A Summer's Journey

Here I sit on my sofa, enjoying the warmth Stella's underbelly gives off towards my very-cold toes. Yes, the day's temperature was in the upper 90s, but try telling my foot's appendages that. They don't care.

Thankfully, my dog does.

The majority of my family, from Ohio to Arkansas, are getting ready to launch off on an adventure to the beach together. They will enjoy a week of fun in sun and fellowship with one another--so much catching up to be done! I, however, will remain where I am, anchored to this town Monday through Friday for the remainder of the summer by a massive magnetic power I tend to call "THERAPY."

I've never been to the beach.

My "adopted" family here are planning a 2-week trip to South Dakota later this month. AHH! What will I do without them?! Again, I find myself glued to this spot, unmoving, due to this unrelenting force--"THERAPY."

I've never been to Mount Rushmore.

Then again, I wasn't invited on that trip. (chuckling quietly to self) I just thought it would add to the dramatic emotion of the scene.

Regardless of all the fun and memories I won't experience this summer, there are so many more to be made. I am loving my career choice more and more with every passing day--and every sweet smile. I am carried away with compassion for these precious elderly individuals, with stories to be told and lives to be shared.

I may miss out on some exciting trips, but God has given me a journey this summer that I will not regret taking. He has been leading me and teaching me. This speech therapist is speechless when I consider His hand in my life.

Thankful for:
101. A last-minute bible study in my small, perpetually dark living room
102. An opportunity to catch up with classmates over hamburger helper
103. Provision of clinical hours and a peace about meeting the quota for graduation
104. A reminder of God's steadfast, unchanging nature in a world of instability and time of shifting loyalties
105. A make-shift blanket of soft black and white fur with two beautiful eyes...oh! that's my dog! Well, I'm thankful for her, too.

A Thankful Heart

"I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together." (Psalms 34:1-3)

96. A cancellation that allowed Stella in early for her spaying. It saved her life.
97. A Memorial Day to remember: visiting with a dear friend and meeting an elderly couple in our church who celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary on Wednesday.
98. Two burnt burgers and eight good ones--and four friends to share them with.
99. The return of a precious lady to our facility from her recent visit to the hospital.
100. An opportunity to participate in the women's class at church.

What Really Matters?

The brevity of life has struck me hard today.

I lost a patient.

Two days ago, we played checkers and laughed at how long it had been since she'd played the game. Today my heart aches as I think no one will ever see that beautiful smile and twinkling eyes again on this side of heaven.

What really matters? Do our careers REALLY mean so much that we put the blessings in life to the side?

Is that hour of peace and quite really more important than a day with our energetic little ones?

Is our own comfort and convenience worth making our parents endure the monotony and loneliness of nursing homes during their final days?

I have spent too much of my life being selfish.

It's time I learned what really matters.

I don't think I'm alone.