Over at Revgals Jan says: A wise person once told me to make an ABC list of things I am grateful for any time I feel sad or depressed. It is a good practice when one is feeling happier than that, too. So for this Friday Five, I suggest that you use your name or nickname of about five letters and express your gratitude about something that starts with each letter. Some people have longer names, so you decide how you will go about this! (Last names, middle names, and nicknames count!)
Well my name has 5 letters so I'll use that, though I suspect it might be tricky!
1. Sea, I am grateful for the sea, quite simply because it is a place of real spiritual refreshment for me. When I get to the sea shore something happens in my soul that quite simply connects me to creation in a unique way. I pray more easily at the waters edge, and if I can't get there then photos and sound tracks help, but there is nothing like the sand beneath my feet and the wind on my face to help the stresses of life to melt away.
Then of course there atr the things to do when you get there, like swimming. sailing, sunbathing, all in all S is a pretty good letter! The photo is of Snettisham Beach in Norfolk, one of my favourite places!
2. Animals, right now specifically our two cats Marley and Ellie, I love the uncomplicated way that animals find their way into our hearts, these two
certainly have! Marley is the white and black short haired and very affectionate one, Ellie, black and white, fluffy cute and loves you on her terms!
3. Leaves, yes really, I love the way that leaves mark the seasons, from the first hope of spring to the Autumn/winter falling drifts of leaves, the speak of the cycle of life and serve as a reminder that all will not always be dark, winter may be here but summer is coming!
4. Life- to be reminded of Jesus words: John 10:10 "A thief is only there to steal and kill and destroy. I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of." Is to be reminded what a thief depression is, but it is a thief that can be overcome, I am grateful for the wise counsel I was given regarding rest, medication, and exercise when I was severely depressed. I was encouraged to see it for the illness that is was and not to feel guilty about it. The I was encouraged gently back to life through patience and prayer. Life is a wonderful gift, especially when we are able to live it to the full!
5. Yellow, well OK, red and yellow and pink and green and orange and purple and blue... infact colours in general. I love the colours in my garden, I love bright colours, I am pretty convinced that colours (natural colours) rarely clash. I love the way flowers add a splash of colour to a room, and if I'm feeling down then I tend to wear a bright colour, and it really does lift my mood.
These stunning flowers are still cheering my house up, and were very welcome gifts following ordination :-)
