January's Joy
February's Joy
During the month of March:
1. 3 gifts at 3 pm
mercy at the library * their joy in new books * snacks all packed for the park
2. 3 gifts green
grass turning greener * that silly green hat * green apple tree he colored
3. 3 gifts wore
super hero mask * make-do wedding ring since my fingers are swollen * Skdamarink's tears when he comes to me for comfort
4. 3 gifts hard to give thanks for
words spoken that I can't agree with * friends whose words & attitudes wound & torment * having to leave when I would much rather stay
5. 3 gifts found
lost library book * patience in abundance * something to motivate
6. a gift bent, a gift broken, a gift beautiful
teacher bending to connect with a student * toys that still bring joy * baby coos
7. 3 gifts in the kitchen
love motivating a meal I don't feel like cooking * Cap baking biscuits * them all gobbling it down
8. 3 gifts loud
baby girl crying out for what she needs * boys giggling together * squeals of delight
9. 3 gifts carved
time carved out for reading * well-worn notches in the table * words in stone
10. 3 gifts in Christ
all this freedom * no cause for worry * ability to acknowledge sin & know Christ breaks the power & removes the stain
11. 3 gifts read
words from a hymn never heard before * a letter on the desk * silly book shared
12. a gift in wind, in water, in white
all those blustery blasts bringing warm air * whole house washed clean * lace curtains blowing from open windows
13. 3 gifts round
baby belly growing rounder * bright sun shining * green ball the boys are bouncing around the yard
14. 3 gifts found in silence
silence while boys snooze & I work * beautiful bird-song so loud in all this quiet * midnight bathroom trips revealing a house in peace
15. 3 gifts given away
hugs and kisses shared * little boys giving toys to each other * time spent off task
16. 3 hard eucharisteos
late night work when all I want is rest * thanks for work yet undone * words held back when patience wears thin
17. a gift turned, a gift folded, a gift hung
turning toward friends to talk together * sweatshirt folded behind my back in those chairs all day * the way they are hanging on the windowsill waiting for me to get home
18. 3 gifts red
little red scarf that transforms my sweet Skidamarink into a ruthless pirate * red paint that will be one day * red sheet hanging in the living room - serving it's last night as "tent"
19. 3 gifts eaten
breakfast with my boys * tacos since he can't be here * candy hearts
20. 3 gifts that made you laugh
little girl watching the sonogram * the way I have to keep learning this lesson * so much joy watching boys play
21. a gift salty, a gift sweet, a gift just right
tears cried when I realized it was his birthday * the cake a friend made with the boys to celebrate * her offering the stay & help more
22. 3 gifts found in his word
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him" * "The joy of the Lord is my strength" running through my head over and again * us all gathered round reading together
23. 3 gifts found in women today
sonogram tech announcing all is well * friends eager to rejoice in the good news * Grandma on the mend
24. 3 gifts spoken
time to talk with friends * shared relief that all is well * little voices bringing so many gifts
25. a gift sung, a gift written, a gift painted
Skidamarink singing "glory" * his schoolwork getting caught up * another coat of paint on baby's dresser
26. 3 gifts almost gone
night fading into day * cheerios all scarfed down * food left by friends - letting me rest even more
27. 3 gifts redemed
forgiveness shared when they bicker * discontent not ruling * relationships set right
28. 3 gifts entwined
Skid's head and hands peeking through railings to say hi * boys wrestling with their Dad * time to cuddle
29. 3 gifts of his promises
that he will be faithful even when I am faith-less * love unending * his love for her so far outweighing mine
30. 3 gifts uncovered
sillly little boys, hiding under blankets * new knowledge * sweet baby girl, smiling under that peek-a-boo blanket
31. a gift heard, a gift held, a gift hoped for
friends and family chatting * purple blanket, oh so soft * healthy baby girl to wrap up in that blanket
