Day 252, September 7

Earthly possessions dazzle our eyes and delude us into thinking that they can provide security and freedom from anxiety. Yet all the time they are the very source of all anxiety. -- Dietrich Bonhoeffer

A few days ago I wrote about the car accident, resulting in totalling our '67 Mustang.  The car had sentimental value as my parents had given it to Larry and me over 20 years ago.  It is one of the few things I have from my parents. 

But, as I wrote in the previous post, the car means very little compared to having Hyrum's lovely wife Cara relatively unharmed.  How could a mere car compare to that?

You probably know people, just as I do, who are very wrapped up in their material possessions.  Sometimes this translates into an obsessive interest in their appearance, with much of their money going into personal adornment.  Sometimes it translates into buying a new car every year or constantly upgrading their house.  And sometimes it translates into hoarding every penny, never sharing or giving.

None of those things will bring happiness.  Pleasure, perhaps, but never happiness.

So, for today, I am grateful for reminders that early possesions can only dazzle and delude; they can never succor or sustain.

Day 251, September 6

Everyone says forgiveness is a lovely idea, until they have something to forgive. -- C.S. Lewis

I've written before about my problem with forgiving.  If I had to name my greatest sin, I would probably cite my lack of forgiveness.  Over the years, our family has experienced some terrible wrongs, more than the occasional bout of hurt feelings.

I have yet to truly forgive those people who damaged our family so severely.  Every once in a while, I have a glimpse of what it would be like to live without bitterness, but it vanishes, leaving me still holding on to the pain and sense of betrayal.

So, for today, I am grateful for those who forgive wholly and freely.

Day 250, September 5

A holy life will produce the deepest impression. Lighthouses blow no horns, they only shine.  -- D.L. Moody 

This quote reminds me of Christ's instructions to His apostles (and others) to do their good works in secret, with the reminder that God will reward them openly.

You probably know people who like to make sure everyone recognizes their good works, service, charitable giving, etc.  These people, as Christ said, have their reward.  It is a temporary, fleeting reward.  (I'm shamed to admit that I've been among those people at times.  I'm trying to do better.)

 

How much better it is to give without looking for recognition or reward.   That feeling is deep and long-lasting.  Many years ago, when our family was going through a rough time, someone left a box of treats and groceries on our doorstep.  We rejoiced in the bounty; more, we rejoiced in knowing that we were remembered. 

 

So, for today, I am grateful for those who do their good works in secret.

 

 

Day 249, September 4

A short while ago our daughter-in-law Cara was in a car accident.   She sustained some cuts and bruises but was otherwise all right.  My husband and I gave thanks when we learned she wasn't seriously hurt.

At the time, Cara was driving the '67 Mustang we had loaned Hyrum and Cara.  The car did not come through the accident as well as Cara.  It was totalled.  You know what?  It didn't matter.  Compared to our sweet Cara, the car was insignificant.

The older I get, the more I am gaining an appreciation of what matters ... and what doesn't.  (I knew there had to be some benefit to getting older!)  Cars can be replaced; people can't. 

So, for today, I am grateful that Cara is all right.

Day 248, September 3

Lately the days have been overcast.  Though I appreciate the cooler weather, I miss the sun.

I've written before about my need for sunshine.  My spirits plummet the moment the sun disappears from the sky.  (Larry, the engineer tells me that the sun hasn't really disappeared, it's only obscured by the clouds.)  It doesn't matter.  I need to see the sun.  I need to feel it.

Sunshine and Sonshine.  We cannot get along without either one.

So, for today, I am grateful for the sun.  I am always grateful for the Son.

Day 247, September 2

I've been away from home for more than three weeks, leaving Larry and our kitty Harley on their own.  A few days ago, Larry called me from the veternarian's office, saying that he was there with Harley.  He was concerned that she wasn't eating the usual amount. 

After performing some tests and doing blood work, the doctor pronounced Harley to be fine.  I rejoiced in that and thanked Larry for taking care of her.  As I thought about it, I realized the sacrifice Larry had made.  He took time from a busy schedule at work to take Harley to the veternarian's office, spent several hundred dollars, all to find out that our kitty was all right.  I wondered how many husbands would do that.

So, for today (and for everyday), I am grateful for Larry.

Day 246, September 1

Yesterday I wrote about an always just God.  Deliberately, I did not talk about the other side of the coin because I felt it deserved its own post.

Yes, the Lord is always just.  The Lord is also always compassionate.  He combines these two traits in a perfect balance that the rest of us can try to emulate but will never achieve.  The Lord knows when justice is demanded.  He also knows how to temper that justice with loving compassion.  (And how grateful I am that he does.)

So, for today, I am grateful for the Lord's justice and the Lord's compassion