Thursday, April 26, 2012

Stop to Smell the Honeysuckle

My favorite part of the day has always been right after sunset. A time of day I used to call twilight, but unfortunately I can no longer call it that without thinking of teenage vampires. Regardless, I still love that time of day. I also really love that time in the morning right before the sun peeks up from behind the trees. I guess I love these times because of the magical feel in the air. The lighting is so soft, and I just get this excited feeling like something wonderful is about to happen.

I was blessed to be outside today at both of these times. A rare treat indeed!  This morning I was out getting the chickens water (and then chasing my silly little white dog). This evening I was planting in the big garden. Both times I felt this calm come over me. It was almost as if a voice said "Stop everything you are doing and look around! Look at all the blessings God has bestowed upon you!". 

I haven't written in a while. It's not that I haven't had good ideas. I've had several. It's just that I've been in a little bit of a funk. Funk may not be the right word. Soul searching may be better. I don't know. I've just been thinking deep thoughts.  About six weeks ago one of my daughter's best friends killed herself. A beautiful girl named Ashley. She had just turned 15...a day her parent's did not celebrate...one they never had. She was well loved by many, was not bullied, she loved tattoos, David Bowie, anything French, and she always had a good story to tell.

Not even a month later, a good friend of my niece's committed suicide. He was 16. Same story...well liked, not bullied. I've been thinking a lot about these kids, and others like them who are so desperate to end their pain that they choose a permanent solution to a temporary problem. While I have been terribly sad by all of this, it's really made me cling to life so much more, almost as a tribute to them. In the past couple of weeks I've really made a conscience effort to put myself (my soul that is) first. Sounds pretty selfish, doesn't it? Let me explain my thinking...

There is this story I heard once. On Oprah, I think. It goes like this... When you board an airplane, they tell you all of the safety stuff you need to know. One of the things they tell you is "If the oxygen masks come out, put yours on first. THEN help your child and those around you." At first you think "Help myself before my kids!! Those idiots!!!" But the reason they tell you this is because if you fail to put on your mask you may pass out before you can help anyone. Then where will you be? What will happen to your kids? Apply this metaphor to your life. We are so busy with everything that we forget to stop and take in all that is good.

I don't really know where I am going with all of this, but I do know that God gave me a dose of oxygen this morning and tonight. I feel so blessed that I was able to recognize it for what it was. I had Emma run in and get my camera so I could explore all the blessings my little "farm" has to offer. Hope you enjoy them!!!


Kevin...the Miracle Puppy



Honeysuckle has taken over the far corner of the property
It smelled soooooooo good!



Thrasher


Two of my favorite blessings!! If you are having trouble with faith let me
 tell you about how these little monsters came into the family.
God is good!



Elinor's first trip to the garden!! She was very alert and curious.


Ellie again...I know a mother shouldn't pick favorites, but I can't help it with her!