The UNO Olympics Are Underway!

 It's official -- the UNO Olympics are underway.

And I was beat by a six-year-old

Let me clarify that: I was creamed. He got me but good.

Even more though, he and his precious sister have stolen my heart.



Too often we focus on all we do not have rather than soaking up how very blessed we are. Sadly I am so very guilty. For years I have mourned not having the gift of a husband and children in my life. After I celebrate with family or friends the joy of their marriages and the joy of precious births, I admit it -- I then steal away to time alone as I sob over not having that joy myself. Time and time again I turn it over to God as I seek peace but time and time again I take that pain back ... and so it festers in my heart. Yet what a blessing it is when people just "seem" to cross my path -- people who, in their own way, fill those holes in my heart.


My next-door neighbor has been faithful in checking on me daily since a walker has become my new friend. She calls every morning, she comes over mid-afternoon to bring my mail and she calls later in the day to make sure I am OK. We enjoy afternoon talks, we share prayer concerns, we laugh. In recent weeks her two grandchildren have been coming over with her. They love Sarah and enjoy playing with her. This week the UNO cards came out and it was on. At first the two children played -- then I joined them -- today we got their grandmother on the fun. I'm not sure how long we played. I do know our time was filled with much laughter and fun.

I am grateful for their friendship. Is it a coincidence these people just seem to come in to my life in each community I live? Some would say it is. I choose to call it a gift of God. I believe those gifts are all around; we just have to open our eyes and our hearts to see.

So we have our own "Olympics" underway. The challenge is on.

I have a confession: I don't care if I win or not. I just cherish their company, our laughter and caring for one another. I look forward to their daily visits.

It's kind of like watching the Summer Olympics currently underway. I sit on the edge of my seat in rising tension as I cheer for each athlete -- just as everyone else does. Yet I find myself drawn even more so to the examples I see of great sportmanship -- true admiration for fellow competitors. It is an appreciation for what each person brings to the race.

We all are in a race of some kind.

It's just nice to know we don't ever have to go it alone.

Gotta go. I need to prepare for another round of UNO. Forget that, I look forward to seeing my friends again.

I hope your day is blessed with those people who just appear in your life and I especially hope you recognize them and welcome them in to your heart.

Enjoying the Journey,

Debra

bebprov356.blogspot.com

Trust in the Lord with all your heart

and lean not on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge Him

and He will make your path straight.

-- Proverbs 3:5-6 --