Saturday, November 19, 2011

November Reflections


Psalm 103:1-5
(NIV)
   
Praise the LORD, my soul;    
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
2 Praise the LORD, my soul,
   and forget not all his benefits—
3 who forgives all your sins
   and heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the pit
   and crowns you with love and compassion,
5 who satisfies your desires with good things
   so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. 


As Thanksgiving approaches, these verses have come to mind several times.  I am so, so grateful for all his benefits: forgiveness, healing, redemption, love, compassion, good things . . . . . but . . . I'm not so sure I get the part about my youth being renewed like an eagle's!

And then He reminds me of so many occasions during the past two weeks when I knew those words to be true!  You see, I have been able to spend time with each of our four grandchildren, and if you're a grandparent, you know exactly what I mean!  There's just something about being with children and teens that brings out the kid in me - and you, too, I'm sure.  Inhibitions are lost -- to a safe and somewhat-sane degree -- and it's so easy to laugh, be silly, sing, play crazy games, dance, dream . . . . . And then my not-so-young body reminds me that I can't keep up with the grands for very long.  But for those priceless moments my youth is renewed like an eagles. . . and memories are made that last a lifetime, even as birthdays just keep rolling by.

And I am thankful.


10 comments:

Kathy said...

What a lovely reflection, in both narrative and photograph. I have been in search of a pond that reflects autumn leaves but so far that has eluded me and I'm afraid the time is just about past. Maybe next year!

Karin said...

Oh, I totally feel like you've expressed! Some days my body feels old, but my spirit is still young! What a gorgeous reflection - so still! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving week!

S. Etole said...

Blessings for this Thanksgiving week ... this is such a meaningful Psalm.

Ginny Hartzler said...

I understand this completely! I have often said that grandchildren make me feel young mentally, and very old physically! Your picture is beautiful, the reflection is prettier than the real thing!

Dorothy said...

Beautiful picture and beautiful reflection!

Anonymous said...

A beautiful post, Glenda. Wishing you a blessed Thanksgiving week.

I'm mostly known as 'MA' said...

I can very well relate to not feeling as young as I once was. We are blessed to have those grand children in our lives though and I'm very thankful for that too. I do hope your Thanksgiving is a wonderful one!

Nikki (Sarah) said...

beautiful reflection. Memories can make you feel young alive free.

Anneliese said...

It's a good thing to give thanks to the Lord ... all the time. I feel that in your posts. I am happy with you for the joy of youth renewed while being with the grands... even if just for a moment.
I play in the playhouse with them and remember how I loved dreaming up playhouses when I was young.

Dawn said...

I haven't been over for awhile - I'm so glad I made it over today and caught up on your beautiful autumn photography. Our colors are gone, and it's looking like the winter has settled in - though not in cold and snow, just barrenness. But we know that is necessary too.

I need to be more playful with the grandgirls - I have them so much that I feel more like their very old mom than their grandma sometimes. But their grandpa makes up for it in fun!