Sunday, January 04, 2009

Sunday Afternoon Tea

It was lovely to sit at a table by the window at the coffee shop a few days ago, listening to classical music in the background, sipping coffee and taking a nibble once in awhile from my pastry. I was using a gift card so there was absolutely no guilt, just the ability to ponder away from all the gotta do's of home.

I brought with me my pink spiral notebook, the one with the University's name on the front... they sell such pretty notebooks these days. Ponderings were put on paper as well as Psalms picked out to pray through this year. I plan on spending more time in study this week but that was certainly a good start.

I am finally well rested and feeling better... still easily fatigued but that is easy to work around. I have gone back to my "a little at a time accomplishes much" way of doing things. There are certainly times I want to stomp my feet and complain to He Who Created Me about the limitations brought about by chronic illness and a compromised immune system.

But those moments only last a short while and He ignores such outburst the same way I let complaints from others go in one ear and out the other... as I know they are tired, frustrated, or just a little cranky from life's limitations.

What I was thinking about at the coffee shop and writing in my notebook was the subject of... attitude. I was pondering how our attitude toward God and Life and Eternity and "our place in this world" filters everything in our life. The Word says, "...as a man thinks in his heart, so is he" and I've certainly found that true in my own life.

While we live with very limited income, I was overwhelmed with the generosity of friends this Christmas. If I had a bad attitude, I'd complain to God about the need to believe Him for anything other than the basic bills (house payment, utilities, etc.). However, living with a thankful attitude causes me to anticipate what He is doing next and how He meets every need.

If one has a bad attitude toward life, then that person grumbles at what they lack. Developing a good attitude, a godly attitude, changes that lack into an adventure of seeing God's hand in our circumstances.

I was excited to hear what my granddaughters reaction was when they received the American Girl dolls from their paternal grandparents. I remember as a child that to receive a much desired doll was the best thing that could happen in my young life. I believe the Holy Spirit within us is the same way... He watches as a desire is met and laughs with us when hope is no longer deferred.

Life can be quite the battle and as we take our last breath, we will look back at the scars and bruises... wins and losses... the times we trusted and the moments we failed... all part of our destined days on this planet. Personally, I want to look back on my life with the pictures filtered through a godly attitude. I think only then can we see it becoming an amazing tapestry filled with grace and beauty.

Since I did not accept work at the bookstore the beginning of this new semester, I hope to spend time in study and reading and pondering and other things one can do when the house is a little more quiet. First I must finish sorting and cleaning the garage...

13 comments:

Vee said...

A godly attitude brightens everything...even if circumstances do not completely change, they are much improved. Plus, we're easier to live with. ;>

I must visit your daughter's blog to see if I may glimpse the new dolls...

Taking it a bit at a time works, too. It's the crashing and not getting up that doesn't. Speaking of which, I'm off for a Sunday afternoon nap.

Thank you for these wonderful teas...I look forward to them each week.

em said...

I'm glad you're doing better now.
Take good care of yourself!
Margaretha

Stickhorsecowgirls said...

I know it's sometimes hard to turn down work that is available to us, but we must consider if it is what He would have us do. Taking care of your health is no light matter. I'm sure you made the right decision, and the work you turned away provided an opportunity for someone who the timing was right for. Does that make sense? I'm facing a similar situation right now, and am trying to discern His will. It isn't always easy for me! V.

Anonymous said...

Can you resend me your address so I can get your pkg. out. Somehow it got deleted on my e-mail list.

Nice to see you are feeling better. I love your positive attitude.

Carol
Manitoba

Anonymous said...

So glad you are feeling so much better. Yes, attitude is so important, in all things, but especially in our relationship with the Lord. A thankful heart is a heart full of joy and hope and trust.

gail said...

Hello Brenda,
Yes its all about attitude and I think the Holy Spirit must find it so much easier to communicate with us when our attitude is good. I was at a luncheon yesterday were nearly every word expressed was negative and it certainly does have an affect on me. I did not join in the conversation but sat there thinking why do they not look on the possitives. Thankyou for your lovely thoughts. I do enjoy reading you blog.

Blessings gail

Cheri said...

In order to fight the negative attitude which sometimes creeps up on me, I found it to be so helpful to use my feeble brain cells to memorize Philippians 4:8.

Glad you are feeling better!

Christiana said...

Hi Brenda,

I enjoyed your post, as always! I have given you two blog awards...see here for details: http://mercyeverymorning.blogspot.com/2009/01/doubly-blessed.html

Happy New Year!
Christy

Gumbo Lily said...

Attitude is everything isn't it? Good ponderings.

Jody

Heather L. said...

Your final paragraphs reminded me of Ravi Zacharias' book "The Grand Weaver" -- that was such a good one! how God weaves every cirucmstance in our lives for His glory and creates a beautiful, exquisite tapestry

Becky K. said...

Praying that your strength is restored to completeness.

I can only imagine that working in the bookstore is both a joy and a risk for you with your health concerns.

I think I might take an idea from you and really study the Psalms this year.

Lady Katherine said...

Sometimes days are more cloudy for us, I know, lately I have felt the same, so very tired. But I look for the sun to come out again. I know with God's help I will be able to keep going. I hope you are much better today. With a spring in your step.

Anonymous said...

AMEN! Attitude! I see so many women who love Jesus with poor attitudes. I'd been wondering and thinking how I could love and encourage them, so I've been doing a few blog searches and I found yours. How delightful! As a man thinketh...so is he....Much to pray on in that simple verse. I'm off for an afternoon rest/pick me up and will do just that. Thanks for sharing!