10 Good Things about Where I Live

OK - Angie my friend who lives in Maputo, Mozambique tagged me to come up with this list. It seems a good time to reflect on what I am thankful for about where I live. Here it is:



1. Freedom - to go where I wish, associate with anyone I want, attend organized church without fear of imprisionment.



2. Abundance - I can always buy food, clothing, necessities....they are everywhere and not rationed.



3. Opportunity - I can attain for myself all kinds of degrees, education, knowledge. With opportunity in learning comes opportunity in jobs/income.



4. Amenities - in Perrysburg I have access to great parks, Maumee River (only look, don't touch!), free concerts, great walking paths, gardens, library.



5. My house - very comfortable, great location, field in backyard (not crowded by neighbors), great sounds outside at night as I sleep with the windows open.



6. Shopping - grocery stores, Target, Michael's all close.



7. Eating - trivia: per capita Toledo has one of the highest restaurant:people ratios in the US! OK, I do complain no Tim Horton's or Chipolte within 5 miles, but you have to have goals, right?



8. Schools - kids get a great education in public school here.



9. Friends - I have great friends in the area.



10. Proximity to family - although an hour seems far away often, I realize many others would welcome that. So I am happy for what I have!

WHY?

Just minutes after my last posting, literally minutes, I took a tumble at the driveway and broke my ankle! :( Today I re-read that posting and am filled again with that sense of happiness I had that day! It lifts my spirits on this day of confinment...day of looking outside at everyone going about their business and me sitting here with my ankle in a huge castboot and hurting! I ask 'Why?" What could be the purpose of this "grounding"? Well, I've learned that God is big enough for me to ask the question, but not always willing to give the answer at the time. Sometimes it's not until later I realize - "Oh, that's why it happened that way!" Sometimes I never find an answer. I have been contented to know that when I reach Heaven and stand before God, He will answer all my questions. But then one day I came to realize - IT WON'T MATTER! When I see Him and Jesus who loves me perfectly - the past will not mater anymore. I doubt I'll even remember what I was so perplexed by here on earth. Just to be with all those who love me and to be free to worship forever...it will be Heaven. So for now, I'll put the question to rest. Plan to do some positive things. Re-connect with friends by phone and email. Love my family. Watch Olympics. Read some of the great books on my table. And talk with the One who loves me even longer every day! Maybe those things are some of the answers to the question....WHY?

Life is short - enjoy it now!

I spent a few wonderful hours with an old friend today. Once I thought that we'd be working together forever. I always enjoyed working with her! She moved on to another job, got busy, we lost touch. Well, today we had made well-intended plans and had time together! It was memorable and so much fun! Life is short...even 100 years fly by fast, huh Grandpa? Kids grow, days pass without talking to your parents, work tires you, and other duties consume your clock. Today was yet another lesson for me (I need constant reminders) to enjoy life now. I am making plans to spend time with friends. Making time for my husband. Starting to exercise more to just enjoy the freedom in health I have now. So, this is my wisdom for today....life is short, enjoy it NOW!