I received an e-mail today from someone very close to my family, whom we love and, appreciate more than words can express. The e-mail she sent is below. It blessed me. I trust it will bless you. Dance…
[I was walking around in a store while on my lunch break. It was foolish of me, I know because whenever I get depressed I go shopping, but "Hallaylouyer" anyhow! Anyway, even though I am trying to be positive, I was a wee little depressed. It has been a rough summer for me, financially and otherwise, you know... So as I was moping around the store I looked down and saw a picture that said:
"Happiness: Those who say only sunshine brings Happiness, have never danced in the rain."
I almost cried. I never know what to do when problems arise. I maintain my dignity and I love God "anyway". I praise Him for all the wonderful things He has done. I stay faithful. But when it rains, sometimes (most times) I sit inside and look out the windows and wish it would all just go away. The day feels so wasted.
Not anymore. I am choosing to kick off my socks and shoes and dance in the rain. I am choosing to grab my daughters hand and take her outside with me and show her that this rain wasn't in vain. The plants will grow, the grass will grow, and the flowers will bloom, once the rain has passed. But in the meantime, look how much fun it is to dance in the rain! It is NOT the end of everything, but the beginning of new things!
Phew! I feel so much better! God loves me so much!]
I responded to her e-mail as best I could, embracing humility, and agreed. Without the rain – there will be no blossoms – DANCE!
My in-laws spent their lives together trying to raise 5 children, teaching them to always do right, sending them to private schools on a small-time salesman's salary.
ReplyDeleteMoney was never in abundance. They did save though. They were always saving for their retirement -- for that time down the road when there would just be the two of them and they could travel. Paul's mother passed away at the age of 53, leaving 3 kids still at home. Most of the money saved was spent on her care the last years of her life.
I say all of that to say this: My father-in-law learned a valuable lesson from his experience and he tried his best to pass in on to his kids. He summed it up with this comment:
"Don't save for a rainy day and miss dancing in the sunshine."
Nuf said...