Tag: enjoy

The Builder’s Reward

Jennifred Jones

Dad and I ripped out the slippery old wood deck in front of our house revealing a large, abandoned flower bed and a beautiful curved concrete walkway with steps leading to the front door.

Using the old deck boards, we measured and cut them into fence boards… our own version of picket fence stretching across in front of the house lining the sidewalk leading from the garage to the newly revealed sidewalk and on in front of the large garden area to the other side of the front yard.

That was almost 35 years ago. We don’t live there anymore, but I have driven by the house many times and the fence is still there, still standing strong (although it’s been painted purple), but it is still my dad’s and my fence. It was our design and our build.

What a reward! We built something nice and other people are still able to enjoy it. It was beneficial not only to us but future homeowners. This is part of how we’re made – to know we can make something and what we make will be useful and appreciated.

Think of something in your life you made or created that others enjoy yet today.

There will be something and you can be encouraged by it.

Thank God!

Jennifred Jones

Driving home from the ‘Y’ after my bike class tonight there was a long freight train crossing the road.

Many people were turning around to avoid it, but I thought, ‘no rush, I’ll just wait and cool off some more under the pine tree’s shade on my side of the road.

My plan for the evening was go home, shower and head to the pub for my favorite…blackened salmon salad with feta and ranch dressing and their special Friday night dessert. Tonight it was homemade peanut butter pie!

Extreme gratitude came over my exhausted, sweat drenched self. All the good things I have to enjoy. I have a car to drive that’s paid for, comfortable home to live in, clean clothes to wear, good friends to talk with, the sun is shining, the birds are flying all over, family is close, a job I like. (Yes, I have lots of other type trials going on), but:

I feel good, and I’m thanking God who made all this beauty, who allows me to breathe and enjoy and participate in life shared with other people.

Some people thank the universe…but who made the universe? I choose to acknowledge God because he is a heartfelt, real being who hears me and cares for me.

Thank God for another beautiful day!

Who Says I Can’t?

Jennifred Jones

Can’t do something fulfilling and meaningful?

Can’t work on a job I enjoy?

Can’t be my best self at work?

Can’t speak out my creative ideas?

Can’t find people who like what I like?

Can’t find what I like to do?

Can’t live where I want to live?

Can’t make a change in my life?

Who said these things? Is it really true? Do I have to believe it?

…or could there be something better…some other way?

Am I powerless over my own life, to cherish and challenge it, to develop it and succeed?

Is it pride to think or desire to do these things, or is it my fears trying to hold me back…keep me safe…and from what?

Because if I hold back, not only will I be held back, but by my example I hold others back.

I believe we need to think forward and move forward, constantly getting better, making better and doing better.

They said the Golden Gate bridge could not be built, but there she stands…decades later, the result of one man’s turning others ‘can’ts’ into ‘I can’!

Where do we need to take away the ‘t’ in our lives?