Keeping things in balance

A friend recently asked me if the delusions of grandeur were getting to me.

Well, I'm here to set the record straight on this.

I don't have time for grandeur. But I wish I did.

I do not sit on a pink chaise and eat bon bons, dictating to a secretary. But I wish I did.

I have chickens, cats, multiple gardens, and a rejection from my editor. Right now, my hair is sticking up all over the place and last night I went to a going away party and bellied up to the dessert table completely forgetting my personal pledge to myself not to eat anything. I talked to a friend there and we ate and ate and ate.

No delusions of grandeur or of dieting. But I wish I did.

I'd be slimmer, more famous and have a contract.

On a more serious note, I know that rejections and life get in the way of my writing career, and I know there's little money for our trip to Bolivia, but I have to say I'm pretty blessed.

Let's take yesterday for instance. It was a gorgeous day and I loved the smell of spring in the air. Now those of you who live in places where sunny skies and warm temps are taken as the norm, they are so infrequent here that we actually consider shutting down the province and celebrating them. They are so incredibly precious to us here.

But there are other things I am thankful for. One of our cats delivered a snowy white kitten with a gray tail and one black ear. But though she's not nursing it, another mum who recently lost her babies has taken on the responsibility, and loving it. Now, isn't that precious?

And my spinach is growing in the garden, my flowers are blooming, not minding the weeds at all, and my allergies are doing just fine all things considered.

I'm blessed.

Look around. Are there things for which you consider yourself blessed?

A Canadian Thanksgiving

By Barbara Phinney

We up here in the Great White North have already celebrated our Thanksgiving. Now, it's not a lot different than our neighbours and friends south of the border. We have turkey and stuffing, lots of veggies and gravy, pies and cakes and squares and lots of tea to wash it all down.

There are some things unique to each thanksgiving meal, though, and they often change, don't they?

This year, I had the joy of watching a barn cat of ours deliver her very unique babies. (Look at the paws on this baby) I've enjoyed picking them up each day, and look at the tiny bundle of fur open its mouth and hiss at me. Too funny to see such attitude! Mum doesn't mind, either, but considering I've provided her with a large Rubbermaid container, on a thick cushion, filled with a hot water bottle and a thick flannel sheet, changed every other day, all set in a garage. If I was expecting Mum to move them under the shed, I was mistaken. She ain't goin' nowhere!

This year I found myself thankful more because our Pastor reminded us to be thankful in every circumstance. Not for everything bad thing that comes along, but in everything. And I am. My nephew and his wife and two daughters came down for Thanksgiving, and I had the pleasure of accompanying them to the park.

And though the weather is often filled with wild winds and rain, and even some heavy frost, I can remember that our hurricane season has been mild this year, and those sunny days are so welcoming.

God gives us plenty to be thankful for. Let's take the time to consider the good things He has provided, even in desperate times. And let us not forget that He gave us something we can never give ourselves. He has given us His Son, that part of Himself sent to die on the cross for us, so we may come to Him.

So, my US friends, as your Thanksgiving approaches, I hope that you'll be able to see things you can be thankful for.