Earlier today, the kids were having an after school snack at the table and I heard them arguing from another room. I simply called out to them that they needed to work out their disagreement. A few minutes later, I heard them both apologize to each other and then Kirra said, "Jaret, you are the best brother in the whole, wide world. I love you." So grateful for my two children who don't always get along but who also see the importance of asking forgiveness and reconciling with one another. Much to their disappointment, they are the only two siblings each of them will every have.
After reading the devotion, reading regular posts of gratitude from my friend Kim, and hearing of Nelson Mandela's passing today, I was feeling reflective and grateful. The day has been freezing cold (like -40 something cold, have I mentioned that already?) but despite that, I have felt joy filled and overflowing with gratitude. A list of a few of the things I am grateful for today:
-a warm and cozy house to live in (although my sister would not agree as she thinks I keep my house too cold)
-a reliable vehicle that was warm when I got in this morning after starting it a bit before leaving - and the seat warmers were toasty too
-seeing a moose family in the field near Jaret's school - Kirra thought it was amazing seeing the moose but wished that they were rainbow coloured
-sun dogs
-ice crystals
-sparkles of fresh fallen snow
-Kirra's pre-school teacher, Lynette, who set aside the craft Kirra missed being sick on Tuesday - an advent calendar where Kirra can count down by putting a star in the sky of the nativity scene each day
-Bath & Body Works Christmas soaps - love the scents
-lights of the Christmas tree that are all aglow
-doing crafts with my kids during the cold, winter days
-cuddles on the couch with my kids and a warm blanket
-hearing Jaret practice his recorder
-hearing Jaret read - and the fact that he doesn't want to turn off his light at night because he wants to keep reading
-the fact that my kids were excited to go to the library to find Christmas books and were grateful to the librarian for giving them stamps
-advent calendar and devotions
-role of mother and love when my kids call me "Mama"
-routine - and any of you who know me know how important this one is for me and I find it true for my kids as well
-warmth of Starbucks in my hands
-good chat on the phone with my sis and mom
-arms of my little ones wrapped around my neck at night
-saying no countless times when my kids ask for whatever it is that they are asking for - part of helping them to not be entitled by expecting they can have everything they want and ask for - recently reminded of this while standing in line at Walmart with my kids asking for everything they saw that was strategically set at the tills and having a gentleman behind me laugh and wonder when I might give in
-good health
-God's love and direction in my life
-this season our family is experiencing
-friends and family
-anticipation of the Christmas season and everything it entails
-Christmas cards and letters - giving and receiving
-Christmas classics on tv - can't wait to watch The Sound of Music with my family at Christmas - not sure where that tradition ever started but I look forward to it
I feel like I could go on and on as I am so very grateful for the many blessings in my life. But suffice it to say that I am grateful for so much. As news of Nelson Mandela's passing has filled the news and his life is reviewed by many, I have been struck once again by how fleeting life is; even though he lived to the age of 95. One of the news castings discussed the almost three decades that Mandela spent in prison and how after 27 years of imprisonment, he forgave even those who put him behind bars. It reminds me of Paul and Silas who were imprisoned and yet even thanked God despite their circumstances. We are reminded to love and give thanks in all circumstances.
"Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
~1 Thessalonians 5:18
Another Bible verse that I read as part of my devotions recently was Psalm 17:17 from The Message:
"Friends love through all kinds of weather, and families stick together in all kinds of trouble."
What struck me about this Bible verse today was the mention of weather and the very cold weather we have been having this week that is expected to continue. But it also reminded me of the love of family and that families stick together through life's difficulties; we go through seasons with friends and family but in the end are blessed by them. I am sure that Mandela experienced this in many different aspects of life and being such a forgiving man believed in the power of reconciliation and how it restored relationships. He was an inspiration to many around the world and fought for democracy and equality for all. So many lessons can be learned from him.
Some quotes from Nelson Mandela:
And a few pics of the kids - beginnings of their winter/Christmas crafts and Advent calendar:
Kirra was singing, "This Little Light of Mine," and trying to blow out the candle of her finger, "I'm gonna to let it shine..."
Kirra is excited as Jaret gives her a Hershey Kiss after reading their activity for the day:
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