Monday's Gratitude

"And the God of all grace,

who has called to His eternal glory in Christ,

after you have suffered a little while,

will Himself restore you

and make you strong, firm and steadfast.

To Him be the power for ever and ever.

Amen."

1 Peter 5:10-11

 

Ken and I have often commented on how different Mondays feel in this current stage of life.

We're not retired, yet we can enjoy some of the flexibility and freedoms of working from home at our own pace.  Children are an essential and exceedingly hilarious part of our lives, but the days of raising them under our roof are long past us.  

What happens then is that the weekends often are full and busy.  By Monday morning, just getting up with the sun, quietly starting the week with a stretch and some breakfast, and a happy anticipation for what we might get done by Friday, feels more relaxed....kind of how weekends used to feel.  It's a bit of a switch.

This morning I am feeling that way particularly because of all that filled up and filled out this weekend past. 

 And I am grateful for....

...finding at the thrift story on Friday, what I hope will be the right bowl to create a unique birdbath for our porch.  Five dollar investment for a creative experiment.  More on that later.

...the fun and camaraderie and decent amount of work that got done at our Church Clean Up Day at Highview on Saturday.  Inside and out are all spiffed up, and it was great to work together with people I love doing life with.  I am particularly pleased with the opportunity to clear out a corner of our lower level that had collected a whole lot of crazy.  Looks so much better now!!!  

...upstairs worship and downstairs fun at Church on Sunday morning.  Who knew that I'd be bouncing around to "Your Everlasting Love" in my late 60's?  So much fun teaching some of this to the next generation.

...the time spent with a courageous friend making hard decisions with clarity and grit.  

...sad but meaningful time with family to mark what would have been Evelyn's sixth birthday.  Grateful for those who remember with us in different ways.  

Today's reading landed me again on 1 Peter 5:10-11, one of my favourites for sure.

As promised, I am feeling restored, strong, firm and steadfast 

on this particular Monday morning 

in this particular era of life.

Whatever is ahead of you this week, 

I pray bountiful reasons for thank yous, 

and the strength you need to accomplish 

whatever it is that calls you forward into it.