#1381-#1400 Montana Gifts

1381. The deer and bunny who come eat right from my parents' patio.

1382. Reed's delight when he unexpectedly sends his sisters into gales of laughter.

1383. My sweet mom answering her phone, "Good morning!"

1384. Ice cream at Kagy Korner.

1385. Laughing with my big sis.

1386. Sharing stories and laughter with dear old friends--a chance for my kids to see the wonderful people with whom I was raised.

1387. The view from Grant and Marlene's: 360 degrees of mountain vistas.

1388. Discussing brokenness with lovely broken people.

1389. "There is only one type of person God can use: a sinner."--Grant E.

1390. Two weeks away to remind my children what good friends they are.

1391. Sweet Pea Festival: A celebration of community and creativity.

1392. Downton Abbey movie marathons with my parents.

1393.  A real Montana Rodeo.

1394.  My spirit refreshed by quiet days, mountain views, cool air and the company of family.

1395. Worship at "E-free," the church of my youth: Simple, humble worship and the congregation as the choir.

1396. The similarity between my parents house in Montana and our farm in Florida:  bunnies dashing everywhere.

1397. Evening walk up to Moberry for frozen yogurt---taking walks and not sweating!!!

1398. Going home after two weeks with CLEAN laundry.

1399. The only good thing about leaving the Cowboy at home: It makes it easier to leave Montana.

1400. The ache that comes from saying goodbye to those I love so much.

FMF: Graceful

Five minute Friday (or Saturday....)

And the word is....Graceful (HA!)

GO:

Graceful would be the last word that would come to mind for anyone who had seen me running the past two weeks, with my geriatric gait and the labored breathing that is completely unwarranted by the speed at which I'm moving.

One wouldn't know it to look at me shuffling and huffing and puffing down the trail, but I am enjoying myself.  I'm just not a natural athlete.

In fact, one of the reasons I choose to run (as opposed to, say tennis, or soccer, or even swimming) is that it requires relatively little coordination.  Just one foot in front of the other--I can handle that.

In contrast, I marvel at the grace of the young runners on my kids' Cross Country team.  Every movement is fluid and easy.  They run at a pace so much faster than mine, but seem to expend no effort at all.  Pure grace of motion.  I often wistfully wish that they could give me just a bit of their grace.

If only....

"graceful" is just not a state I can achieve.

I can, however, be GRACE-FULL, so full of grace that it pours out on everyone around me.

This bubbling-over soul grace is no more natural to me than grace in my gangly limbs, but this grace IS attainable from Another.

I have so little grace of my own, but I know the One who is Grace.  When I trust and receive His Amazing Grace to me, I am filled to overflowing with grace for others.

Even more wonderful is that when I have a heart of gratitude, I can see from His perspective that everything in my life--the good, the bad and the ugly--it's all grace.

Every moment--whether delightful or excruciating-- is a gift that He will use to fill me with grace if I receive the gift with open hands and trust that He is GOOD.

STOP

#1361-#1380

1361. A man who loves me even when I've failed him

1362. Tired, happy teenagers dancing around the gym.

1363.  Sweet Hannah: serious about what matters, light-hearted about everything else.

1364. Mad dash through the airport after a flight delay.

1365. Making our connection just before they close the doors.

1366. "Checked" carry-ons, so we had nothing to carry as we ran!

1367. Big breath of Montana air.

1368.  Sharing a room with my little sister again for a few days.

1369. Short run in the morning, struggling to suck enough oxygen out of the thin mountain air.

1370. Re-connecting with friends at a reunion.

1371.  Morning coffee with my dad.

1372.  Walking the Sourdough trail.

1373. Clear-to-the-bottom creeks.

1374.  Making new friends from old acquaintances.

1375. Cowboy's voice over the phone lines.

1376. The University of Grandpa--every conversation an education.

1377. Great fiddle music.

1378.  Chilly bedroom (in AUGUST!) and a thick down blanket.

1379. Hike to Palisade Falls.

1380.  Mountain beauty that cries out that God is creative, Almighty and GOOD.