Some days are steep. . . .
. . . a happy day is not the genesis of thanksgiving,
rather, thanksgiving is the genesis of the happy day.
From Invitation on Holy Experience
I read the quote above last week. And I thought about it as I went to bed that night. And as I woke up to a very fussy morning. As all three children fussed their way through breakfast, I kept thinking about it. Finally, one wailed, "Mama, you made me an unhappy day!"
"What? How did I do that?"
"You put apples in my pancake!"
"That shouldn't make an unhappy day for you." And then I told them what I had read the day before. They decided to give it a try. Their thanksgiving list was so simple and childlike and sweet. I thanked God with them for
709. Yellow leaves
710. Blue sky
711. A strong house that won't fall down
712. Our family
713. Tricycle
714. Yellow flowers on our table
715. Pigeons (that is a direct translation of a happy squeal and pointing)
716. The wise woman who wrote about how to make a happy day
717. Playing outside
718. Heaters inside
There wasn't a fairy tale ending. The fussing started up again soon after. We stopped and gave thanks again. And again. And again.
Getting outside was rough. Jaan was trying to help get Asya into her snowsuit: "Mama, I like to touch her hands because. . . Wahhh! She just pulled her hand out again!"
Wait. Stop. "Why do you like to touch her hands?"
"Because they're so warm and soft. Hey, I get to touch them again, because she pulled them out!"
Thank you!
719. Asya's warm, soft hands
I must have looked insane that morning: happy Mama, grinning, soaking up the fall beauty, with three children crying along at my side, as we walked down the central street.
720. Happy days!
11 comments:
Keep up your insanity; the sacrifice of praise pleases the Lord.
I love you.
Gather your trio of little ones today and tell them: they minister to me... I'm right there with them.
Fussing... and remembering to give thanks... Fussing and remembering to give thanks...
I deeply appreciate you... and your mother's wise words...
Blessed by here & sending so much love, Phyllis...
All's grace
Ann
Beautiful application to a beautiful post!
Wow!
You have put words and feet to my heart's desire to bring glory to God in the everyday moments!
I give thanks today for you!
Wonderful! Thank you for a practical application for all of us! Rejoice in the Lord, and again, I say rejoice!! Love to each of you!!
I just got caught up on your most recent updates. It is always a blessing to hear about your ministry & your family. You are all doing a great job. Continue to rest in the Lord & rely on His strength.
Thank you for this reminder. I have three fussy little ones today and instead of pulling my hair out :) I am going to try and give thanks.
Your spirit of joy and grace is a balm to this spirit inside me.
Thank you... for your testimony,
for the light of Christ shining in you,
for your delight in life's simple, beautiful treasures.
So beautiful. A good reminder for those often trying days.
Oh, beautiful, Phyllis! Thank you, deeply, for sharing this. Tucking this inside to carry today, tomorrow and the next. Your children, and YOU, have blessed me today:)
Phyllis, your blog is so cozy, warm and inspiring. I get encouraged. Thanks!
Leana
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