Life has been a challenge for many these days. I’ve adopted the mantra “We Can Do Hard Things” from Glennon Doyle. Because we can, and we do. But today, Ramona suggests we reflect on celebrations. I have a list that includes celebrations big and small.
- A family wedding! It’s always joyful to spend time with family. Our family (including all my children and grands) gathered in Seattle, Washington a few weeks ago for the wedding of my niece. The setting was on the Puget Sound facing the Olympic Mountains at sunset. Six days later my sister-in-law brought me to a beach nearby the wedding location as I recovered from Covid. I celebrate beauty, beach, fresh air, and family love!
2. Flowers are blooming! My friend and former student Jennifer and her husband grow fields of sunflowers and hold “You Pick” days. (Petite Anse Farm) I took my grandson Thomas “Tuffy” on Sunday morning (This was our church service) and picked a bucket of sunflowers. Thomas enjoyed having his own pair of scissors and feeding the chickens with Farmer Andy. I celebrate summer, flowers, and farmers who adore curious toddlers.
3. I was absent the last week of school. My colleague next door, Erica, packed up all the books on my shelves (I have a lot of books!) to prepare for summer cleaning. I went to check on things on Monday and was met with this amazing surprise. Also my principal’s daughter, who is 10 going on 11, was there to help with “Tuffy” while I did a few more things. I celebrate the kindness and consideration of colleagues and teaching in a school with this welcoming environment.
4. My friend and unofficial spiritual director Ellen sends me daily quotes. I am amazed how many times the quote she sends hits the exact right spot. Last week when I was recovering she sent me this list. Just what I needed. I celebrate the spiritual guidance of others who give us strength when we need it.
Reflections on the Teche 
Congratulations on the wedding, the ending of school and sunflowers, and God’s grace. Thank for reminding us! Have a blessed summer.
I love the pictures of Thomas, the wedding couple, sunflowers, and you on the beach. What a gorgeous wedding gown! That’s a great mantra! I love your friend’s eight things to remember. Such great things to celebrate! Romona is wise to have everyone focus on celebrations. I shall ponder this, also. Thank you for sharing your things to celebrate. Remember to do something for yourself every day. I’m sending prayers. Thank you for all you shared in your post and for your inspiration.
Love this post and my world is more right because you seem to be “bounced back” or mostly there from illness. Tuffy is the cutest! What a special memory he will have of time with you. Your family is fortunate that you are there for them. One of local papers filed a FOIA request for data on the discipline challenges in the school district where I work. The numbers speak for themselves and make me realize there’s a reason why this year feels difficult and I am exhausted. I’m praying that one summer can be enough of a re-set. This is nation wide…my district is not unique. I’m currently praying for the educators that plan on returning to work next year to recover from this year and have the strength to do the work next year.
❤
Thanks for “yes, we can do hard things” as well as all your examples of celebrating small things. Yes, there is always something to be thankful for. An indomitable spirit is certainly one.
I love all of this – the blue and yellow, the beach and you, the newlyweds,Thomas and Farmer Andy, and the 8 things to remember! I’ve already taken a screen shot, so I can refer back. I may print it off for my bathroom mirror. And what a blessing your colleagues have been during this time. Who knew you would get Covid in Seattle?
Margaret, I did not know that you had COVID, especially after a wonderful family wedding. Life is certainly quirky these days. My family got COVID two weeks ago. It started with my sister, then grandgirls, son-in-law, and daughter. My husband, son, and I were blessed with no negative results but then I got a strange rash on my upper body and face. I made it through the itching and the odd effects on my surgery eyes. The Lord watched over me and that is enough to be grateful for. I am glad that you are healing and enjoying the beauty of nature with Thomas.Peace to you and continued healing. Your post made me appreciate life even more after reading it.
You have shared some beautiful celebrations! Those sunflowers are gorgeous. I love how very simple acts (your colleague packing up your room!) can be cause for celebration – we need more of these in our world. May you have a full recovery from COVID!!
Margaret, such an uplifting post – the family love and celebrations, precious Thomas – sunflowers and the beach absolutely restore the soul. You’re so right about that list of 8 Things being exactly the thing needed – I will hold onto it. So grateful to be writing alongside you in these journeys.
And me too you!