Feeling Especially Blessed Today

It's late, and I have to work tomorrow, but as I sit here reflecting on what an amazing day it's been, and life I have, I would like to share some of what I was lucky enough to experience today.

I started my day teaching Sunday School.  Every Sunday, the alarm goes off, and I think UGH! Really, God? This is how you want me to serve you? Isn't there something I could do at night instead? But, then, I get there, and those precious 5-7 year olds greet me with their happy smiles and eager eyes, and it is all worth it.  They hang on my every word; if I say it, it must be true. They view me as a celebrity, and are excited when they see me actually IN church after Sunday School.  They smile with excitement as they wave at me and I smile at them.

After Sunday School was done, I went to church.  Seems kind of obvious, I realize, but I'll admit that last week I lasted 10 minutes in the service before going home to take a nap (blush).  The service was excellent.  Every bit of it was uplifting and meaningful.  It went by so quickly, and I almost didn't want it to end.

Then, after a 30 minute break, I returned to church for a ladies group ornament exchange.  There were almost 50 women and girls there to share in fellowship with each other.  What a fun time I had!  I'm so pleased that I made the effort to go this year.  Once I got there I realized it wasn't much effort, compared to the fun that was had by all.

A quick trip home to change the kids into their scouting uniforms and pick up a friend followed, and then we returned to the church for scouts.  While I was sitting with Alex's group, I saw a group of 7 year old boys' faces light up as I helped them turn a screwdriver for the first time.  "No, sweetie, not that way, righty tighty, lefty loosey."  I love teaching, even tools to little boys.  It's still got that aha! moment to it, which is so rewarding.  Meanwhile, another group of boys in the next room was making blankets for shut-ins, the older boys were doing a project outside, even in the rain, and the girl scouts were in the next building over, busy in the kitchen.  It was absolutely amazing to see a church so alive and at use, even when worship was "over" for the week.

I came home to talk to my dad on the phone.  I have two parents who are alive and who love me enough to call me regularly, even if it seems there's little to talk about.  They are coming to see us soon (19 days), and I can hear the excitement in my dad's voice.  He can hardly wait, and so can I.  This reminds me of my mother's fear of flying that was so intense, she went NO WHERE that required a plane.  Except Texas, after I and her grand kids moved here.  I'm so lucky to have a mom that would put such an intense fear aside for us.  I would miss her so much if she didn't.

While Skylar played, and Alex took a bath, and after tucking them in, I spent the evening texting with a friend.  I know texting doesn't compare to talking for real, but with kids and busy lives, at least texting allows for communicating at all.  And I know I'll see my "texting friend" soon enough, so this was just a "tweener" :)

So, as this amazingly blessed day winds down, I am reflecting on recent  changes I've made.  Overall, I've adopted an "out with the bad, in with the good," philosophy, meaning people who make me feel badly, or bring me down, have to go.  I did this a few weeks ago with a couple friends, and while it hurt at the time, and I still miss them a little, it made so much more room in my heart for the people who make me feel good.

I know I am blessed no matter what is happening in my life, but this week I have especially felt it.  I believe it was getting rid of the negatives that made it possible for this to happen.  It wasn't easy, but I'm glad I did it, so that I could move on to focusing my time and energy on things and people that matter more.