What's Important

This afternoon, between us girls, we are trying to make decisions on a schedule change, trying to get help for a log-in that isn't working, making dental appointments, trying to get a banking issue that's been going on for months resolved and trying to find out where in the world a package is .... all have the potential to be really frustrating for us! While these things need to get figured out, I am trying to put them in perspective.

Life can change in a moment and I have been thinking of that all day.

Last night we woke up to the sound of firetrucks, five of them plus an ambulance, on our street. There was a fire at a house in the cul-de-sac just around the corner from us. I don't know it started or how bad it was--there are tarps around the chimney and people working there this morning. The fire trucks were here for about two hours. I hope no one was hurt and I think how life can change in a moment.

This morning I went to read a blog on my list--one I've read for a couple years after reading a book the woman has written. Today's blog post is from her husband, saying she had a sudden stroke yesterday, is in serious condition, in and out of surgery...I think she's still in her 30's and she's a runner and has young kids --not what her family would have expected when they woke up yesterday.

Then I am also reminded of Haiti today, on the anniversary of the earthquake, as I read posts and blogs from our friends who live there. Things were already so difficult, then in one moment it became unimaginably worse.

Our lives can change in moment, and and I think I don't want to waste these peaceful moments being too frustrated with the bank and the guy who can't seem to get the package mailed ..... I want to remember there may come a day when I wish this was all I was dealing with.

Looking Back, Looking Ahead

The year begins, full of newness and promise. Within a week, a day, a few hours maybe the shininess will wear off. I love new beginnings, I always have...but I know who I am and that I will never live up to all the intentions I have. Over the years I  have found a lot more grace, I'm a lot more comfortable with myself and my life not being perfect. It goes by fast and I am finding more joy a long the way.

My word for the year is Growth. I want to grow in many ways, to continue to learn and change. Growth in  nature occurs in many ways-- flowers and berries burst suddenly with the seasons, a tree trunk grows slowly over the years, bulbs wait quietly underground--everything has it's time and rhythm, and usually won't survive being forced. The process is beautiful, not just the end result. Drenching rain and warming  sun are both essential. My prayer, for myself and my family, is that this year  that we will grow in grace and find beauty in some way every day this year.