This came up in a memory from 2019 and I thought it was so appropriate for today’s message at The Way Middleton on “Taking Every Thought Captive” that I decided to repost.
August 13: California trip. 3 AM living room curtain rod breaks, must nail up a sheet before we leave. Work Zones/pilot cars. Flying locust attack over Donner, hundreds of insect bodies impact Black Bart head on. Non-working hair dryer at first hotel. Tahoe Joe’s gave us worst waiter they had. Forgot hat and got scalp sunburn while eating outside in hot sun at lunch following older grandson’s scrimmage. Santa Cruz boardwalk, crowded, noise level off the charts. Traffic ….
Wait. Stop there. Don’t hold that thought!
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things.” [Phil 4:9]
Enjoyed a meal with two couples (brothers and sisters in Christ) we hadn’t shared a meal with in almost 20 years; talked about old and new times! Hugs. Movie, Der Wienerschnitzel and a round of Mini-Golf with youngest grandson. Hugs. Football scrimmages with both California grandsons. 16th birthday party. Driving with 16-year-old who has his learner’s permit. Hugs. Spent time with my brother. Hugs. Family party where we laughed so hard telling “family tales” we could hardly catch our breath. Santa Cruz boardwalk unicorn bike taxi with youngest grandson and a puppy named “Princess.” Watching a group of teenagers have a blast on rides I wouldn’t ever consider. Hugs. Watching youngest riding with his dad, showing how brave he was. Did I mention hugs?
Everyday life presents us with the things lovely and unlovely. It is our choice which we will think about and what we dwell on.