A Few Thoughts on Life

I'm a long way from "Monday, Monday", my last post. I have gone through a variety of emotions during the past week.

• Frustration... that my son is not much better.
• Sadness... that I can't fix it. Aren't mom's supposed to fix everything?
• Thankful... for friends who are praying and a God who cares for us.
• Tearful... I don't know why, but I put in an old movie and just slipped away from reality for a while. Seemed to do the trick.
• Joyful... Autumn is so beautiful. I love the frosty cold and the colorful leaves.
• Reflective... I've had some quiet moments where stories have come back to mind. Things I need to put into writing before they slip away again.

Life is a continual forward-moving force. If we don't pay attention, it can slip right by us. It can leave us wondering what we did with all that time. I decided there were some things I needed to do differently, so I told myself to: Make a plan to notice each day; to celebrate the little moments, as well as the big events. Surprise old friends with a phone call or a visit. Surprise myself by trying something new. Find meaning in my life. Live with a purpose. Drink it all in... all of it!

And in doing all that, remind myself to thank my Heavenly Father for every minute of life He has blessed me with.

I hope your day is filled with blessings, both large and small.

I'm Still Here!

Hello friends! I had my left eye surgery this morning. It went well! My eye will be dilated up to 48 hours but even so, I can see really well out of it. I am able to use my $2.00 reading glasses to see my computer screen, but I have to keep it to a minimum for a few days.

This has been an experience. I'm glad I did it, but even more happy that it's over. I am looking forward to enjoying my computer, reading books, doing some art & craft projects, etc. You know the classic question, "Would you rather be deaf or blind?" Well, I'd been saying blind because I have such a love of music and the sounds of wind, rain, birds, laughter. I've now decided neither is an acceptable choice. My uncle said "How about one good eye and one good ear?" He always has a way of bringing humor to every situation!

What I have discovered is that I am going to treasure the things my senses allow me to enjoy. The sights, the sounds, the textures, the colors: all are precious gifts to be thankful for. I don't want to take anything for granted.

Life should be lived fully and enjoyed completely! I am so thankful for my eyes!

Blessings!
Nita Jo

"One of the advantages of being disorderly is that one is constantly making exciting discoveries."
—A.A. Milne

Mondays, Blessings, Change...

Well, another Monday is almost over. I like Mondays. Beginning of a new work week. For me, that means trying to get back to the huge list of organizing/cleaning projects that never seem to completely disappear.

PJ had his doctor check today. He is to go back to work as he feels able. He's thinking of trying a short day tomorrow, if he feels as well in the morning as he has today. It's a blessing that he has had such a quick recovery!

Another blessing... Lucky 13 gets to sit in with a local Chamber Orchestra tomorrow night. He auditioned for the conductor during Christmas break. I think it will be a great learning experience and a wonderful opportunity.

I've thought a lot about my Grandpa Evert the past couple of days. His birthday would have been the 11th. He was a blessing in my life and taught me so much. If I have only a grain of the faith he had, I have an abundance.

This quote reminded me of Grandpa...

"He was a person who, if he did not exactly love change, had learned to welcome it, to stand in the shifting winds with a continuous alert curiosity about whatever might come next. I think this is the secret...of a different sort of youthfulness..." —Mark Doty

I'm not sure who it actually referred to, but Grandpa never seemed as old as his years. Well, at least until the last year of his life when his health declined. He had a curiosity about life and learning that I think kept him younger than the calendar indicated.

I've heard that the secret to youthfulness is to continue learning, changing, and enjoying life. I'm giving it a try!