A lot of things have been rocking my world lately.
Sickness.
Sadness.
Worry.
Frustration.
Does this sound familiar in your life too?
I have let it get the better of me at times.
I forgot where I was going.
I lost sight of important things.
Joy.
Pure, heart-felt joy.
Singing in the shower.
A smiling heart.
Gratefulness.
Content.
I told you in this post that I received the book One Thousand Gifts as, ironically, a gift and
in just the last few days, I have been capsized by the words pouring from every page.
The beauty. The simplicity. The perfect, ordained and inspired words.
I admit, this book makes me angry, happy, sad...
all these things.
But it has planted only truth into my heart.
Things I have needed to hear.
Things I don't think just anyone could say.
I read this excerpt from the book last night...and just sat in bed for a long time thinking about it...
" I breathe deep, like a sojourner finally coming home. That has always been the goal of the fullest life-joy. And my life knew exactly how elusive that slippery three-letter word, joy, can be. I think of it then again, that night of nightmares, the flailing, frantic, moon-eyed lunge for more. More what? And this was it; I could tell how my whole being responded to that one word. I longed for more life, for more holy joy."
... "Charis. Grace.
Eurcharisteo. Thanksgiving.
Chara. Joy...
A triplet of stars, a constellation in the black."
My life, all our lives, are examples of grace....
Why, is it so hard then, for me (maybe you too?) to be thankful?
To have a thankful heart?
I am working hard to change this.
I am heading towards joy.
10 comments:
Aww I hope you do head towards joy (:
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I have heard so many good things about that book. I need to read it already.
i'm headed that way too, dear. love, love your perspective. and i need that book in my life. thank you for the recommendation.
I have that book and remembered reading that! It was one of those profound statements. I too have been trying to find joy, thanks for sharing!
I have to book too. Love. This post is lovely btw. Shine my friend...shine your light.
I can totally relate to this post. I know this may sound strange, but I'd wondered how you were doing. I came onto your post a while ago, and have been away from my blog- other blogs, but I'd thought of you. Just thought I'd share. Glad that the book has been a good reminder.
Awesome blog, sister!
I TOTALLY AGREE! About an hour ago I was writing a blog post for Monday and I was writing something so similar. I want to be content. I need it in my life, but I'm not. So I have decided to fake it until I am! I am going to start a thankful list of my own. Maybe if I take action I won't be stuck trying to be something I'm not... I might actually become it. Sorry for the long comment. I am in the EXACT same place. Thank your post and for helping me know that I am not alone!
I'm so happy for you that you are working on this. I am to every day! Just remember that you have an absolutely awesome blog :D
ah, jeese, sweet elena. I remeber leaving the hospital on a sunny morning, right before Christmas, 4 years ago (i think?) with my husband carrying our fragil, sick son in his arms. I remember looking up at the sky and thanking God, promising from the bottom of my heart I would never again take a second with my children for granted. Have I been able to keep that promise, second for second? No. Do I try? YES. THAT is what matters. I never stop trying. Searching. Asking. Praying. Meditating. Growing. Crying then laughing. Loving. Exasperating. Falling. Then getting back up. I have come to understand that life, a good life, is not one abscent of mistakes or pain, but one full of good intentions, constant effort, and love to fill our empty tanks, sometimes just enough fuel to make it to the next morning. Somtimes enough to fill our eyes and give away more than we thought we had. Everyday is different, everyday a lesson. Love-ly life. love-ly Elena..
LOVE
Clau
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