Saturday, April 14, 2012

Little Drops of Sunshine

It's the weekend! Yay!!! Time for peace and tranquility, relaxation and fun. We all get to take a break from our normal busy schedules and just sit back and smell the roses. Yeah right. That is what we all long for, but for most of us, the weekend is just as busy if not busier than the work week. Housework, baseball games, guests, baking, errands, piano lessons, homework, projects galore...whatever we didn't have time for during the week and MORE - that is what our weekends are like. BUT, even in the midst of the crazy, hectic, *busyness*, we can enjoy this weekend and find peace and rest and fulfillment.  Beauty is all around us. God is all around us. Our blessings are numerous. The work we do is fulfilling. We are created to work after all - not to just sit around. Let's celebrate this weekend even in all of its hectic to-do lists and open our eyes to the magic of the ordinary things.  Jesus Calling says, "You can also find many hints of heaven along your pathway, because the earth is radiantly alive with My Presence. Shimmering sunshine awakens your heart, gently reminding you of My brilliant Light. Birds and flowers, trees and skies evoke praises to My holy Name. Keep your eyes and ears fully open as you journey with Me." This weekend, I *choose* to open my eyes and find God in the little things.

Monday, April 9, 2012

Reach High

Well, Spring Break is over (sniff, tear) and now it the last push until the summer! I got a lot done during Spring Break. But sadly, not nearly all that I wanted to do - of things from my to-do list, of practicing, or of fun things.  Isn't that how it always is though? I never quite get all done that I wanted or planned to do. I always make lists and plans that are nearly impossible to actually achieve, but I try with all my might to accomplish them nevertheless. And, despite repeated helpful suggestions from people that I should shorten my lists, or lower my goals, I think that just maybe I prefer to have such high plans that they may never actually get done. At least, then I have something to strive for. I was listening to Anne of Avonlea on audio book on my way to Macon on Saturday and a dialogue in there between Anne and the minister's wife, Mrs. Allan, expresses my thoughts perfectly. 
(Anne) "Oh I don't know. I've come so far short in so many things.....I haven't lived up to my ideals."

"None of us ever do," said Mrs. Allan with a sigh. "But then, Anne, you know what Lowell says, 'Not failure but low aim is crime.' We must have ideals and try to live up to them, even if we never quite succeed. Life would be a sorry business without them. With them it's grand and great. Hold fast to your ideals, Anne."

And that is just what I intend to do. So, I will keep setting high, if nearly impossible, goals for myself and keep on working just as hard as I can to meet them.