Saturday 31 December 2011

Bye bye 2011 hello 2012

31st December 2011...................Where does one begin?  It is almost impossible to sum up an entire year in just a few sentences but I'll try.  To be honest all I can express are words of gratitude for my life and the lives of my family, immediate and extended and friends.  What am I grateful for?  Without it sounding like a cliche I am thankful for my husband who is my soul mate and earthly inspiration for all I do and aspire to be; my children who are each amazingly crafted and love me in a way that leaves me speechless and in awe; my siblings without whom there would not be so much to remember in laughter and with fondness and my friends and who complete that special unit called family. 

2011 has not been a perfect year (not that I would or should expect it to be) and my experiences during it have and continue to shape my character.  I am however most grateful for such experiences.

I love learning and one of my favourite joys is sitting chatting to my son who although only 19 is full of wisdom and insight beyond his years. 

Most of all Today (day 5) I am Grateful to God in heaven who gave me another year to spend in his wonderful fellowship.

To all of you I pray a most blessed and healthy start to 2012.

Friday 30 December 2011

Being more childlike

I absolutely love old movies and one of my favourites is Pollyanna which was on the box today.  I must admit to being partial to the original which starred Hayley Mills.  However the remake is commendable with an emotional performance from Amanda Burton.  The tale of how one person, in this case a child, through a life of selflessness changed the hearts and lives of all around her, always leaves me reaching for the box of tissues! 

Today (day 4) I am grateful for the lessons we can learn by being more childlike in our dealings with each other!

Thursday 29 December 2011

Laughter and Friends

They say that laughter is the best medicine. Well I can testify to that. It's not often that I can say someone else can out-talk me but after an hour and a half on the phone with one of my oldest (not in age), loveliest and dearest of friends I admit defeat. We had so much to catch up on that this was just the first instalment. We laughed and laughed so much we were both left hoarse. Although we do not speak every day when we do we simply pick up from where we left off and I am always left buzzing.

Today (day 3) I sincerely thank God for the gift of wonderful and precious friends.

Wednesday 28 December 2011

The 'lie-in'

I opened my eyes this morning to witness the winter sunlight trying to break through the somewhat uncooperative clouds!  My immediate action was to turn to the alarm clock that has become a very good friend of mine.  10.45am.  I smiled and snuggled under my duvet. 

Today (day 2) I am grateful for days like this when I don't need to jump up at 6.30am or frown at the alarm clock that's simply doing its job.  Instead I can embrace the joy of a 'lie-in'.

Tuesday 27 December 2011

The simple things in life!

In this festive season it is so easy to get caught up in the commercial madness that is Christmas.  First the early reminders from the stores, as early as September, followed by the frenzied buying in crowded shops in the hope of finding that perfect present.  I do love the Christmas holidays; carols on the Eve, crisp white snow (though not recently) and the warm scent of spiced apple candles!  Though not a lengthy holiday (from the viewpoint of a tired school teacher) it is a truly special time to spend with precious family and friends.

I have set myself a challenge.  From the countless and maybe simplest of daily blessings I will choose one to share with you every day.  So join me and let us inspire and encourage each other.

What am I grateful for today?  As I look around it's all too clear to see; five of us sit cosily watching a movie that we have watched many times before but no one seems to mind.

What are you grateful for today?