the Water of Grace: Thursday Nights

As tomorrow is September, I can't believe how fast the summer has flown by. I can't believe how fast the past year has gone by. I year ago this week, I was neck brace free!! My neck was completely healed, minus the physical therapy. I heard the magic words of, "take off your brace!!" I couldn't believe it! Finally! The many other times I walked into that neurosurgeon's office, only to hear the words, "you need to wear it longer." And that not only happened once.. but three times! So, those magic words still make me so grateful! So grateful that I was healed, that I wasn't paralyzed. That I am able to work, doing what I absolutely love. That I can talk, walk, eat, see, run, think, and so, so much more!! When I think to what could have been, especially when I see daily all the terrible traumas we have taken care of at the hospital, I am so so very grateful to God! And count my blessings each day!!

A year ago around this time, I also started this... my blog! Something I had on my bucket list for awhile. Something I kept being inspired to do by other's blogs and things I've read. And I'm so glad I did. I didn't know what to expect from it. I just knew I like to write, and share pictures, and was trying to get away from Facebook, so knew I wanted to do this. I really have no idea who reads my blog, or how many read it. But you know what, that's okay. It helps me grow in humility. Helps me realize, that I don't need "likes" or "praise" from others for what I enjoy doing.. writing. That I write to share with others my joys, sorrows, and hardships. That I write to share with others about Jesus and Mary, and maybe in doing that I can glorify Him a little bit each time.

Five few things I have learned over the past year... as I think back to my summer of 2015 and since starting my blog to now summer of 2016...
1) My broken neck may have been a big inconvenience. A big turning of my world upside down. But it was a big reminder of who is in control of my life! God is! That no matter what I have planned, or what I try to do or figure out by myself, I need to let go... God is in complete control always. And I have to trust Him. I grew closer to Him during this time of relying on others to help me, and it was a time of healing, not only physically, but healing of my heart also.
2) I had all high expectations that I would write on my blog 2-3 times/week. I started out pretty good I thought.. but then life started going in fast forward, and I came to realize that there was no way I can write that often. So I'm sorry if you are hoping for more, but please keep checking back... I do love to write, It may be hit and miss, but I do love to share with my readers.
3) There are so many trials in this life of ours on earth. So many times, I wonder why God allows so much suffering. Then I think, maybe he doesn't "allow" it. Maybe things just happen. The suffering one goes through, is what makes one real, able to give of themselves to others. I have to remember though, no matter what we are going through, He is ALWAYS with us. Always. And again it reminds me to trust Him always. Trust in His grace, His mercy, His ways, His LOVE. Just like one of my favorite songs by Chris Tomlin, "You're a Good, good Father. It's who you are, who you are, who you are. And I'm loved by You."
4) I know I've said this before... but it's the simple things, it's the small moments that mean the most. It's the text late at night saying, "I"m thinking of you." "How are you really doing?" It's the tight, long hug with no words.. just human touch that says "you mean so much to me" or "i'm sorry you're going through this." It's the hand written letter in the mail that happens to come on a really hard day. It's being late to some other event, or driving 3 hours one way to be with a friend and really listen as they share their struggles with you. There are so many more little gestures, I know.. so many more ways to share in the water of grace with each other. It's really a beautiful thing.
5) Be joyful, share a smile. Laugh. Do something you enjoy. Refill your soul. And it's okay to have tears too... it's being true, honest, and vulnerable that makes each of us real. Life is far from perfect. We are far from perfect. But making the best out of the imperfect, saying sorry, and striving to grow in virtues and mercies is what makes the world keep going. Become better, not bitter.

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So back to these summer nights. It makes me sad that it's over, as I as much as I love spring and fall and I guess a little of winter too (can't ski those beautiful mountains without snow :) )... I absolutely love summer! I love the sun! I love the heat! I love the pool! The lake! The grill-outs! The outdoor music! The long days full of light! But one of my favorite parts of summer are Thursday nights! Thursday nights at Midtown Crossing... Jazz on the Green!! When I am filling out my work schedule, I make sure I have those Thursdays off. I love preparing food, drinks all afternoon and arriving early, setting out all the blankets, staking out our spot. And then waiting for all friends to come! Old friends and new friends! And then just enjoying those summer nights, drinking a glass or two of wine on a blanket in the grass. Munching on cheese and crackers, and listening to the music. And just enjoying each other's company. Watching all those around us enjoying the atmosphere just as much, and then getting up to dance! Dancing like no one is watching! :) The Jazz nights go fast... only 6 weeks worth! But it's some of my favorite moments! And we can't get by without a selfie of our group each week! We are die-hards... whether it's 115 degrees or raining, we will be there! This year, it got rained out two times... even saw a tornado once. BUT that didn't stop us from going... yes, we were soaked at times -- from humidity and rain... but it was so worth it! Friends, memories, summer... it makes my heart smile! :)

We don't mess around....

Our wagons are the best thing ever!

Staking out our spot!

Beautiful nights!!

This band... was there on the hottest night.. and his costume.. couldn't believe he didn't pass out from heat exhaustion! Unbelievable! So fun to dance to!