Friday, November 14, 2008

The Joys of this Week

While this week has had its frustrating and upsetting moments for which we are praying for wisdom on how to proceed (there is no resolution just more stress), I would be remiss to not focus on the joys. So here is a small, incomplete list of the many joys of this week:

- Patrick telling me a meal was, "dewicious, Mom."
- Chinese food and a movie at home with my husband - the older boys were invited out.
- Both boys increasing recognition of letters and interest in the words that start with them.
- Titus looking into my eyes and smiling after I kissed him.
- Titus sleeping 6 hours.
- Calvin falling asleep on my lap while I rubbed his back.
- Dinner out with a good friend.
- Talking about and looking at pictures of Calvin & Patrick's adoption journey - with them.
- Seeing their delight and hearing there age-appropriate understanding that they were born in my heart and not my tummy.
- Titus laughing.
- Patrick telling me he loves our family because he lives here. :)
- Calvin praying.
- Andrew pitching in and encouraging me as we get ready for the weekend.
- Patrick telling me he has candy for me in hopes of getting some for himself.
- Understanding more and more of what Calvin says.
- Time with sisters.
- My awesome husband - I can't even begin to count the many ways he has blessed me this week.
- Receiving giveaways in the mail.
- My older boys adoring their baby brother, "Mom, I want to sit by Ty."
- Meeting the newest member of the Thompson family.
- Reading books with my boys.
- Calvin smothering me with kisses one morning.
- Knowing that I am the "lucky one."

This week has definitely had more joy than frustration as does pretty much every week and every day - I wonder why I often allow frustration to overshadow joy. I have so much to be thankful for. God is good all of the time. The trials I have experienced pale in comparison to the suffering of Christ and to the suffering of many others. I have been overwhelmed and close to tears this week feeling blessed with my incredible sons and husband. I need to focus on joy, pray for wisdom, and walk closer with my Lord. May you have a blessed and joy filled day.

8 comments:

Heather L. said...

I loved reading your list of joys -- so many precious things! \

Barbie said...

That was beautiful. So much to be joyful and thankful for!! Thanks for sharing.

Heather said...

I love this post. : ) I enjoy so much hearing about your boys growing, loving, learning and experiencing life. They are so awesome. But - so are you.

Monica said...

It's great to hear how much the boys love eachother. Priceless.

Sorry to hear about your ongoing stress. When I get caught in a situation that is frustrating, I have to stop myself and remember that God is working it out. I need to give Him time to answer. There are always other circumstances and people that need to respond and be dealt with before I will see an answer. Hang in there.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful:) How wonderful to focus on your joy in the midst of frustration. We so often forget to step back and look at life in taht way, don't we? Thanks for you sweet comment on my blog. I felt a little star struck because i love your blog and was shocked that you peeked at mine:)
Hope your week gets less stressful and even more joyful.

Becca said...

Wow, I think I might be happier if I made a list each day or each week of all the good things that happened. Thanks for a wonderful idea!

Merrilee said...

What a beautiful list!! I hope that next week is better for you!!!

gayle said...

How encouraging to read your joys--Encourage=inspire courage sufficient for any undertaking. Blessings and thank you for your prayers--check out our latest news