Sunday, January 17, 2010

The counting continues...

It has been a difficult beginning to this year. One might find it even difficult to notice the graces beyond the grief.

Still, when the watching is clouded by life, the graces remain.
Constants in the midst of turmoil.

So as I begin to regroup and gather my life once again, I meet here in this moment to mark the blessings observed.

12. A mother who loved her family, not perfectly, but as completely as she could.

13. The opportunity to say goodbye one last time.

14. Memories caught on paper, recorded in photos and etched forever in our minds.

15. Friends who came, not because they knew her but because they loved us.

16. Tears that empty our souls of the hurt within.

17. A night's rest on a cozy bed under warm blankets on a cold winter night.

18. The prayers of those who venture to my little corner of cyberspace. We've never met and yet we journey a path together.

19. Employers and coworkers who understood and supported us.

20. The peace that comes from knowing our grief is as transient as our lives and one day - it will be no more. One day the joy will come and remain forever!


These moments are necessary, my friends. I pray that you too find time to gather your graces. When the sacred chaos of life overwhelms, purposefully observe. Draw them close. Remember them. In the grasping, you will feel the hand of God.

holy experience




© A Sacred Longing 2009

15 comments:

  1. We always have many blessings no matter what our circumstances if we "look." Thank you for sharing your blessings!
    andrea

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  2. So glad you're finding HIs sacred gratitude among sorrow!

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  3. May His grace abound in you as you walk in this journey, a beautiful journey of gratitude.

    Becky in Mexico,

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  4. We had number 15 when my mom passed away. One came from hours and hours away to be with us for her funeral.

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  5. Thought provoking list. Grace does remain constant in the midst of turmoil.
    Tears are a gift. They do cleanse the soul and empty up but grace is quick to fill us back up.
    grace and peace to you
    annesta

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  6. Thanking God for your gift of faith to find Him in times of need. He is there...

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  7. As always, the eloquent words your write bless me beyond measure! I love "gather your graces" - awesome picture,

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  8. beautiful post...etched with grace. blessings, lisa

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  9. I am so glad that you are able to see and embrace the graces of our Lord in the midst of some hard times in your life right now Denise. I am praying for you and the family.
    Christy

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  10. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, your list and your heart! Be Blessed, Angie in GA

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  11. Sweet Friend,

    Thank you for stopping by my blog today and leaving your kind words. That means so much to me...and thank you for this beautiful posting.

    Finding the graces amidst life's challenges, trials, storms, raging seas is such a blessing from God. I often think about those who do not believe in Him, have nothing to hang on to and think that there is nothing beyond this world.

    Oh the many blessings, the many graces...yes my special friend...they surely are there every where we turn if we take the time to be still, as you have done here to regroup and gather your life once again.

    Such lovely thoughts. You have blessed my heart today and I really needed that. I'm going to sit down, still myself and write down the graces amidst the raging seas in my life...yes, that is what I will do tonight.

    Love & Hugs,
    Alleluiabelle

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  12. Hi dear sister, thank you for sharing your journey with us. My love and prayers go with you Denise. You are precious to the LORD.

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  13. One of my favorite "reads" this week, Denise. Gathering our graces...

    You paint a lovely picture with so few words. Wish I knew how.

    Love you.

    peace~elaine

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  14. my dear Denise,
    Though I have not visited regularly, I make it a point to scroll down from the most recent post which is my entry point to your blog place, then slowly read up to where I last visited.

    Always, your posts leave me with such a beautiful message of grace and transparency. So honestly your write from your fullness, and your emptiness, of your pain, your quiet joys, unexpected rays of hope... and I am deeply touched.

    I can connect with you, heart to heart, my dearest blog friend.

    Accept a warm cyber embrace from me to you across the seas.

    Praying for you, as we travel together through life. I will look forward to meeting you face to face someday.

    Love
    Lidj

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  15. Grief is a personal thing - each one handles it differently. I lost my son 14 years ago - I am very acquainted with grief! Yes, joy will return to you in time. God's peace be with you during this time my friend!

    Blessings and hugs,
    Debbie

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