life

Lately, I have been surrounded by so much death.

It has been a variety of things from horrible tragedies to peaceful home goings.

Today, very simply, I am grateful for life.

I am grateful for all the little blessings it holds...

  • Silly sweet snapchats from my niece and nephew
  • Unseasonably warm days perfect for my run and for driving with the windows down
  • Gluten free paleo chocolate chip cookies that will do in a pinch if you need a bite of sweet
  • Christmas lights beginning to appear downtown
  • Friends to do life with
  • A new wig for a client suffering from cancer
  • Laughter
  • A day without any tears
  • A staff member who works so hard to learn a skill that is outside of her comfort zone
  • Joy that cannot fade even when life gets tough
  • The promise of a day off

I could go on and on.

I am grateful for my life. Sometimes, I think I freak people out because I do get genuinely homesick for heaven. I long to shed this mortal body and be in the presence of Jesus. I will not miss this world.

But while I am here. I want to live.

Today on my run, my neighbors dogs came chasing me down the road. I didn't want them getting hit, so I ran up to her house to bring the dogs back to safety.

She thanked me and then she said, "I am so proud of you and so inspired by you. Keep up your hard work."

She has no idea the level of this journey I am on, but I imagine she has seen me daily out trudging down the street at my slow and steady pace. It made me think about the life I am living.

I want to live it well.

I want my life to be something that really inspires others.

I don't want fame, or notoriety, I want to make an impact, even if it is small.

I am so grateful for the chance to do that. I'm thankful for this broken road I am on and that perfection is not require, merely effort.

I can't help but smile at all the precious blessing that are found on that broken road if you open your eyes to them.

Today, in the midst of all the pain and death, I am glad for the chance to take a break, take a breath and stop and "smell the roses".



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