A Gift for Mom! 🤍

Good Times!

Posted on September 9, 2020 by suehar

Mya, a pre-schooler, was hospitalized for a vicious infection that caused secondary-type burns over a large portion of her body. She faced needles, medicines, and painful dressing changes. Mya is a twin and twins are close, but, because of her illness, Mya could not play with her sister. She couldn’t enjoy the normal activities of a preschooler’s busy life. After five long days, the doctors agreed that Mya could go home. Her mommy and daddy were overjoyed and came to get her. Her mommy was holding her in the elevator when Mya said, “Well, that was fun.”

Ummm… What?

When Mya’s parents asked her why she thought the hospital stay was fun, Mya replied by mentioning the toys and movies and order-what-you-want food. Her parents say that the staff was wonderful, too. Still, I can’t help but think that Mya is an incredible child – able to see beyond the pain and loneliness and fear to focus on the good times.

I belong to a book discussion group. We meet from September through May and get together once a month to discuss books, usually novels that fit the literary category, but this month the book we are discussing is ONE THOUSAND GIFTS by Ann Voskamp. ONE THOUSAND GIFTS chronicles Voskamp’s spiritual journey as she seeks to list the small daily gifts that God brings into her life. She numbers gifts such as, “Laughter at twilight” and “The last cry of geese.”

I don’t know about you, but for me, I’m more tempted to list the aggravations of life than the blessings. The pimple on my chin. The big splatter of bird do-do on my window. And what? The dog got sprayed by a skunk! Again? What’s the matter with that dog?

The Bible says, “And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” [Ephesians 5:20] For everything? A wet dog that still smells a bit like skunk even after three baths? Yep. A wet dog who plants a slobbery kiss on your knee when you and your husband are laughing about the silliness of washing a dog at 10 p.m. at night after another skunk visit. The little things. You’re right, Mya. That was a good time.

Let’s learn from Mya and Ann Voskamp. Tell us one of the small blessings God has place in your life. I’ll add a comment, too.

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Sue Harrison

BIO: Novelist Sue Harrison is best known for her Alaska trilogies. Her novels, national and international bestsellers, have been published in more than 20 countries in 13 different languages. Her novel Mother Earth Father Sky was named by the American Library Association as a Best Books for Young Adults. Sue lives with her husband in Michigan, but has family here in Nebraska and love Nebraska's rich history. She is currently writing romantic suspense for the inspirational market. Catch up with Sue on her website and blog – www.sueharrison.com .

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