The Difference a Year Makes

The earth rotates around the sun once.  A year passes.  We grow.  We change.  What a difference a year makes.

The peonies that once grew in my Poppy's yard; moved to my Mom's yard, then transplanted to our yard...grow thicker, more beautiful, more hearty this year than last.  One year of waiting brought more beauty.

We have gotten 10 "no's"....10 "not yets"...on Baby #4, waiting to adopt the one we love already.  Waiting longer than we anticipated.  Yet we grow closer, we love deeper, we communicate more openly....10 years, now almost 11; gift of grace, this marriage.  One year of waiting of made love truer.

He, youngest, grew up.  Almost four, and potty-trained just in time for birthday.  A faster runner, more independent, feet large like bricks wearing size 11 now.  He with the light in eyes and smile that melts, he grew.  One year of growing led to exit from toddlerhood to big boy emerging.

Last year I canned jam; delicious but taxing.  This year I did freezer jam, easier.  One year of "wising up" helped me learn that superwoman isn't a real person and I don't have to do all the things I think I should.  Celebrate small successes and shake off the guilt that accuses when you say "no" for the sake of margin and what is best for the family.  One year of learning (from many failures and some successes) births sweeter fruit.

He and she helped me pick strawberries this year.  They worked hard, they eased the load, they got along.  A great reminder to not give up, but keep going; keep working at being better parents and better nurturers of their precious lives; and keep entrusting their ultimate well-being to their Father God. Galatians 6:9  "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."  One year of growing produced more maturity.

One year older, and she is as tall as a bean pole...legs that don't end.  Highlighted hair and asking when she can wear deodorant.  She unloads the dishwasher now, not just the silverware (sometimes without complaining).  She is growing up; on inside and out.  One year down the road leads to new chapters being read and others waiting to be written.

What a difference one year makes.  Things you thought would happen don't and things you didn't plan on happen; and you are surprised.  Unpredictable weather brings a beautiful plant of tangled roots, seed-bearing fruit, and freezer jam (not canned).  You look back, thankful for the hard even though it's hard.  Thankful for the blessings, growing even more precious with the passing of one year.

Psalm 90:12  "Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom."

Joy Comes In Unexpected Places

Rewind.  Over 10 years ago I walked through the gun aisle of a sporting goods store and started crying as Hubby looked at guns.  I did not grow up with guns around.  Since I was a teacher, my connection with guns was hearing about school shootings and gun accidents.  Fear dictated my view of guns.

Fast forwarded to today.  I still don't feel real comfortable with guns, but I support my hubby's hobby and collection.  I have even attended a gun safety class and shot handguns several times.  Well, the other day I shot Hubby's new AR build and you know what?  I actually enjoyed myself by the second shot.  And I checked another thing off my Bucket List; I hit the target!

Joy comes in unexpected places.

We have had a lot of loss with the adoption process.  10 babies, not ours.  Still waiting, much longer than we expected.  Grief knocks throughout the days; but joy does too.  Joy came while I was doing something I feared.

Joy found in the three, right here, collected the bullet shells, once fired, a treasure hunt.  Find casings, memorials of the power displayed.  Keep counting...

#2081  Done with school for the year- quite the milestone.  We learned, we cried, we grew, we finished; joy.

#2082  Darling daughter started a Horse Blog and stopped crying about writing, when she got to use the keyboard to write.  She loves to use exclamation points!!!!!!!!!  Quite fitting for a girl who approaches life with such enthusiasm!

#2084  After big break from phonics and tears of frustration (from student and teacher) we found a reading program that works for sunshine-head.  He is one who can honestly say, "Hooked on Phonics worked for me!":)  So proud of you son.

#2085  For the flexibility of youngest while the others do school.  So ready to learn...chiming in with answers.  Your turn will come this fall buddy.

Today, let's bring joy to unexpected places...like a dentist office, a stressful work environment,  a lonely neighbor, a spouse who could use a helping hand, a prayer offered for a difficult situation.


Jeremiah 31:13-14  
"Then (she) will rejoice in the dance, and the young men and the old, together, for I will turn their mourning into joy, and will comfort them, and give them joy for their sorrow.  And I will fill the soul of the priests with abundance, and My people shall be satisfied with My goodness', declares the LORD."