New Year

There is something about a new year that brings out the desire to "take down and put up" as Thomas Jefferson would put it. When I take down all of the Christmas decorations, things always look a little sad to me. I am on a mission to brighten up a spot or two around my house. (The farmer is always a little worried about what this mission will entail, but he is very endulging.)

For my next project, I am determined to refinish a cedar chest that used to be in my Memaw's house. It is beautiful and belonged to her mother many years ago. I can't wait to make it my newest treasure. It looks good in my study and provides much needed storage space. I also like that I think of my Memaw every time I look at it.

James moved all of the furniture around in our bedroom and now I am determined to paint my room. I am very indecisive when it comes to picking out paint colors, so I must head to the paint store and decide before the Farmer is ready to paint. Taking something that is little and imagining it big is not my one of my strengths.

Memaw

Today I woke up with the lyrics of an old hymn stuck in my head.

"When we all get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing it will be

When we all see Jesus, we'll sing and shout the victory"

The image those words conjures up includes Faye Dodson on the piano, a line of men waiting to serve communion, Dr. Temple sitting on his bench looking to be in prayer, and my Memaw sitting on the second pew of the church with her entire family standing - no towering around her. The church always seemed a little stuffy but I always felt very at home and secure standing behind her. Every Sunday was exactly the same. We were always a little late to church and Memaw was already in her place when we got there.

I am so grateful for.....

the last few times I got to see her before she died

the way I felt important when I was with her

her wisdom

her stories and her laughter

her constant commitment to serve the Lord

the stability she brought to my life

her generosity

her love

The song that I can't keep from singing this morning brings new meaning.

...what a day of rejoicing it will be!