Monday, November 15, 2010

2010 Gratitude Challenge – November 13 & 14

2010GratitudeChallengeButton We had a very busy weekend, so I’m trying to get caught up on my gratitude posts!  Even though I wasn’t here blogging, there were plenty of things to be thankful for over the weekend. 

On Saturday, we made the journey back to Baltimore to drop my friend Wendy and her kids off at the airport.  They made it back home to Mississippi safe and sound – so that’s the first thing I’m thankful for.

Secondly, instead of hanging out at the airport all day, Brian and I were able to spend some time with my cousin Andy and his wife.  We met up with them and had a nice lunch out at a place called Buffalo Wild Wings (eating there was a first for all 4 of us, so that was neat!)  After lunch, we spent some time perusing the IKEA factory (and shopping!) – we found a rug for Ashley’s room, a floor lamp for Gracie’s room, and some other fun stuff.  We were able to go back to Andy and Julie’s apartment (in the heart of DC) and visit with them for awhile before heading back to the airport.  It was just a really, really nice day. 

Back at the airport, we didn’t have to wait long at all before Ashley’s plane landed and we got to see her again after a week away!  I’m grateful that she had such a wonderful visit with her friend; but I’m also very grateful that she’s back home again – safe and sound. 

Yesterday (Sunday) was another day filled with much to be thankful for ---

We had a wonderful sermon in church.  We’ve been slowing working through the first 4 verses of Hebrews 1 and yesterday was Part 6 of an 8-week series of sermons.  I think I shared my thankfulness for our pastor last week, but I’ll reiterate again this week. :)  This man knows his Bible!

After church, we came home and had a smorgasboard of leftovers from this past week.  I’m thankful that we have groceries in the house and plenty to eat.  Too many people in this world are starving for me not to recognize the seemingly simple fact that we have plenty.

Sue’s husband Todd called to tell me that he was looking for something else and came upon a letter that Sue had addressed to “her family and friends” in the event of her death.  She wrote the letter way back in 2004 – long before she was ever diagnosed with cancer.  I believe I may remember her writing it; and I’m sure I probably wondered at the time what prompted her to write such a thing.  But, having lost both of her parents by that point in time, Sue was very aware of the reality of death and the fact that it can come when we least expect it. 

Todd and Leah read the letter to me, and though I was bawling my eyes out, I was also thinking what a wonderful blessing it is for them to have these words from her.  Wow!  What a gift! 

Lastly, we had a memorial service for a lady from our church who passed away last Friday morning.  This lady was a pillar in our church for 38 years.  I remember her (and her husband, who passed away several years ago) from when we first started attending that church when I was in 4th grade).  I sat behind her for many, many years.  I still have the book she gave to me for a graduation gift  - her beautiful handwriting and inscription in the front was really special to me. 

During the service, we were looking upon a HUGE drawing that she did – years ago – of William Tyndale.  It was one of a set of large illustrations that she did for our pastor when he was speaking a series of messages at a conference.  I remember seeing those drawings for the first time and being in total awe that someone could have that much talent.  In addition to art, she was also a very talented lady with words – last night, we sang a hymn that she had written.

I’m grateful that, as Christians, we have the reassurance that though death may end our relationship with people here on earth, we have the assurance of knowing that we will one day reunite with these people in heaven. 

2 comments:

Unknown said...

Wow! What an incredible gift from Sue! Thanks for sharing this with us!

Jodi said...

What a special gift from Sue! Just amazing! Thanks for sharing that Heidi:) This was a great post, I don't know how I missed it earlier! xo

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