
This morning I sat in our screened porch, rocking back and forth on our newly refinished glider. While sipping coffee, I smiled as I listened to the patter of the rain. My coffee mug has a hand crochet mug warmer, a birthday gift from a friend. The glider was a wedding gift to my parents almost fifty years ago. Mom and dad offered it to me before taking it to the dump. With a little TLC, including minor welding from my beloved, and several cans of spray paint, it’s as good as new! I sit in silence as I watch the earth awake. While watching the robins and cardinals I speak out loud my verse for 2014:
“How abundant are the good things the Lord has stored up for those who fear him; good things to be given to those who seek refuge in him.”
-Psalms 31:19
I am feeling nostalgic this morning. Perhaps, it is the quiet morning or sitting in a vintage glider. Perhaps it is because I am only days away from my thirty-ninth birthday. But for whatever the reason I decided to make a list of all the “good things” that come to mind in no particular order. I’m sure I will be constantly adding to this list, but here is what I have this morning:
Abundance of Good Things:
Newly restored metal glider painted red
Crochet coffee mug holder
Fresh picked eggplant from a co worker’s garden
Harvest of cucumbers and tomatoes from our garden
Roses in bloom
Faint sound of the ice cream boat in the distance
Cannonball splash contests
The sounds of “Hey mom, watch this!”
Neighbor’s grand kids coming over to play
Secret date with Andrew while Rachel was at Fiddle Camp
Watching Rachel practice dance routines from Expression of Faith Dance Camp
Andrew’s perseverance on the soccer field and scoring goals even though the opposing team was twice his size
My children asking me to pray for them
The children telling me they prayed for me
My beloved husband and best friend
The protection of our marriage
Flying kites on the beach
Boogie boarding with Andrew
Collecting shells with Rachel
Seeing my sister smile and relax at the beach
Crabbing with my Dad
Walks on the beach with Mom
Teaching Rachel to sew PJs and pillows
Rachel teaching me to play the violin (I can rock Twinkle Twinkle Little Star!)
Top down on the convertible
Overwhelmed by the love of a relentless God
Andrew and Rachel receiving art lessons from Grandma Lois on the deck
Porch sitting on a rainy day
Flowers, just because
Friends who reach out
Hand written note of encouragement
Weekly “sew therapy” with a friend
Book clubs and Bible studies
My prayer warriors who take the business of prayer seriously
Sense of satisfaction from pulling weeds and hauling mulch
A good book
Quiet time in God’s word before the family awakes
Being reminded of simple yet profound truths like:
“The Lord remains faithful forever!” Psalms 146:6 and
“The Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.” Psalms 147:11
My cow painting called Ebbie- a visual reminder of what God did during a time of fasting and prayer (See post titled “Selling Cattle” on 3/28/14)
After camp, Rachel said she felt closer to God asked for a pink BB gun
Andrew words to me every time we depart: “I love you, I miss you, be safe.”
Researchers say gratitude is the best thing we can do for our own mental heath. As I reflect on these “good things” I realize there are very few tangible things on my list. Instead there are times shared with those I love the most, moments together, strengthening relationships, making memories, and leaving a legacy of faith in Christ. That my friend, truly is an abundance of good things!
~April
“May you and I be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.” Romans 1:12
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