One of the joys of my life has always been reading. While my arm was in plaster it gave me the perfect excuse to sit down at times and read. Added incentive was a new library to explore which is always exciting. Libraries are one of my favorite haunts. One of the great books I read was ‘Can’t Wait to Get to Heaven’ by Fannie Flagg, author of Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe. I love this author’s distinctive voice. I’m not a person who laughs out loud often when reading, but the antics of her characters and the unique outlook on life certainly had me laughing at times. If you haven’t read it, go and get a copy. It’s one of those books that make you feel better for having read it. The characters also raise some thought-provoking questions. I’d love to hear from you of books that made you glad you read them or books that changed your life in some way.
Unfortunately one of the problems of reading a good book that involves me with the characters and their lives is when I have finished; finding another one to read becomes harder. After the Fannie Flagg book I started to read and discarded several before finding one that appealed. With all the good books waiting to be read, I’ve never been a person to keep reading if a book doesn’t grab me.
And then I found one. I picked it up from the library shelf because of the title, ‘All that Matters’. The author Jan Goldstein, was unfamiliar, understandably I later found out, since it was the author’s first book. The second thing that attracted me was the orange and gold cover showing a tree in the flush of autumn or, as you call it in the U.S, fall. Hyperion are to be congratulated on the eye-catching cover.
The book captivated me from the first line and I defy anyone to not wish they had a character with the spirit and determination of someone like Gabby in their lives. One of the gems of wisdom from the book was that of finding the gift in each day -that something special that is memorable.
Can I suggest you follow the advice of Gabby in ‘All that Matters’ and look for the gift or something special in each day. It may be something beautiful in creation, it may be the touch of a loved on, or a letter from friend. It may be a bible verse that speaks to your situation or a promise you can hold onto. It may be the taste of something special, a smile or kind words from a stranger.
In these blogs, I’m going to share some of the gifts of my days that the Lord God has given me. Even in hard times, as I have found, there is something positive if we look to find it. Sometimes it requires thought and a determination to find the gift for each day. Other days it is obvious. Try looking for the gift or blessing in each day and perhaps keep a list of them for a month. You might be surprised. Of course, I’d love to hear about other people’s special gifts.
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