Saturday, December 30, 2006

Raindrops on Roses

While perusing around in this "new" blogger universe I am discovering, I came across a blog from a young woman at my church. Her post struck me deep, and I have since spent quite a bit of time reflecting on her thoughts. She commented on having a journal where she wrote about all of the things she loved(s). She challenged her readers to take some time to reflect and write about all the things in life they love. This challenge has remained in my mind for the last few days, and during my reflection a certain song popped into my head:

"Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens,
Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens,
Brown paper packages tied up with string,
These are a few of my favorite things.
Cream colored ponies and crisp apple strudel,
Door bells and sleigh bells,
And schnitzel with noodles,
Wild geese that fly with a moon on their wings,
These are a few of my favorite things."

Combining the idea of writing down all that I love with the honesty of this song from Sound of Music caused me to reflect even more on what it means to love something. Initially I could have written simply, "I love my family. I love my Savior Jesus Christ. I love my church family. I love teaching children." All of that is so important; it is true that I deeply love each of those things. But, doesn't God give me so much more? Doesn't He surround me with things everyday that proclaim His majesty, sovereignty, and love for me?

My best friend once told me to look for the butterflies in life. She was challenging me to see the little gifts God gives me each day that speak of His love for me. The song "My Favorite Things" really does just that--it finds the butterflies in life that help you get through the good times and the hard times in life.

So, having said all that, here are my "butterflies:"

I love the way rain sounds when it hits a window during a storm. I love the power of God demonstrated in the thunder and lightening. I love having a roof over my head that provides me shelter while I admire the power of God in the thunder and lightening. I love the smiles of babies, and the face they make when they are learning to make their first sounds. I love to cuddle with a child. I love waterfalls. I love butterflies. I love dogs. I love cozy pajamas. I love big, warm blankets that cover my whole body when I curl up to relax. I love to read. I love reading a book that transports to me a different place. I love to curl up and get lost in a book for hours. I love to crochet. I love Christmas. I love Christmas lights, Christmas decorations, Christmas shopping. I love seeing the reaction of those I give gifts too. I love hot chocolate-especially with peppermint. I love shoes. I love clothes. I love flowers. I love gift cards. I love old movies. I love watching a mother or a father talk to their child. I love watching someone discover something new. I love how my first grade students need hugs all day long. I loved it when a little boy told me he had prayed for me because I was sick. I love listening to children explain things so matter-of-factly when adults can spend hours trying to explain the same concept. I love the innocence of children. I love the look of concentration on a little face that is learning. I love to listen to children read. I love to teach children to read. I love to watch a child's eyes light up with understanding. I love to hear my students say, "I missed you, Miss Lowery." I love to sing. I love music that reaches down and touches your soul. I love pianos. I love being sung to. I love being read to. I love chocolate. I love candles. I love rocking chairs. I love sunsets. I love rainbows. I love long, hot baths with a good novel. I love manicures and pedicures. I love sitting with a friend and catching up for hours. I love sitting with a friend and just sitting cause nothing needs to be said. I love my mom and dad. I love my sister. I love my grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. I love that Jesus Christ died for me even though I am so undeserving. I love that God made me the way I am for a reason even when I don't always know what that reason is. I love my Lord God.

"Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things...And the God of peace will be with you." Phil 4:8, 9b

0 comments: