May 6
Rejoice always. 1 Thessalonians 5:16
It’s 5 a.m. and the sky is already beginning to lighten, sunrise isn’t too far away. I can hear the robins singing off in the distance. No longer are they occupying the tall pine tree in our side yard since the squirrels decided to build a condo there! My husband just left for work and I find myself thinking about so many things . . . .
Like:
How good natured he is no matter what is going on around him . . . always steady, always loyal to his faith, his family, his work . . . always has a smile on his face, just does what he has to do, no matter what it is . . . and he rejoices in it. And it’s easy for me to rejoice.
How today is our grandson’s 7th birthday! What a bright, happy little boy he is! Things have not always come easy for him; yet, like his grandfather and mother, he always has a smile on his face and does what he has to do. Loving and kind hearted, he and our four other grandchildren bring a gift of joy into our lives we had no comprehension of . . . until we had them. And it’s easy for me to rejoice.
Family concerns burden my heart, as they do for all people in every walk of life, troublesome issues there are no simple solutions for; a reminder to cherish each person, each moment in our lives, for all are, without a doubt, temporary . . . and all things do change. That in itself creates some uncertainty and unease about tomorrow. And it is more challenging to rejoice. And so with faith, I try.
Today is one of those days my own physical issues limit me and the suffering is unbearable, making it difficult to comfortably move in any direction. And it is challenging to rejoice. But with faith, I must try.
Our Maizy just came up and put her head on my lap, nudging me with her nose, wanting some attention. I think about how this beautiful, faithful, golden-red dog has been beside me through so many things! So many changes . . . through births and deaths, surgeries and all the fun times too! Her quiet presence is calming and comforting, so full of unconditional love. In her senior years now, slowed and with some health concerns, I am grateful for every day with her - for our time together, and it is easy for me to rejoice.
As I look out our sunroom window, suddenly what comes to mind is a time not so long ago when it was thought I would never walk again and here I am, on my feet! My heart swells with gratitude and some remorse, for how can I take one movement, one moment, painful or not for granted when God has given me so much ability? How can I not rejoice no matter what the circumstances? And it’s easy then to rejoice.
The sunrise I am now witnessing is extraordinary! As it sparkles through bursting, lacy buds on the maple and oak trees around us, it is glorious! And in this day, another day open before me like a treasured gift God has presented me with, it’s easy for me to rejoice, for through it all, I know He holds me up . . . us up. And so, in His presence, we can rejoice in all things, always!
God, your constant loving comfort and peace brings us to rejoicing in every circumstance in life. Copyright© 2014 Kathleen A. Matson
Rejoice always. 1 Thessalonians 5:16
It’s 5 a.m. and the sky is already beginning to lighten, sunrise isn’t too far away. I can hear the robins singing off in the distance. No longer are they occupying the tall pine tree in our side yard since the squirrels decided to build a condo there! My husband just left for work and I find myself thinking about so many things . . . .
Like:
How good natured he is no matter what is going on around him . . . always steady, always loyal to his faith, his family, his work . . . always has a smile on his face, just does what he has to do, no matter what it is . . . and he rejoices in it. And it’s easy for me to rejoice.
How today is our grandson’s 7th birthday! What a bright, happy little boy he is! Things have not always come easy for him; yet, like his grandfather and mother, he always has a smile on his face and does what he has to do. Loving and kind hearted, he and our four other grandchildren bring a gift of joy into our lives we had no comprehension of . . . until we had them. And it’s easy for me to rejoice.
Family concerns burden my heart, as they do for all people in every walk of life, troublesome issues there are no simple solutions for; a reminder to cherish each person, each moment in our lives, for all are, without a doubt, temporary . . . and all things do change. That in itself creates some uncertainty and unease about tomorrow. And it is more challenging to rejoice. And so with faith, I try.
Today is one of those days my own physical issues limit me and the suffering is unbearable, making it difficult to comfortably move in any direction. And it is challenging to rejoice. But with faith, I must try.
Our Maizy just came up and put her head on my lap, nudging me with her nose, wanting some attention. I think about how this beautiful, faithful, golden-red dog has been beside me through so many things! So many changes . . . through births and deaths, surgeries and all the fun times too! Her quiet presence is calming and comforting, so full of unconditional love. In her senior years now, slowed and with some health concerns, I am grateful for every day with her - for our time together, and it is easy for me to rejoice.
As I look out our sunroom window, suddenly what comes to mind is a time not so long ago when it was thought I would never walk again and here I am, on my feet! My heart swells with gratitude and some remorse, for how can I take one movement, one moment, painful or not for granted when God has given me so much ability? How can I not rejoice no matter what the circumstances? And it’s easy then to rejoice.
The sunrise I am now witnessing is extraordinary! As it sparkles through bursting, lacy buds on the maple and oak trees around us, it is glorious! And in this day, another day open before me like a treasured gift God has presented me with, it’s easy for me to rejoice, for through it all, I know He holds me up . . . us up. And so, in His presence, we can rejoice in all things, always!
God, your constant loving comfort and peace brings us to rejoicing in every circumstance in life. Copyright© 2014 Kathleen A. Matson