316 Flashback to Gratitude

“Nothing is ever really lost to us as long as we remember it.”

― L.M. Montgomery

It’s funny how a simple bowl of cereal

can bring back thoughts of my mom

and childhood…

The simple act of cutting up a banana

(in quarters first, then slicing)

onto a bowl of crispy rice cereal

(generic, non-gmo, of course…)

flooded my brain

with memories

of my mom standing at the kitchen counter

with three pink melamine cereal bowls

a banana and knife in hand

cutting the fruit in quarters then slicing

being very careful to get the exact amount in each bowl

so us girls wouldn’t complain…

We didn’t notice many things as children that in hindsight became clear as adults:

When we were small our mom stayed home while dad worked two jobs

money was tight

bananas were a luxury

Trips to the grocery were accompanied by green stamps

sugary cereal that we saw on tv was a luxury

we walked home for lunch

When my youngest sister went to kindergarten mom got a part time job

at the Sears Catalog office

to get a discount on school clothes and Christmas presents

she worked full time well into her 70s

because she didn’t want to die right after retirement

(and daddy would have driven her crazy)

Both of my parents did what they had to do

to raise us so we didn’t know

their struggles as we were growing up

In addition to hiding their struggles, my mom and dad gave my sisters and I an opportunity to build our lives on a firm foundation of faith.

We went to church every Sunday, vacation Bible school, and youth group.

My parents taught Sunday School and Dad (and I) sang in the choir.

Perhaps that is why verses mean so much to me

and sometimes pop into my head just when they’re needed

– for all of this I am thankful!

Some things never change –

I still cut bananas in quarters then slice them

miss Sears’ catalog

and wish life were as simple as it was when I was a child.

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Today, at 63 2/3 years if age my ultimate goal is to

Live in Peace

In order to do just that and after much thought, my life philosophy is:

Always remember that I am loved “And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.” 1 John 4:6

Do not worry about things I cannot control “And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8

Give my problems to God “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

Live simply “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” Mark 8:36

Love enormously “And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.” 1 John 4:16

Judge no one “Judge not, that you be not judged.” Matthew 7:1

Forgive always “But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Matthew 6:15

Practice Gratitude Daily “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Pray Without Ceasing “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.” Colossians 4:2

Tomorrow is always a new day “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” Matthew 6:34

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XO Lisa ❤️

PS – I am coming along towards my goal of living peacefully… always a work in progress!