Valentine's Day . . . a day I face with mixed emotions, and they change from year to year. But I love the idea of having a special day to celebrate those who you love. Whether it's a spouse, children, loved ones or friends, there are people on our lives that we dearly love and who love us back. They are such blessings. This week, I'm sharing the blessings that have come to me this week. Thank you, Susanne at Living to Tell the Story or getting us all together each week to share our special blessings. Come join us!
1. Computer working: Last week I shared how my newer laptop went blank, and I saw no way of getting it going. I have been using my spare laptop, and it has worked okay except for some glitches but it's slower than molasses. This week, I googled what might be wrong with my newer laptop and most didn't make any sense to me except that perhaps it had gotten too hot. This had never happened before, so I didn't consider that as a possibility. But, just for fun, I got it out, plugged it in and voila. . . . a perfectly fine working computer! I have no explanation for it other than divine intervention but I'm just happy I'm back to my old friend. So much faster and I'm not knocked off the internet as my older one did.
2. Breakfast with my daughter in law: Stephanie is more than just the lady who married my son, she's become such a dear friend. She suspected that Valentine's Day was a challenging day for me, so this morning, she suggested treating me to breakfast. We sat and talked for hours. She and I understand each other so well and we shared deep emotions as well as chit chat. We stopped at Dutch Brothers for coffee and then gabbed some more. What a blessing she has become to me. Everyone needs a "Stephanie" in their life.
3. Precious memories: It's been just under 43 years since our wedding day and almost 24 years since Alan passed on to glory.
September 11, 1982
Some Valentine's Days are challenging and that's when I dig out our wedding book and relive the memories. Alan bought me one single rose on Valentine's Day, 7 months before we married. It was also on Valentine's Day of 2001, that he received his cancer diagnosis. On our way home, we stopped at the grocery store for a few things, and he came out with a single red rose. For a few years after that, I would buy myself a single red rose to help mitigate the emptiness of that day. It was a reminder of his thoughtfulness and our love. Today, even though, he's not by my side, he's waiting for me in heaven. I have treasured memories of our years together and they make me smile. This isn't written to get sympathy but to celebrate the love that God sent my way. I may even get out our wedding book again to reminisce.
4. Apollo: I have to share occasionally about this little fur-guy in my life. Since I returned from my vacation in Florida, he has not left me alone. He's not, by nature, a cuddly cat and doesn't not like to be picked up and held. He shows his affection (and demands) in other ways like batting his head against my hand or arm wanting to be petted. Or now sleeping up near my head during the night. Or patting my face with his paw early in the morning when he thinks we should be getting up (aka feed me!) Affection is on his terms and that's okay. I'm thankful for whatever he gives.
5. Reading scripture: Or listening to it....or mediating on it. This week, God has reminded me of several scriptures that I've specifically needed. He has reminded me through His word that I am loved beyond measure... that I care for and provided for.... that I am saved from destruction...that I have eternity to look forward when I finally see Him face to face. The list is endless. How precious is the Word of God!
I hope that you all are looking forward to a special time with your loved ones and a wonderful weekend. It's turned cold again here in east Tennessee but I'm also seeing the trees with tiny buds. The cold won't last forever. Have a blessed weekend.
