A Legacy of Love

I've just begun making my way through to 1000 gifts.  Yesterday, I had my post all ready to go when I received some incredibly sad news.  I didn't know what to say, or how to respond, so I posted nothing.  I can't say I feel any better prepared today, except my mind has been filled with a single thought.  I will share that thought later, but first, the sad news.

Yesterday, my dear friends Amie and Emily, lost their beautiful mother Kaye, in a tragic car accident.  Their dad, Phil, was badly injured.

"Grandma Kaye", as she was known to so many, was one of those rare individuals.  Kaye was love in action.  She exemplified grace, mercy and compassion in a way that is hard, if not impossible, to find.  She was kind to a fault.  I take that back, there is no fault in kindness.

Her boundless energy and love for people was evident in everything she did, tirelessly giving to her family, her friends and anyone in need.

I cannot begin to imagine the pain her dear children and grandchildren are feeling at this time.  But I pray they find some measure of comfort in God's arms and in the love of family and friends.

This is the thought that has been occupying my mind. 

I feel challenged today to live the way Kaye lived

• proud of the roles of mom, wife and friend 
• giving selflessly whenever there is a need
• ready with a smile and a word of encouragement
• filled with boundless energy
• showering others with grace and love
• always ready to see the best in others
• loving Jesus, fully and completely

Grandma Kaye, thank you for your godly example and the legacy of love you have left behind.

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.  Love never fails."  (1 Corinthians 13:4-8 NIV)

Gifts #5-11

These are the gifts I'm thankful for today.

#5  listening to my daughter's speech for school - so well-written and smart!

#6  a phone call from my hard-working, newly-married, first-born daughter

#7  the perfect tart, crisp, green apple

#8  a pain-free day (a gift I thought I would never receive again)

#9   the camellias blooming by my front door

#10  a hug from my needs-a-haircut, drives-me-crazy, makes-me-laugh, candy-consuming, almost-taller-than-me teenage boy

#11  a sister-in-law who is also a holistic nutritionist - in spite of the no-sugar, no-gluten, no-dairy diet she has me on right now

What a difference in my day, looking for the gifts, instead of focusing on my needs!

One Thousand Gifts

Just discovered a new blog, well, new to me anyway.  It is called A Holy Experience.  The writer of this blog, Ann Voskamp, has also written a book "One Thousand Gifts". 

I have never read the book and have just begun reading Ann's daily posts but, right away, I was struck by the purpose of One Thousand Gifts - A Dare To Live Fully Right Where You Are - a recognition of the power of gratitude.

So, I have started my own One Thousand Gifts journal, where I can record daily reminders of all the beautiful gifts I have been given.  These are the first four gifts that came my way today.

#1 - the blank pages of a journal - filled with endless possibilities

#2 - ruby red pomegranates bought at a roadside stand

#3 - a text from my teenage daughter just to make me smile

#4 - wise counsel from a dear friend

I'm on my way -  4 down and 996 left to go!