It's happening again.  The counter top behind me is full of groceries needing to be put away.  But the pull to blog is stronger.

Be still, groceries, you can wait.

Has the weather ever matched your mood perfectly?  Today it does for me.  My soul feels a little gray and cloudy.  

Today we should be celebrating an 11 year old's birthday.  But we're not.  

Our oldest child was due on this date.  We lost that baby in a miscarriage.  I know a lot of you dear women know this pain.  I know you cry the same tears I've cried.  I know you hug your other children extra tight on days like today.

I hope you all have a friend like the friend who texted me "Just  letting you know that I'm thinking about and praying for you today."

Do you know anyone having a rough day or a difficult season?  Don't hesitate to send them a text or email or give them a call to simply say, "hey, I'm thinking about you."  It might not seem like much to you but it could mean the world to them.

And if you are the one having the difficult day or season?  Don't forget to look for joy.  Count the gifts Jesus puts in your day.  Don't let darkness win by giving in to cynicism.  I read these powerful words from Ann Voskamp this morning:  "You could be a sophisticated cynic and miss your whole life that way...Anybody can be a cynic.  Cynicism is laziness in every way.  The real heroes are the ones who never stop looking for the possibility of joy."

So, what has brought you joy today?  Here are a few of mine:

1.  I saw a tree with amazingly beautiful red leaves

2.  I spent time cooking with three of my lovely friends this morning

3.  The sun is breaking thru the clouds right now

4.  This little lovie crawled up on my lap and asked if we can take a picture together.

Sidenote:  he said this picture was "gross".  Because I'm kissing him.  He says all the time how much he hates kisses.  I'm going to be reminding him of that often in about 12 years.

Some days are difficult.  Some days are easy.  But choose to be the hero everyday.  Don't stop looking for the possibility of joy.