#joy – Life in the Deep End

Gratitude & Grief

July 28, 2024July 28, 2024Vona Wilson

Grief is one of many things we hold in common. We all do it differently. And while volumes have been written about ways to navigate through it, we consistently land in the reality of walking our hearts through the depth of gratitude and loss.

I’ve been cleaning, purging, and rearranging all week. It’s part of my navigation. All the hidden bones need to be found and removed. The rugs that Oreo had claimed for his own – purge. The place he would go to and wait for me to greet him every time I came home – rearrange.

All of this led to a big haul to the recycling center, and ultimately to rearranging the garage. It makes perfect sense, right? I couldn’t let go of the collars and leashes so I hung them up for a day when I’m ready. Pacing our hearts is a way to walk through loss. I have so much peace about his quick departure – he had a full life and we had some great years! But yeah, I’m keeping his collars for now.

I was looking for a carabiner to hang something in the garage. I have a lot of them so I looked up to see what was hanging and if there is an extra one I can use. At this point I’m on the finishing touches. I’ve hauled off, rearranged, swept…it’s looking pretty good; I just need to hang another thing or two. Where’s a carabiner…..?

My eyes found it and it hit me like a ton of bricks. His life jacket! I didn’t think about his life jacket….and here come the tears.

I took it down and sent it away. Full of tears and gratitude, I took a moment to look through the pictures of our 2020 adventure to the lake.

When it came time for our rhythm of life to “take a break”, our routine had to change in 2020. For the first time we packed up our stuff, including dogs, and headed to a cabin near the lake. We ventured out to let them explore…about 5 miles on the lake with a paddle board and kayak. So much fun!! The two dogs, one so young and the other a little bit “mature”, fully engaged in the whole adventure.

Like everything else, Oreo was cool with whatever was happening on any given day. He wanted to be included. Every day I find something else that was his alone (like bones hidden in the furniture cushions!), and every day I stumble on something we shared….like a lake adventure during a pandemic. A reminder…that keeping rhythms but changing the routine often helps us discover new blessings.

Any routines you’d like to change this summer? You might make a memory that blesses you for the rest of your life!

“I think my God every time I remember you.” – Philippians 1:3

People bring us joy and blessings. Animals do as well. God has been generous and kind to us through all of creation. When Paul writes to the church in Philippi he is full of joy and gratitude for their faithfulness. When this Scripture comes to my mind today, it is because my spirit is full of gratitude for God’s blessing in providing me with a canine companion to do life with for a little while. Oreo helped me laugh and see little joys in life! Who helps you?

God, thank you for all the ways you help us to experience love and grace in this world. Please be near anyone who is navigating through the depths of grief. When it is possible for the memories to return in a way that blesses, please bring them to mind. And when it is not, please comfort the brokenhearted in whatever way is needed. Thank you, Jesus, for understanding the whole of our human experience. We love you and we trust you completely. Amen.

John Hiatt & The Goners- My Dog & Me
https://youtu.be/nDKzxZfqZR8?si=u-0tU39eisa5N0iS

Joy!

November 10, 2022November 10, 2022Vona Wilson

The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all of my heart. He helps me and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving. – Psalm 28:7

I don’t know exactly what happened. Maybe an extra hour of sleep or time to walk Oreo before the sun was bright. Perhaps it was simply the cooler morning air beckoning me outside. Or maybe someone’s prayer whispered in the dark. Whatever happened – I woke up with joy. Even a sense of relief.

And not only joy, I woke up with songs! Songs of gratitude. Songs I could not fully explain. I remember riding with my grandfather Lester on the country roads of Western Kentucky when I was very young. It was a rare occurrence. Usually when Grandma was out of pocket for some reason and I had the gift of time with him. We were always going to check on a field or livestock, pick up seed or grain; working.

He would make up songs and sing them as we drove down the road. They seemed like songs of joy to me. He didn’t have a singer’s voice particularly, so he wasn’t singing to hear himself. But he sure did love to sing as we drove down the road. I was mesmerized.

It was as if a song was in his heart and he just had to let it out. They were songs about whatever was going on in life. And silly songs. A lot of silly songs! Maybe I shouldn’t be surprised if his way is somehow being cultivated in me.

In my kitchen cabinet there is a shelf full of random coffee cups. You know…those cups you receive as gifts or pick up somewhere along the way. Every morning when I open it up I have this little decision to make of what coffee cup “feels right” today.

With a song in my heart and on my lips; with gratitude for God’s kindness and presence; with love that often cannot be contained, I reached into that cabinet and grabbed this cup…

What is the song in your heart today? Whether lament or gratitude; praise or love you can’t contain…it’s always good to sing! And by all means, cherish today; it is a gift and will not come again.

May God’s peace be in you today. May you sense how deeply you are loved by your Creator. May the grace of Christ surprise you with a song that rises within you and offers you joy. Cherish today.

The Candle In my Kitchen

December 16, 2021December 16, 2021Vona Wilson

I learned the practice from a friend several years ago. When prayer is needed and it’s all you can do, light a candle and let it burn. Let it be a sign and a reminder to hold that person or situation in prayer as you go about your space. Trust God to hear your spirit and love to cover the gaps.

There is a candle burning in my space today. It’s for those I love who suffer, and those who are fulfilling dreams. For leaders trying to navigate an unknown future and healthcare professionals offering healing in whatever way they can. It’s for those whose past haunts them and for those courageously walking the path of recovery step by step. The candle burns with prayers for hope, healing, strength and joy. The candle burns with love. If it is all I am able to give, I trust God that it is enough. Light a candle. Pray. God will move mountains at just the right time and place to reveal the presence of Christ among us.