Sunday Sentiments: What He's Done

 

Today is Palm Sunday…a day of praise and honor. A day of celebration for Who God is and what He means to us.

            And in the spirit of praise, honor, and celebration, I want to spend some time offering words of praise and thanks. Last weekend, at the retreat where I spoke, I talked about the importance of seeing the potentially mundane gifts right in front of you and celebrating the joy they bring.

            Today I am grateful for 124 months of marriage with Ryan. I am grateful for the love story God wrote for us, and the kindness and determination we have both invested in this relationship. Ryan makes it easy – and I hope he can say the same for me! I’m grateful for every adventure we have gone on and every hard thing we haven’t had to live through alone.

            We have had high winds the last two days, so I’m grateful for a solid roof above our heads. I’m thankful I’m not sitting here worried about losing a tarp or cinder blocks. I’m grateful for the workers who were swift, efficient, and brave. (Heights are not my gift, so anyone who can work on top of a roof has my respect.)

            We’ve had some beautiful sunsets this week, and each time, I’ve paused to appreciate them and to thank God for the magnificence of beauty. The array of colors. The breathtaking painting in the sky. They have each been so lovely in unique ways, and I adore them. He wouldn’t have had to make earth beautiful, but He did.

            Rest is a gift the Lord gave us, and I have been thankful for measures of it throughout evenings and weekends recently. He knew we would need it. I’m thankful He gave it – and gave us permission to use it. I see the value in that so much more than I used to.

            We saw our godson this weekend, and he wrapped us in hugs the minute he saw us. His sweet smile, his soulful eyes, his infectious energy…I am so grateful he has life. Every time I see him, I see the goodness of God and am reminded that we have a privilege of being part of his life, praying over him, and telling him how dearly God loves him.

            Last night, we gathered with our small group for a Seder meal. I celebrate all Jesus did for us. I celebrate the group of friends we have made in the last year. (Our first meeting with them last year WAS this meal.) They have encouraged us, and it’s been a joy to share life with them.

            Today I celebrate these gifts. And I leave you with this song that we sang together last night with our small group. These words are the words of my heart today!