Monday, January 22, 2018

From the Dark Arose Compassion & Grace




This morning seeing the sun shining on a fresh dusting of snow and just as I looked out at this view, the song "Morning has Broken" by Third Day was playing.... pure magic
Sometimes when something hits close to home, it is a good reminder to be thankful for the beautiful day and enjoy it with those you love. And with that...

I remember being on a tour of the Lewis & Clark Caverns in Montana several years ago and during the tour,  the  guide turned off the light, and we were pitched into complete and total darkness.  And that image of darkness flashed into my head when I read the sad news of the WSU Quarterback, Tyler Hilinski who took his life at age 21.  Although I didn’t know this young man, it looked like he was living the dream with a bright future ahead of him.  All I can imagine is that in his mind, a black abyss was all around him.  While I’ve had dark days, they were never to that point, but I have been part of a suicide aftermath in our own family and my heart understands what his parents are going through.   And it can only be described as having your personal life destroyed by a tornado of grief and remnants of life and memories are strewn about in fragments.   My heart breaks for Tyler’s family and friends or anyone else’s for that matter who are left in the wake of grief.  I want to share a text number that I saw about a free service for those depressed or suicidal. Text 741741 and a crisis worker will text back.  My heartfelt thoughts go out to all who experience this type of depression and plead they reach out for help to escape that black hole.

One thing for certain, or at least for me, is that after going through something like that, I gained more appreciation of life.  I realize how fragile life can be and that each day isn’t a given, rather a gift to enjoy.   As hard as I try, sometimes I don’t relish my gift of a day or use it wisely, but almost always I’ll experience some kind of beauty whether in the form of a sweet gesture, smile or act, or simply enjoying a beautiful sunrise or sunset. I also realize the value of time spent with my loved ones and that I need to keep a firm grip on my self-imposed busyness. Far too often I've let my task driven focus rob me of enjoying that time with my people. Another reason to try to live mindfully, Another reason to move quality time with others on the top of my to-do list.
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Cakes in the making

And with that, this week-end two of the three grand-angels have January birthdays, and we as a family, have always celebrated each other and another year of being together.  So the sweeties and I baked cakes .... it was a gooey sticky mess of a kitchen afterward, but sweet memories were made.

Miss B, Mss M with their beautiful mamma, Jen. Brother Barry, sis-in-law Denise, and Grandpa Tim


And those who were able to make it for dinner at my place gathered to celebrate these wonderful little lives. And on the menu? The kiddos also choose the main course.. which is lasagna and also meatless lentil chili. And, as we gather around the dinner table to enjoy the meal, I said a silent prayer for another year together.


Bday dinner 2018, part 2

Of course in true fashion, I awoke in the wee hours to put the blog together to share. For some reason it doesn't feel complete....and I'm not sure why... but I'll imagine that more quality time with the laptop will be happening as the words start to flow again.

I wish you a great week ahead, and hope you can spend some quality time with your peeps.  =)

All my best Gayle

The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.  John 1:5
A gorgeous sunset. A hope at the end of each day that it was lived with purpose, joy and grace.