March 8, 2011

Reading

I'm currently reading One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp. It was a sunny day and the boys wanted to play outside all morning. I was able to sit and read. Very thankful for a nearby park bench, for close knit brothers, and sun shining.

This paragraph stood out to me....

Seeing is of course very much a matter of verbalization. Unless I call my attention to what passes before my yes, I simply won't see it. It is, as Ruskin says, 'not merely unnoticed, but in the full, clear sense of the word, unseen."....I have to say the words, describe what I am seeing....But if I want to notice the lesser cataclysms of valley life, I have to maintain in my head a  running description of the present
                                                                                                    -Ann Dillard

I'm one to use lots of words. I like words. I like discussing and chatting and encouraging each other. Sometimes my words are few. Sometimes far plenty. What I need to become more aware of is using my
words to give thanks. To speak of the details. To look for the moments between the moments.

Another part that lit up bold for me......

' " Learning slowly to not be so reactionary while inserting verbal gratitude into stressful situations is almost like being healed of mental blindness. I have begun to 'see' again". '

Honestly, the hurry of the move, the unpacking, the trying to find our groove has led me to fall off the thankful in the details wagon. I need to hop back on. I need to rest, but there is so much to do. I'm tired. Do you notice how when you are tired all sense goes out the window? For me it's that way.

 My maintenance man friend stopped by today. He shared some things that has caused me to worry and wonder. Learning to not be so reactionary{even with worry}......trying to insert verbal gratitude into stressful situations{or worry of..}.

12 comments:

Polly said...

Love the new blog look! Aren't you loving this book? Are you doing the online book club discussion at {in}courage. Hoping you have a blessed day!!

Tara said...

Powerful quotes! Glad you had a nice day to read and enjoy your time outside. Thought y'all were having floods up that way??

R.M. Jackson said...

"Do you notice how when you are tired all sense goes out the window?"

I know exactly what you mean. I am attempting to get back on the wagon as well... only by His grace. :)

{{Hugs}}

Unknown said...

Hmmmm...I have not been writing in my gratitude journal as I was. Funny how that coincides with my stress level and IN-gratitude. I need to get back to reading and giving thanks daily, multiple times daily, as a reminder of the abundant life He has given me! We just read John 10:10 today as our devotional verse. God knew I needed to be gently reminded...and now your post. Thanks for the nudge. ;)

Unknown said...

Hmmmm...I have not been writing in my gratitude journal as I was. Funny how that coincides with my stress level and IN-gratitude. I need to get back to reading and giving thanks daily, multiple times daily, as a reminder of the abundant life He has given me! We just read John 10:10 today as our devotional verse. God knew I needed to be gently reminded...and now your post. Thanks for the nudge. ;)

Unknown said...

Hmmmm...I have not been writing in my gratitude journal as I was. Funny how that coincides with my stress level and IN-gratitude. I need to get back to reading and giving thanks daily, multiple times daily, as a reminder of the abundant life He has given me! We just read John 10:10 today as our devotional verse. God knew I needed to be gently reminded...and now your post. Thanks for the nudge. ;)

Anonymous said...

Great post and food for thought. I have not heard about that book, but it sounds really good.

Sometimes - even in the mundane things that we have to do - it feels like we need to hurry up and get stuff done so that we can get back to our life. I forget that life IS happening even in those moments.
:)

Pilar said...

I need to check that book out! One of my new year resolutions was to write in a journal blessings every day, to help me realize how much God does for us, but like everything else, it was put aside. Thanks for the reminder though, I need to pick that resolution back again

Darcie said...

I have heard A LOT about this book. I love books that make me sit back and really think...sounds like this is one of those books.

Hope you are getting settled in my dear. Love the new look here.

These Are The Days said...

I'm loving this book too. Sadly, I got distracted with about five others, lol. ;) Hope you are well. Hugs.

Shannan Martin said...

So. I just spent 20 minutes combing your archives about your move. But did you move twice??? I'm confused. I'm intrigued. I'm interested. Give me the scoop. Or tell me where to find it. Pretty please. :)

ps- I'm the only girl left on the planet who hasn't bought/read 1000 Gifts! I need to get on that.

really.truly said...

FPF-sent you an email ;) We made a big move, then just moved again within our new state....and we'll probably move again in a year. LOL.

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...