These Two Days (This and That)
The sound of laughter floats ashore on the ripples, and the towering maple canopy rustles me alive.
The Great Lifter of the head cups my face in His hands, lifts chin heavenward, and whispers: Look, child! Don’t miss the miracles.
The Earth spins on its axis, and my world whirls dizzily, too. I spend the moments and the hours and the rotating days with chin down, brow furrowed, eyes lowered, nose to the grindstone. I’m not depressed, not downcast — just busy in my thoughts and my wondering and my planning and all my to-do’s.
Today, first day of summer, He lifts my chin.
And I’m finding the miracle in the ordinary … in this day.
“There are only two days on my calendar: this day and that Day.”
— Martin Luther
Could I live like that — with just two days in mind? I believe I’ll try. I want to take the training wheels off this life, be courageous, take a few risks, and ride free with Eyes Toward Home.
This summer, we’re making our own Two-Day Challenge: to focus on this day and that Day. And we never have to go far or look hard for the extraordinary miracles in the ordinary days. (We spent our weekend camping just three miles from home!)
Heavenly Father, Lift our heads to see You all around. Help us to prioritize things that matter to You today — the things that matter for all eternity.
We can’t wait to see you, Jesus, on THAT Day. But until then, help us live fully for You in this one.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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Photos: From Lake Pahoja in northwest Iowa.
Amen and Amen!
I love the look of determination on Anna's face… eyes on the goal… she's gonna make it there! 🙂
beautiful post. i love the photo on the bottom 🙂
Your blog is such an artistic annal of your family's life. I feel I've had a visit to your place after stopping in.
Perhaps someday …
when we're children, we don't think about time. except when we know something is coming tomorrow, and then it takes for.ev.er. to get there.
then we grow up, and there is never enough time, and all our tomorrows are filled as far as we can see, and we want to close our eyes and make it stop, just for an hour.
I like this perspective. This day and That.
I've a feeling I'm gonna be thinking on that for a while.
Thank you so much for your prayers, encouragement, and support.
Blessings,
andrea
I so needed to hear your inspiring writing today. This was perfect. Thanks!
Focus…focus…2 days…;-)
Did you know that the newly finished pond and fountain at Lake Pahoja was made and dedicated in memory of Jim Pedersen, our son. He died tragiclly on Jan. 25, 2008 at the age of 51 from a gun cleaning accident. He loved nature and the out-of-doors.
Karol and Don Pedersen
What a grand and glorious day they both are!
Karol and Don,
So nice of you to stop by here today.
I had so hoped to get over to the pond during the evening and take a picture of that beautiful fountain and pond. What a lovely tribute to Jim. I thought of him — and of you two — every day during our stay at Pahoja.
Thank you for your words, and for your gift of beauty to the Pahoja park. May you sense God's grace all around you today, dear friends.
What a beautiful capture of the child in Iowa summers. It's been a long time, but this made me reminisce wonderfully.
Two days. I've never heard the immediacy of life and the importance of heaven expressed quite like that. I love it! And I may just take the challenge up myself. Blessings!
Needed to hear that today! Thanks.
What a great post, Jennifer! I like your way of thinking.
The pics are great…they bring back memories of teaching our boys to ride bikes. 🙂
Hey Jennifer,
This is a great motto for the family, and I like the way you tied it to the first day of summer. I know your family will remember and be enriched by this commitment. Summer goes by so fast – you are truly finding a way to savor it with joy!
Love the idea of a 2 day challenge… Going to take it with you … Great post!
Check out my latest post…I've announced the winners of my giveaway! 😉
Look at the thinker.
You give her a lot to work with.
Well, I thought I had commented on this already. Love the pictures…and really, really love the prayer. May it be mine as well!!! Great food for thought.
Two days! That is awesome!
I'm going to hold on to that one. Thanks. 🙂
My great grandma would say, "She's going to bite her tongue off!"
Wonderful way to teach your children to live. What am I saying–wonderful way to teach me to live.