Saturday, November 9, 2013

Good Morning


I don't know what you see in your area, but me? I'm looking at a sunny world, that at the moment, still reveals the  beautiful hot pinks, yellows, brown and reds of autumn. Of course the trees are far to quickly shedding their leaves. The largest one, the most beautiful one, right outside my patio door is 
almost bare.

I felt a bit sad this morning, as I sipped my coffee while gazing out the patio door. The tree, that but a short time ago was so full, so luscious looking, has

but one lone leaf struggling to hold on. It reminded me of how tightly my Johnny clung to life, how hard he struggled to not let go. This lone leaf, for the past few days has  brought tears to my eyes; really pulled me down. 
   
We all get blue sometimes, feel really lost and melancholy. It's not fun, is it? Not a pleasant experience. Because it isn't, I made the choice to from now on,

not think of that one lone leaf, but upon the earlier days of my marriage, back
to the time we lived in Washington. It was autumn then too, just before the chill of winter arrived. Johnny and I were raking leaves, joking with each other as we so often did. I turned my back to grab hold of the leaf bag. Before I had a chance to turn around, Johnny picked me up; a second later we were both on the ground, rolling  over and over in the huge pile of leaves we'd been raking, Johnny, laughing hard at my reaction.


I am so grateful that God gave us the minds we have. Memories are such beautiful things, able to keep us strong, able to help us get back on track
when we've lost our way. Think about it. Why on earth would anybody choose to focus on what makes them sad when they have the option of smiling again, of being hopeful again? True, we have no guarantee that focusing on only the good in life, the SHINY moments will change things. Sometimes it doesn't. But one thing it does do is keep us from feeling sorry for ourselves. As well it keeps us from living in the past. Doing that causes us to miss the best of today.


** Change of subject :)
Words that I never forgot.

"DARE GREATLY- It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points

out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of deeds could have done
better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face 
is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows the great enthusiasms; the great
devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the 
end the triumph of high achievement; and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly; so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory or defeat."
                                                                                                     -Theodore Roosevelt





I hope all is going well in your corner of the world, well, as good as can be expected, considering all that is going on in the world these days. Life can feel

heavy, intimidating, and scary at times. We're, most of us, used to being in control. But sometimes we simply can't be. Accepting that ...believing it can really make life easier.
  
As holidays arrive people began to look forward to seeing loved ones they
have not seen in a long time. We say "This year will be different. Everybody is going to get along." Perhaps they will. But if not, it doesn't mean we have to toss in the towel, become discouraged and give up on each other. We just have to keep an open mind| and an open heart.

 Situations change when people change.
If something needs changing, Lord, let that change began with me.


I'm not feeling my best yet, but getting better. Thank you for the 

loving emails, notes, cards, phone calls...and the love.


love you much,


BARB


5 comments:

Kath said...

I have called in at this late hour tonight Barb,almost 11pm ,which is late for me.I only switched onto Fb to read my notifications and your post was the first on my list.I knew there and then that coming here would lift me.I too have felt the same as you this last few days,but I have tried to focus on all the good we recieve too.This has helped me plenty and moreso,now I have read your words tonight.God sent me here,he must have done.I never go to FB before I close down my computer.Prayers you can keep going up that ladder and reach the top.I love you Barb.Keep well.Thankyou for all your comforting words in the past too.Take Care God Bless Kath xx

Rose said...

I feel your pain and sorrow. I lost my husband 12 years ago.

As time goes on, you can cope a bit better but you will always miss your Johnny.

My prayers are with you.

Hugs, Rose

I'm mostly known as 'MA' said...

I so agree with you ! Why waste time thinking about anything that makes you sad or mad. There are so many wonderful things to think about and those are what I call the bright side of life. We've been blessed with so much! Things and people are always changing. Good advice for us all to remember.

Crown of Beauty said...

Dear Barb, what a picture you painted for me today - that lone leaf struggling to hold on. Fall can be a very melancholy season. But I do love the story you shared of earlier Fall seasons when your Johnny was still around. I have always tried to keep my own husband's memory alive. It brings so much healing to the pain of losing him. And I do love the Roosevelt quote you shared. I will repost it on my FB status. It was such a joy visiting you here, dear Barb.

Love
Lidia

Sarah! said...

Hi Barb...I love reading your posts because they are so uplifting and inspiring and gives me inner strength for me to deal with my own problems. And, peoples comments here and comments on your other posts area great help too.
I will always keep you in my Thoughts and Prayers Dear Barb and hope your own inner strength will grow. You take good care of yourself. Love, Hugs and xxx from across the pond to you Dear Barb xx Sandra