Life can be tragic and random and glorious all in one day. It makes no sense and it’s terrifying if you’re living as if this is all there is. But giving thanks reminds us that God is always busy doing even when we can’t see how or why. And counting gifts sets the heart on what’s more and what’s to come because ‘God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end.’ (Ecclesiastes 3:11)

This week’s 39 things:

 

1526 The gift of pain that leaves us changed forever

1527 A last minute weekend-away invite from the Billsons (even though we couldn’t take it up)

1528 A helicopter landing at church last week –

1529 And the wonder it engendered all week long

1530 Cam asking my forgiveness

1531 Mosaic shopping with Kirst

1532 A countrywide community roused and mobilised by love and history after a tragic, senseless shooting

1533 Prayers that carry through the night

1534 Bike track around the garden for the boys – in the making

1535 Another candid sex ed. chat with Cam after some equally candid questions –

1536 And his clear understanding that we are the safe space for ‘home talk’

1537 Me, Cam and Scott – on our way to swim at Granny’s house –

1538 Singing loud and wild in the car with wind in our faces – this song – every line a prayer and a gift –

1539 Everyone needs compassion, a love that’s never failing – let mercy fall on me.

1540 Everyone needs forgiveness, the kindness of a Saviour – the hope of nations.

1541 Saviour, he can move the mountains; my God is mighty to save – he is mighty to save.

1542 Forever author of salvation – he rose and conquered the grave – Jesus conquered the grave.

1543 So take me as you find me – all my fears and failures – fill my life again.

1544 I give my life to follow everything I believe in – so I surrender.

1545 Shine your light and let the whole world see; we’re singing for the glory of the risen King

1546 Watching Murray and the boys sprinting down the passage – shrieking and chasing

1547 Dinner at Pascali’s with Murray’s folks

1548 Big Oregon work table for our study – ordered and delivered

1549 Now and then, saying no

1550 Playing house-house with Scott

1551 Simon, Cliff, Samuel and spring time slowly transforming our garden

1552 Grace in the moment when someone overstepped the mark to discipline our kids

1553 Grace in the moment for condescension and mild derision

1554 Catching up with Olga, an old school friend

1555 Watching The Impossible with Murray and having a good sob

1556 Two birthday parties on one Saturday –

1557 Too much sugar and so much fun –

1558 And home again to the quiet so Cam could say calmly, ‘There was too much talking today; I got confused.’

1559 The now-ness of Scott’s tight clinging and tears because he won’t need me forever

1560 Cammy’s last term of Grade 00 starting today – the miracles keep rolling in

1561 Housewarming gifts –

1562 And catching up with Terry and Margie

1563 Cam calling me back after lights out for a hug and to say, ‘Mom I’m so grateful for you.’

1564 Leftover bienenstich cake, calling my name

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