Looking For The Gifts

 

As we walk this life we get to live - we have a choice. The dark thoughts want to leave their mark in our minds and we can give in to them or push them back.  One of the ways is to intentionally look for the good that is in and among all what is broken, chaotic, and hard. This morning was one of those days. As I took my morning walk, I chose to specifically look for and open my heart to see what good may be around me. Each counting of gifts, every notice of good is a push back on the darkness and hindering if from making tracks and winning. Looking for the gifts doesn't negate or ignore the hard, it simply doesn't let negativity take over. It pulls us toward the light. 

Life holds weeds in and among the good. 
Life is both/and not or.

Geese flying south. (just above the treeline :))  Sometimes we really do need to look hard. ;)

Freshly cut grass and enjoying the markings in the grass.

Sun's rays and warmth after many days of cloudy.

Random plant growing among the grass. 

My ever favourite wild flower - Queen Anne's Lace.

Freshly cut grass - blue sky - white clouds - 
HOME!

A spider web visible in the morning light and dew drops.

Realizing that I must let go to receive. I cannot hang on to 'what I think should happen or be" and receive the good gifts.  A tight fist cannot receive anything.
But I can hold both with an openness that allows space to see beyond the current situation. Surrendering to the love and strength of Jesus.  Surrender is a letting go to receive something greater, something better, more peace and with it - joy.