a few things, actually. First of all, I'm looking forward to this weekend! It is a 3 day weekend with the Memorial Day 'holiday'. One in which we remember those who died for our freedom. Unless we have lost someone in battle, many people don't really think about the reason for the holiday. In fact, I read a history comment yesterday on how the day was formed. After the war between the North and the South - former slaves found a mass grave of Union soldiers killed in battle. They reverently took the time to dig each one a grave and bury them properly. Why? It was the former slaves gratitude for the Union soldiers fighting for the slaves freedom. People they did not know. People of a different color. But they fought that the slaves could be free. Interesting tidbit of history.
Besides a day off work (Monday), I'm looking forward to Monday evening. Why? Remember my telling of us signing up for a small group, and the director contacted us on Tuesday? I was very surprised when we got a call yesterday evening from the group leader with whom we had signed up! Never has any group leader moved that fast to welcome someone in the group! We chatted for a bit and he said that they meet every Monday evening and that they were meeting Memorial Day - not for a lesson, but for a potluck/cookout. When we listened to the voicemail, hubby started his grumbling about doing it on Memorial Day. Like, what was the problem? We'd sit at home and watch a movie - so why not go and meet people who would be in the group? I told him to hush cause he was irritating me. Of course he had to retort a comment back at me... but by the grace of God I was able to keep my mouth shut. I called the group leader back on speaker after we finished dinner and let him tell us both what was planned. It really was cool, to me. He was upbeat and talked a mile a minute, but was funny and friendly, and I liked him over the phone. As he shared what each one of the group had done or was doing (work-wise) and that he sold or worked in produce ... I shared that hubby was retired and I was still working at home. I about died when he asked hubby, "why are you retard (yep, he said it, meaning to be funny) and your wife is still working?" To which hubby didn't know what to say and after a few awkward seconds commented "because I am old". Wow. Didn't expect that! And then what thrilled my soul was that the leader wanted to pray for us before we hung up - and prayed a powerful prayer. THIS is what my heart has been longing for! A group that is Spirit-led and it isn't just on Sundays! I want to learn and grow in spirit and in truth.... not just attend a class to learn about it. Plus, they are starting the book of Job so we are coming in at the beginning of it. I was very pleased about the call. Hubby didn't act quite as excited. Perhaps because the leader said he was also in charge of the men's group at church... and hubby thinks because he led the men's group at church years ago that he should do it his way. Not my problem. Sometimes we need to let go of the past so that we can embrace the future.
I heard a Rabbi make that statement one time and it has really stuck with me. "God can not take you to your future if you keep holding on to your past." I've said that statement to a few people since I've heard it as it really makes sense to me. How many times do we hold on to something that happened in the past and allow that to control what we do in the future? We can't receive the blessings of the future because we are so wrapped up in what happened in the past. The loss of a loved one. Doesn't mean we don't miss and love them. But we are to continue to live. The disagreement with another. Doesn't mean we shouldn't disagree, but agree to disagree and walk away. Don't let the things of the past control the blessings you can have in the future. 'Let it go'.
Hubby is having breakfast with a friend this morning and I am looking forward to the house by myself - although I am working. I don't think I can explain so won't attempt it, but joy springeth up when I am alone. Free to be me. As the old saying goes, which I won't get right - Until you walk in my shoes, you can't understand what I feel.'
Psalm 30:5 (NKJV): "For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life. Weeping may endure for a night; but joy comes in the morning."
Praying that you will find your joy this morning and that it will be complete.
Blessings!
