I stated in yesterday's Blog that my 21 day challenge included daily Exercise and Kindness along with Meditation and Thankfulness. From here on out I will write only on the Meditation and Thankfulness unless something especially 'noteworthy' occurs in the other two.
Today's Meditation: Two statements from today's entry stand out: "Concentrate on keeping in step with Me instead of trying to anticipate My plans for you...relax and enjoy the present moment." and "Sometimes I grant you glimpses of your glorious future, to encourage you and spur you on." The first quote is especially timely as I am waiting to find out about a possible job and until I do I feel I am unable to move forward. Over the last few months/years I have had several seasons in my life that have found me waiting on something that ultimately didn't work out. It's challenging to be in waiting mode, 'relax and enjoy the moment' is a much appreciated and meaningful challenge. Thanks Ms.Young! More on the glimpse quote in Today's Thankfulness.
Today's Thankfulness:
Music: This is a big topic. Music can mean a lot of different things such as what we listen to, what we compose, what we play or all/some of the above. For me, to quote Garth from Wayne's World 'I like to play'. To be specific I like to play when I'm in the background of something else. For example I like to be in the pit of a musical, part of a small ensemble or part of a worship experience with a congregation participating. My current church is so encouraging and let's me play along with the pianist each Sunday as we spend time as a congregation in Hymns and Contemporary Praise songs. My husband and son also are part of this team adding electric guitar and bass. I play the flute. I love it more each year. I used to think I wasn't a 'real' musician because I'm not the kind that plays for hours each day (outside of when I was studying music). I have come to terms with this recently (being in my 40's rocks!!). It's similar to how I have recently come to realize that I need to embrace my laugh. When I play the flute, especially in the settings listed above, I get an incredible feeling and a generous amount of positive feedback. This relates to the 'glimpse' I mentioned above. In my struggles with what heaven is or isn't I believe I often get a 'glimpse' of whatever it is when I play the flute. In certain moments I believe I am already there.
The Flute: I received the flute I currently call mine during my sophomore year of college in the late 1980's. My orchestra director at Mary Washington College, Dr. James E. Baker, called and asked me to meet him at the auditorium where we would be performing later that day. Long story short a donor had given me a flute as a scholarship. It was such an amazing day. I had to bring my GPA up (oops that was tough!) and I had to promise to never sell it but to gift it to someone else. This all took place at a time when I was close to quitting college (did I mention my low GPA?). The flute is very precious to me and I am eternally thankful to Dr. Baker and the donor for cheering me on at a time when I most needed encouragement. This lesson of generosity has shaped me deeply. I hope to gift the flute to someone before I pass, my daughter assures me she will pass it on to a player in my place if necessary.
Our House: Forgive me but sometimes I actually hate my house. We bought it in 1997 which the calculator tells me is 18 years ago this July. The documents are vague but we believe it is nearing 100 years old. My husband is handy and for better and worse this means every room has updated electricity, updated duct work and paint not wallpaper. A common quote my husband makes is 'while we're doing ________ we may as well do ________' . Each room we've done so far represents about a year as we tend to run in spurts and dry spells of motivation. If you are into renovation projects feel free to check out my albums on Facebook (Amy Billhimer Haddock). Anyone who's done any long term renovation will probably understand why I often hate my house. Living around tools, dust and no shower/bath for a month doesn't exactly give one a warm and fuzzy feeling. On the other hand once a room is done it is one of the most amazing feelings of accomplishment and pride. Mom and dad helped us with the down payment and we moved into this home when our kids were practically 4 and almost 6 so this location will always be special. Having a roof is enough for giving thanks and our house is WAY more.
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