Day 282, November 21

§ “Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. 10 If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.” (Ecclesiastes 4: 9-10)

This scripture reminds me of an incident 18 months ago.  A friend took me to physical therapy following my hip replacement.  When she brought me home and we opened the front door, my cat ran out.  As I was not to bend over, Marilyn, my friend, tried to catch Harley (the cat).   

She scrambled after Harley, then, with her arms full of a 15 pound cat, helped me up the stairs.   Together, with our arms around each other and Harley squirming in Marilyn's arms, we staggered up the steps.

Obviously the scripture refers to more than helping each other physically.  It means bearing each other's burdens, wiping away each other's tears, listening to each other with non-judgmental ears.

So, for today, I am grateful for those who "reach out and help."

Day 281, November 20

“Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another.” (Hebrews 10:24-25)

A friend included this scripture in an email to me.  Though I've read it before, I had not found such meaning in it as I did upon this reading.  Didn't the Apostle Paul give wonderful counsel in these scant words?  In encouraging us to "motiate one another to acts of love and good works," he presents us with a pattern for friendship.  

Real friends want just that for each other, to help them do better, to  be better.  One of the best ways to do that is to pray for each other.

So, for today, I am grateful for friends who "motivate me to acts of love and good works."

Day 280, November 19

We are approaching the end of the year.  We have less than a month and a half before the start of a new year.  And I wonder what I accomplished during the past eleven months.  It is sometimes easier to list what I haven't accomplished:  I haven't sold a book.  I haven't lost weight.  I haven't forgiven those who have hurt me.

A pretty dismal record, to be sure.

And then I remember what the Lord has allowed me to accomplish.  I was there for a family member when she needed me.  I was there for my granddaughter who was sick one day and was going to be home alone.  I was there for a friend going through a rough time.

Maybe that is enough.

So, for today, I am grateful for those times when I was there.  I am always grateful for those who are there for me.

Day 279, November 18

Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take;

The clouds ye so much dread

Are big with mercy and shall break

In blessings on your head.

William Cowper

The first three words of this poem describe me.  (Really, it's only the word "fearful," as describing myself as a saint is a bit of a stretch.)  No matter.  I am fearful.  I am fearful for family members who are undergoing hard times.  I am fearful for the state of our nation, our world.  

As I read these beautifully penned words, though, I am reminded that the Lord is in charge, that He knows the end from the beginning, that I need not fear if I remain faithful to Him.

So, for today, I am grateful for "fresh courage."

Day 278, November 17

"For behold, it is not meet that I should command in all things, for he that is compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise servant, wherefore he receiveth no reward.

"Verily, I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness.

"For the power is in them, wherein they are agents unto themselves.  And inasmuch as men do good, they shall in nowise lose their reward.

"But he that doeth not anything until he is commanded, and receiveth a commandment with a doubtful heart, and keepeth it with slothfulness, the same is damned."--Doctrine & Covenants:  58:26-29

Sometimes it seems hard enough to keep up with the things we are commanded to do. And now the Lord tells us that He shouldn't have to command us in everything.  It's hard to wrap my mind around that as I grumble about all that we're suppposed to do.

And then my better self makes a belated appearance and I find myself nodding at the words in this scripture.  Of course the Lord shouldn't have to command me in everything.  He expects me to figure some things out for myself, to take the initiative in doing good.

So, for today, I am grateful for those times when I don't have to be commanded to do good.

Day 277, November 16

"Use what talents you possess; the woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best."--Henry Van Dyke

I love this quote.  (Have you noticed that I love all kinds of quotes?)  I love the admonition that we should all be using whatever talents we have.  Too often I bemoan my lack of talents.  I complain, "I can't write like Amanda," "I can't compose poetry like Jeannie," "I can't play the piano like Janet," etc.  And then I remember that Heavenly Father made me as I am, with the talents I possess.  No one else is exactly like me.  (Some would say that is a good thing!)

So, for today, I am grateful for talents, mine and those of others.

Day 276, November 15

I have a dear friend who loves birds and has planted flowers to attract them.  This poem by Victor Hugo reminds me of her:

Be like the bird who
Halting in his flight
On limb too slight
Feels it give way beneath him,
Yet sings
Knowing he hath wings.

These words painted such a vivid picture in my mind that I had to share them.  Do you ever feel like this bird,  halting in your flight, perched on a limb that won't hold you, yet you keep going on your way?  Despite fears and worries, you sing, giving voice to your gratitude to the Lord.

The last years have been hard ones for our family.  Sickness, a son's divorce, the death of a beloved brother-in-law have beseiged us, and I wonder if I can keep going.  Then I think of the blessings with which Heavenly Father has given me and I know I can keep on, for one day more.

So, for today, I am grateful for the example of the bird who sings.