeed, my Redeemer lives. And because He lives, I too can live...here on earth and in Heaven with my Jesus.
"And then one day, I'll cross that river. I'll fight life's final war with pain. And then as death gives way to victory, I'll see the light of Glory, and I'll know He lives. Because He lives, I can face tomorrow. Because He lives, all fear is gone. Because I know, He holds my future, and life is worth the living just because He lives."
Someone sang this song at my Pap Paw's funeral in 1995. And I remember...although it was one of the saddest days of my then 16 years... I remember that song making me happy. In the midst of my sorrow, the words of this old hymn brought me peace. I think I now understand the song a little better, now that I've doubled my age. Because of Christ's sacrifice, we are able to rest securely in His arms in our present and our future. That song clearly says He holds that future, but life (the here and now) is worth the living because of that sacrifice of Christ. I stand amazed all over again at the power of the cross...and of the Resurrection. We can't leave Jesus on the cross or in the grave. Without the Resurrection, the grave is as far as we would go...but HE LIVES! And so can we...
And everything seems so trivial after that, but I do have more to thank God for today...
28. Cooler weather. We sure did bake this summer in Middle Georgia, and I'm glad to have some 78 degree weather. The boys (big and small) have been enjoying it, too. In general, I just love this time of year. October through December just make me happy. It's not simply because of the holidays that we celebrate...not the way we celebrate them anyway. We skip through Thanksgiving just to get to Christmas, when the one thing that most of us could stand is a little less 'stuff' and a little more gratitude. That's not why I love this time of year. It's sort of the idea of retreating into my home with my guys and welcoming in those we love. It's the cooking I get to do because it is my way of showing people that they are important to me. It's the smell of oranges and cinnamon and apples and cloves bubbling away on my stove. It's the warmth inside and the chill outside. The sharp smell of little boys who have just come in from playing in the cool air.
29. Thankful for a week off to enjoy the lovely weather. It's our Fall Break! And though we're staying close to home, we've got lots to do. We're going to visit Grandmomma and Granddaddy tomorrow and Wednesday. We'll hit the fair this weekend, I'm sure. The boys and I are going to paint some tiny wooden airplanes...I don't really know why; they found them at Walmart for a dollar a piece; I had the paint and brushes...there just wasn't a very good reason to say no. I may even get some pansies and mums and get some pots going by the front door. Or maybe something like this...
31. A new down comforter that let Jason and I sleep with the windows open last night. It was glorious!
32. A husband who did every. single. piece. of. laundry. I'm serious...I did not touch laundry this weekend, because I have the best husband ever...period.
33. A new book waiting for me on my Kindle. Charles Frazier's new book Nightwoods.
34. I am thankful for the blessing of counting these gifts. That I am able to look past my circumstances (which aren't all that bad to begin with) and thank God for what he has poured out in my life. I will not let people (at the hands of the devil) steal my joy. I want to spend my time praising God for his blessings, not harboring anger and bitterness in my heart.
35. Where I'm From (With respect to George Ella Lyon)
I am from front porches
from porch swings and creek banks
I am from maple trees and mountain breeze.
(cool--napping at midday in the summer
heat)
I am from white half runners and "better boys"
the old barns
whose smells I remember
as if they were they were as fresh as a new baby.
I'm from chocolate balls and homemade dills
from Doris and Rondal U.S.
I'm from sneaking out at nap time
with Pap Paw for an ice cream
at the country store.
I'm from unknown languages and
Victory in Jesus
Mam Maw's strong soprano in the choir
I'm from George and Neva's land
Day-old biscuts and black coffee
From the leg my grandfather lost
in the War.
From the scar on Daddy's foot from
the pitchfork
In my closet--quilts and afghans
an old cow bell--remnants of by-gone days
when the world seemed simpler.
I am from the warmth of these moments
The distant flicker of
lightning bugs in the night.
