5.15.2013

revel in this







Mother's Day, 2013.

Thankfulness seeps into my soul, like the slow drip of a hidden spring.
It's thirst that led me to it's Source.  Isn't it always?  I've found a river beneath all the weight of life's topsoil--clean, clear, life-giving water that's fed by tears and purified a thousand times over.  Gratefulness bubbles up from the hard ground, and proves that it's stronger.

Always stronger.

My husband told me a story about the sea, how he walked along the beach in Haiti.  Picking his way through trash and debris on the shores that should be beautiful.  And that's when he saw them.  Thousands of green and blue and aquamarine pieces of glass, smoothed into stones by a pounding surf.  Sea glass.  He brought bags of them home and we couldn't tell they were once cast away bottles, smoothing our hands over their surface, enamored by their muted colors of jade and sky and sea.

Gratefulness.

Like rushing water, it smooths sharp corners and rough patches, wearing a path through walls of stubborn rock.  It's gratefulness that polishes the dullness right out of life.  Because there's the ordinary day in and day out that a dreamer like me never really learned how to navigate.  The everyday ebb and flow of an ancient tide.  But there's treasure, always treasure to be unearthed by another wave.  

So, I lay back on another mother's quilt made decades ago, head in the clouds, hands in the sand, my baby flinging her arms at the sky beside me.  I hear the voices of my children and their daddy catching crabs amid the sound of a gently lapping surf.  And I want to bottle this immense gratefulness and bring it home to the ordinary.  To spill it out on all those days I need it most.  Making shiny and new all these treasures I hold.

















P.S.  Thank you, Joel, and Thaddeus, Boston, Astair, Legend, and Story.  Thank you for filling my days with adventure and my heart with overwhelming gratitude.  Thank you for making me a mother, and thank you, Lord, for teaching me everyday how to be one.

10 comments:

Unknown said...

Beautiful thoughts. Great reminder to be grateful for what is given and look away from what is lacking. What a beautiful family you have and what a talent to pen the words to paper so beautifully!

Southern Gal said...

I love this, Joye. It's a little piece of your heart you are sharing here and it's beautiful. So refreshing.

Unknown said...

I love this. Although that seagull picture makes me feel panicky inside.

Joy said...

You nearly do my heart in with your beautiful words.

Blissful & Domestic said...

I just love your blog. Such a breathe of fresh air after a long day. Beautiful pictures as well. I am always thankful for the messages you share:>

www.blissfulanddomestic.com

KJG said...

It seems gratitude and thankfulness is a theme right now. I'm seeing and hearing it in all sorts of beautiful places. Thank you for this precious piece of your heart.

This quote I read yesterday was encouraging to me:
"Thankfulness reveals to God (and to discerning people) that the appreciative one is ready to be entrusted with more of the abundance and glory of the kingdom." Steve Backlund

Sarah said...

Such a joyE to splash around with you. It's been a while, and it is a delight to see how God continues to splash you with all of his goodness.

Be blessed bunches,
Sarah

www.justsarahdawn.blogpot.com

vintage grey said...

Darling and precious photos and memories!! Always enjoy reading your posts! Wishing you a blessed and beautiful summer! xo Heather

KJG said...

Hi, again. I tried the link to message you directly, but it no longer exists. I just have thought of you several times lately. I know you only by this blog, but even in that small way, I know that Papa can bring your name to mind to be lifted before him. I am praying encouragement in your world - a fresh revival of hope. I'm going to be bold and send a link to a song that felt like rain to my thirsty soul. It's All Sons and Daughters out of Nashville. The song is "All Glory/Nothing but the Blood". May you feel refreshed, revived, and covered by the Father's love. Be blessed. Kelly
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-KFK2bc1Ac

Miji said...

Love you Joye. Across the miles, you're still my neighbor. This was a good post to read this morning, so many months after it was even written.....

Praying your heart is reminded of the sea glass today, and filled with gratefulness. Also, hoping some fall weather is gracing you with it's gentleness and ease. I love you.

XO, M

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