Thankyou, Mum



My Mum's brooch, one she often wore, reminds me of her life and love

I was only six or seven, but already struggled to share what I really thought. My fears were real, but I kept them to myself. I tried to please my Mum, longing for her acceptance and understanding of me. My shyness was so limiting, and I wanted to be able to do and say the things that were clammed up in a hard shell. I still know these things today, but am so thankful for the love of my Father God and His forgiveness. I am thankful, too, for the love of my husband.

As this young child I watched closely what my mother did, and learned many things from her. I loved to help cook, and clean the house. But I never felt what I did was good enough. Mum seemed to be cross all the time, or maybe that's what I thought.

Whatever, she saved my life, and I can only thank her. 

You see, my Father was a good fruit and vegetable grower, and he had picked some very big grapes. They were sitting on the kitchen table, and I wanted some. I had been told not to touch them. I took a really large grape; in fact I had chosen to take the biggest I could find, eat it, and Mum would not even know. 

The taste was going to be wonderful; but I did not get to taste it, because it slipped down my throat, resting gently across my windpipe. My breath was coming in gasps. My fear was great. Reality seemed to dim. Where was Mum? I would have to tell her things were not right.

I can still see her today. She was mopping under my bed - head bent down with her slightly greying hair. She wore an apron over her dress, and slippers on her feet.

I had found her, but I could not speak.  Things around were becoming irrelevant. I could hardly get any air in. I can still hear my gasps. I stood next to her, and she looked up. I know she did not speak, but she saw my need. I remember her hitting me on my back, and then air rushing into my lungs. 

I can see myself looking for the grape on the floor, head down, and trying to get myself together. I walked away, and I am sure I never said 'thankyou'. In fact it was never mentioned again. But life had been given back to me in that so small an act of great love.

Today I say 'thankyou', and know that my Mother struggled to communicate love, and she knew pain in her life that she rarely talked about. 

I see too that the love of the Father is so rich for both of us. She has died, but I love her deeply.

Today I am joining with Ann in The 1000 mothers project.

A Good Idea

 While we were out walking my husband had this good idea to collect a few gum tree branches to make a Christmas tree.

They looked very ordinary, indeed not much life at all, just brown and bare.

But with another good idea, these branches have come to life, and will satisfy us here in Australia's summer.
The gift of renewed life is there in Christ for us all.
Today my heart is thankful for:
101. Simple branches that appeared to be lifeless.
102. Sharing with my husband.
102. The gift of a mind to think.
103. Warm days.
104. Encouragement on a blog.
105. Time to cut out a pattern.
106. A sense of freshness in life.
107. Visiting an older lady.

I am sharing with Ann at A Holy Experience

                                   

Always Following the Light

This is an unusual pot plant that sits under the back verandah. There is not as much sunlight here.
See how the plant has turned to seek the light. We have tried to trick this plant, and turn it around the other way. But the plant with these beautifully coloured flowers again seeks the light. To me they bend low in recognition of the Giver of life and light. For the plant there is a source that is life-giving.

I learn from the plant that life outside of Love and Life will indeed be spindly and  colourless. Is this not death when we will not come to the Father who gives all that is needed for full living? Seek the Light and live!

Counting thanks:
92.  A reminder to be thankful in all things.
93.  Medical help for my son-in-law.
94.  My daughter's support for her family.
95.  A plant to tell me to seek the true Light.
96.  Lunch with my grand-daughter.
98.  Music in the evening.
99.  Accepting the constant barking of a dog.
100. A returned phone call.

I am linking with Ann at A Holy Experience.

Men's Shed

My husband loves to share with people, and he encourages them in the riches of true life.
He is a carpenter and pastor, so every while he cleans up his shed and invites older men from our country town to come and share their stories.

My simple pleasure is looking out of the kitchen window and seeing them share together.

I am sharing with Dayle at Simple Pleasures

Reflections

I love the sun shining in the windows with its warmth and light. I don't want anything to obscure it.
I captured the sun in the late afternoon showing colour and texture, and reflected light in this old jug and basin.

It is my simple pleasure today.

I am joining Dayle at Simple Pleasures.

Spring!

The first blossoms on the plum tree have appeared! Spring is around the corner.
My simple pleasure is to see the unfolding of Spring which speaks of hope and fruitfulness.
Added to this pleasure is being able to photograph the blossom with a camera.

You see, we left the camera at a holiday unit, and it was gone for good. But my dear daughter organised a new one. So simple pleasures just keep on happening!

I am sharing with Dayle at Simple Pleasures

Hiding in the dark

I was scrounging around in the back of a cupboard a few days ago, and came across this ornament tucked right away in a corner. She is supposed to hold tooth picks. She is not really very beautiful, but she tells us a wonderful thing: We give you thanks for all your gifts. This can be life-changing.

I was so pleased to find her and be reminded

This is my simple pleasure for today, and I am joining with Dayle at Simple Pleasures