These Days

These days-an entire Saturday spent cleaning and doing laundry, has been replaced by clean a little when you can and toss a load of laundry in when you remember...

These days-hours spent cooking and baking, have been replaced by whatever can be made in 30 minutes or less...

These days-long evening walks have been replaced by needing oxygen after a short walk around the block...

These days-long days at work have been replaced by long days on the couch reading books and watching TV...

These days-snuggling in bed with My Heart, has been replaced by 'I Love You' signed to each other from separate beds...

These days-long ER visits have been replaced by a hospice nurse who greets us with smiles, hugs and treats for our sweet fur babies...

These days-endless to-do lists have been replaced with quiet, reflective time. Time to read multiple devotional books and bible studies. Time to spend quietly in the Presence of God...

These days-boundless energy has been replaced with watching the birds swarm the feeders in the backyard; practicing meditation; and talking with Jesus while swinging in my hammock...

These days-dinners and evenings out with friends have been replaced by the most precious visits from friends far and near. A time to truly be together-laughing, crying, sharing our hearts and souls...

These days-taking things for granted has been replaced by seeing life and the world through fresh eyes. Eyes that appreciate beautiful fall weather. Eyes that enjoy watching a fluffy squirrel work to store away his winter food stash...

These days-the question of 'Why Me?', has been replaced with one, solid affirmation: 'I love you with an everlasting LOVE.'...

These days-anxiety over treatments, scans and scary snorts have been replaced with peace in 'just being'; just knowing that God has the timing of our lives in His complete control...

These days-tears of frustration and fear have been replaced by tears of love and gratitude (and some sadness) for my loves who surround me with their prayers, love and hearts - knowing that each and every tear has been seen and captured in His bottle - the One who cries right along with us...

These days-fear of dying has been replaced by a hopeful expectation of a place more beautiful, peaceful and joyful than my heart can fathom. Knowing that when I reach the other side, the first face I will see is that of Jesus, fills my heart with unspeakable love and joy...

These days, I live in gratitude that I've been given the gift of learning the meaning of TRUE LIFE...The joys of simplicity; slowing down and truly getting to know the hearts of those you love; spending peaceful, quiet moments with the One who makes each moment possible...


Blessings,
Mandy