A couple of years ago, I first got a planner in which you could write about the past week before you planned out the next one. There is a section for memories, gratitude, and progress on goals. Some might make fun of my holding onto a paper planner when I should be able to do it all with a smart phone, but I love the paper still. I’ve noticed, also, that this stopping each week to pinpoint things I’m grateful for from the past week has been so good for me!
Are Bad Days Really Invitations?
Today was a day for unexpected confrontations. Some from other people, and some of my own stuff. I drove over to the thrift store donation drop-off to take some things recently purged from my house. As I got out and popped my trunk, the man who was receiving the donations started in on me. He complained that the stuff wasn’t separated according to the system he used (of which I was not aware), that he had to be in the sun for longer because of that, and that he had to get me a receipt. I stood dumbfounded as he heaped on the complaints, only offering a weak suggestion that since they were donations, maybe he could be more understanding. I figured since I was giving them freely and it was his job to separate them, maybe he would recognize his error and back off. He did not. I finally got back in my car and drove away while he continued to grumble.
God's Great Care
One of the hardest things about being a parent or caretaker is the amount of work that is done without any accolades, praise or thanks from those you are serving. It is amazing when you stop and think about what it is you do all day just in caring for people, whether it be kids, elderly parents, friends, grandkids, students or patients. You show up, cook, clean, fold, listen, empathize, teach, discipline, encourage, drive, and so much more. Each little task involved in caring for another person gets done as second nature after a while, but it is always a gesture of love and care for the recipient.