a Gift

yes, it's blurry - but check out the Joy on her face!

She loves climbing on peoples backs, climbing on anything really!

12.20.11

It's been a little over a month

since I went through a health scare.

For me?

It's been a good thing.

Of course, it was good that I received good news,

but also? I've been given a gift.

A gift of seeing with new eyes.

I don't do this perfectly, in fact, I have to remind

myself of my new eyes everyday.

These new eyes? When I use them?

Let me see things that I used to complain

about as blessings.

The bedtime routine (or, ahem, fight) -

I'm thankful for it.

The whiney child?

I get down on their level and

try to figure out why, instead of just reacting with anger.

These new eyes?

It takes practice.

These eyes?

Help me see that I need to give up

what I usually try to control.

He is in control.

Again, I'm still learning to use these new eyes,

it's a process,

but if I hadn't been so desperate for Him-

I'm not sure I would have ever known

that I could see this way.

Everything is more clear.

When I use these eyes?

I'm less afraid.

They help me see the risk-

is worth it.

I call the neighbor, call the friend,

ask someone to meet me for coffee.

It's hard for an introvert to use these

eyes sometimes, but when I do?

I learn. I am grateful, I am blessed.

I have much, much to still see

with these new eyes.

And?

So grateful for the chance.