When I was a...

young teen, walking where ever it was we had to be, my Mom asked me to pick up a penny we came across. I told her, "It's only a penny!" To which she replied, "Oh, mija, there have been many times when you were younger where all I was missing was one or two pennies and couldn't get what I needed for you girls. You don't know how that made me feel. Please pick it up."

My appreciation for the penny was forever changed. Sometimes, when I just don't feel like picking one up, it's a burden. But mainly, like today, those pennies just remind me of my mom and how much she sacrificed for her children.

I love you, Mom!

Isn't it the truth...

That we who believe in Christ focus on Him more when we are struggling? And struggling I am with many things...lack of money compounded with spiraling expenses for one. And that's a big one. With the recent challenge of having to repair my car, it has been necessary to take the bus, walk, and just today, ride a bike to and from work for the past two weeks.
So why am I not depressed? Because my moments to focus on the blessings through this trial these past couple of weeks have outweighed the burdens.

• I've reconnected with Jesus, and have developed a new hunger for the Word.
• Daily exercise, and an appreciation of how very much I needed it!
• A growing calmness in meeting my challenges, which extend beyond just a lack of money.
• A deeper appreciation of the suffering of others and what a small gesture of kindness or acknowlegement means to them.

I'm growing, but it's a lot of work in progress!