Small and wonderful things . . .

 

"The world is fairly studded and strewn with pennies cast broadside from a generous hand. But who gets excited by a mere penny?...It is dire poverty indeed when a man is so malnourished and fatigued that he won't stoop to pick up a penny. But if you cultivate a healthy poverty and simplicity, so that finding a penny will literally make your day, then, since the world is in fact planted with pennies, you have with your poverty bought a lifetime of days. It is that simple. what you see is what you get." ~Anne Dillard  

  A few of the small and wonderful things which bring untold joy into my life.   It's the small things in life which truly mean the most.  Simple abundance . . . it's the best.   

 

Church at home.  I have begun to lose my sense of timing in just how long we have been sheltering at home, but I think it has been about 14 weeks judging by the tithing I have saved in our tithing envelope.  I am so grateful for Sundays which are still sacred and holy thanks to inspired leadership and church at home. There are only the two of us, but we are still able to partake of the sacrament, listen to soul enriching talks and music online, even attend Sunday School online.  Last evening we were able to listen to and watch a Missionary Fireside on facebook. I always enjoy them so very much. The musical talent our Missionaries have and share with us is simply wonderful and the testimonies of new members that are shared are so very inspiring.  Normally we don't get to go to them as they are held quite a distance away and Todd no longer liked to drive at night, but we have so enjoyed watching these monthly devotionals on line over these past weeks.  They fill our hearts with love and peace. 

 

We have lots of fledglings visiting our garden these days.  I love to watch them.  Not quite having flown the nest, but soon I am sure.  They fly to and fro awkwardly as mother teaches them the things they need to know. Nature is such a beautiful miracle.  I feel my Heavenly Father's love as I watch them. 

God sees the little sparrow fall, 

It meets His tender view; 

If God so loves the little birds, 

I know He loves me, too. 

He loves me, too,

 He loves me, too, 

I know He loves me, too; 

Because He loves the little things, 

I know He loves me, too. 

Did you sing this hymn when you were a child?  I did and whenever I see sparrows I am reminded of it.  Very young children are so close to God, not having long since left His presence.  Loving him and feeling His love for them in return just comes naturally. 

 

I was thinking of my wee grandson in Heaven yesterday.  He was very much on my mind. Little James  . . .  I am sure my mother has become well acquainted with him by now and is keeping him safe for the rest of us, perhaps telling him all about us.  I hope he knows we love him. I look forward to seeing them both one day. He would have been six years old now.  I am so grateful for the Gospel which teaches us that families are eternal. 

 

Its been so long since I have done any art. Each week I tell myself this is the week I am going to get back at it, and then my time fritters away and I don't get to it. I miss it. I haven't done any pretty much since we lost mom. 

 

  

I think this is the last one I did, and she looked so sad  . . .  

I usually work with copic markers and they are mostly used up now.  I can't afford to buy new ones.  I am trying to learn the art of water colour   . . . 

 

Sometimes I do well at it, and other's not so well . . .  I need more practice. 

  

In the Devotional last night we were challenged to think of what question we would ask the Saviour if we could only ask one.  I had so many that went through my  mind, but here, this morning . . . it comes to me  . . .  "Why?" 

 

Cheese dreams.  Last evening while we were watching tv I had a small piece of cheese.  We buy these packs that have like 50 different small bites of cheese in them, individually wrapped, not much larger than a matchbox.  I had one and then proceeded to have cheese dreams. I dream really vividly anyways, but these dreams were something else.  For instance I dreamt my ex-employer sent me a huge box filled with goodies, gifts, etc. along with a friendly note about how much she missed me and had valued me as an employee. Why? (There's that question again.) 

Can I be honest this morning?   This past week I have struggled to find the light.  In a world of chaos where everthing is totally the opposite to what it should be and where the news which greets us with each day is nothing less than horrendous, I have struggled. Pandemic and sheltering, I can just about manage.  But this  . . . 

 

It makes me waver between despair and anger. Where are the masks, the social distancing, etc.???  I see very few masks and no social distancing going on.  How utterly, utterly selfish.  I dread to think of what the numbers are going to be in two week's time.   What have we stayed in for, for these past weeks  . . .  if things like this are going to happen.  How much damage will have been done with such thoughtlessness.  I know most youth don't think old lives matter anyways, but how will they feel when its their loved ones, or  . . .  God forbid, themselves . . . the virus is not a hoax or a game. Real people are dying and we have a duty of care to all people, and especially to our National Health Care Workers who will be the ones who suffer the most after all of this. 

Don't even get me started on the desecrations that have been done to important memorials, historic buildings, etc. statuary in honor of people who fought for the very rights they freely enjoy today. For what? I have to stop now before I say things that I shouldn't. Its insanity and so, so, so wrong.  You not going to erase several hundred years of history by dumping a statue into a harbour or writing filth over an historical landmark.

 

In The English Kitchen today  . . .  Slow-cooked Macaroni.  Deliciously different.

Have a great day.  Try not to let it get you down too much.  Just keep telling yourself this too will pass and remember  . . . 

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And I do too!     Stay safe!