Re: Excerpt from Chicken Soup...

[Guest guest]

Martha,

Thank you for that lovely quote. It's one I need to read every

morning because I have trouble with some parts of that rejoicing

celebration.

> ... I will marvel at God's seemingly simple gifts...

In my little piece of God's creation, the narcissus are in full

bloom, the fire bush is beginning to open their red flowers and

the red bud tree had a few clusters of lavender in its upper

branches. With the mild winter, we've had azaleas blooming all

winter in little snatches of color. My peas are sprouted and

growing promising a tasty reward later this spring. The little

multiplying onions in my garden are sweet and tasty in my kitchen

recipes. The wide variety of birds are always such a cheerful

addition to the sights and sounds of my day outside.

> ... I'll make someone smile.

That always works wonders.

> I'll go out of my way to

> perform an unexpected act of kindness

This is part of what is behind my volunteer work at the local

primary school where my efforts are concentrated on those who are

behind and struggling. Most of these 6 year olds need hugs and

smiles of approval more than anything to keep them encouraged

enough to keep trying.

> I'll tell a child how special he is

It was pitiful to watch the expression of doubt and cautious

wonder on the face of one little second grade boy today who was

my first " guinea pig " when I began working with his group last

year. We were studying vocabulary words, one of which was

" special " -- which opened a whole new discussion for us on how is

person is special and that someone loves him who is not obligated

like his parents.

> Today is the day I quit worrying about what I don't have ...

Sure need to work on that one while I'm so cold and wishing for

that central heat that so many assume 'everyone' has.

> As the day ends and I lay my head down on my pillow, I

> will thank the Almighty ...

The only way to end the day for me.

Gratefully, Patty Bacon in the chilly Pineywoods of East Texas