Today in the first week of November, I want to look back with a fond farewell to October.
― L. M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables
One of my favorite writers, Emily P. Freeman, speaks of keeping a list entitled, "These are the days of ..." and listing all the simple joys that happen that month. Here is mine:
October was the days of ...
Wedding preparations in our family
Welcoming a new son
Chaos during renovations
FINALLY getting rid of blue-flowered walls that we had lived with all the days of my children's lives;
Color swatches and paint samples;
Sawdust and donut dust (powdered donuts go so well with hot beverages!);
Playing school with the grands;
Soups!
Getting out the boots and sweaters;
Fall decor
Deep spiritual conversations: In October I was struck by a thought first mentioned on an Out of the Ordinary podcast, "In the Presence of Your Enemies," (Podcast #49). This is not her exact words, but what
I heard Lisa-Jo say is that Psalm 23 tells us He prepares a table for us in the
presence of our enemies – and those enemies could well be the voices of the
enemy shouting at us – it could be our own thoughts!
I mulled that over and shared with several friends. Then this amazing thought came up: Our enemy, our negative thoughts if you will, have to watch us being fed and blessed. They are not invited to the table - He prepares it for US, those He is shepherding.
I don't know about you, but realizing this truth not only lightened my October but is bringing joy to my November.
In closing, one of my Facebook friends, Teresa Eaves Gaikema, shared a quote (not sure from whom) that really spoke to me:
"There are three months left in this decade. In. This. Decade."
Sobering thought! It's your choice how you spend them.
Now ... we're down to two ....
~~~
I'm sharing this post at the following communities:
(Wedding photos courtesy of A Shot of Faith Photography and other friends and family.)
Looks like a lovely October. The wedding photos are really great. I'll have to think on that thought about enemies...
ReplyDeleteHappy November to you and yikes about the end of a decade. Didn't consider that at all.
nice wedding photos!
ReplyDeleteLove the thoughts about Psalm 23 and enemies.....good to ponder that!
I know it's the end of a decade...i'm turning a new decade..the big 6-0 (which is really the new 40 right??!) in Dec. YIKES!!!!!
Happy November