Pressed Down: Running Over: Thankfulness

...good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over... -Luke 6:38

Laughter is the sound of the soul dancing. -Jarod Kintz

Simple things. The smell of coffee. The unsung melody of nature as the sun bids us good morning. Toothpaste and toothbrushes. A sunset multiplied with splashes of vibrant colors radiating the earth from top to bottom. A hug. A smile. Laughter.

Today, the day was filled with the drips of the dew in the day. It was a day tempting me to roll back over to sleep or to snuggle up with a book or classic movie. But as I moved through the day--responding to emails, lighting my fall candle, and drinking the all-too favorite pumpkin-spice latte, I was reminded of the simple things. Every moment is truly a gift and I'm seeing this more and more. I know that I'm still looking through the glass dimly, but amongst the hum drum beats of my days, I've been blessed at seeing things with new eyes. A fresh perspective. Just as the rain washes away the mess of the earth, thankfulness opens up a fresh canvas for our hearts.

And today the rain reminded me of life's special gifts. Rain is my favorite smell. Fall is my all-time cherished season. And coffee--the smell overtakes the crevices of my senses. And lastly--laughter is truly the sound of a soul dancing. Maybe this is why children's laughter is even more captivating. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over...

Isn't it amazing how the "simple things" are just that--simple? And yet, compiled and recognized, they piece together a beautiful weaving of our memories. Smells. Sounds. Senses. Simple.

All together, when given to another, is brining good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and

running over...

A Word to All 20somethings

You are unique. You are brilliant. You are inventive. You are driven. You are creative. You are marked and unlike any other generation before you. But in addition to this, I've noticed something about 20somethings. Some are in their thirties or forties. But it's mostly the 20somethings. Commitment is fleeting. Sticking in through the good, the bad, the everything is challenging for you. Thank you notes are becoming a figment of our imagination and a thing of the past. For some of you, it's non-existent. Hospitality has flown out of the window--bringing a gift when coming over to stay at someone's home. Honor has somehow left us. It's not being implemented somewhere. Or, where it is, it's not being followed-though. Following up with an individual the day after they took time out of their day for you, is becoming a thing of the past. What's disheartening is that it isn't even a thought.

Now, I don't want you to get down in the dumps. But I do want to encourage and challenge you. Let your yes be yes. Follow through--even if it wasn't the correct decision. You gave your word. Follow through. Learn and then you'll know how to budget your time once you've overbooked. Go the extra mile. Not because there is something in store for you, but because it's the correct thing to do. Honor your father and mother--no matter what. Even if they don't honor you--honor them. Things will go well with you, if you do. Honor the elderly and those who supply you with their wisdom. Pay back your debts before you continue spending. Let your yes be YES! Write the thank you letter. Not an email--a true letter. Take the time to put a stamp on it and put it in the post box. Remember the little things because they aren't just little things to the one you're sending it to.

And don't forget: You are unique. You are brilliant. You are inventive. You are driven. You are creative. You are marked. But it's all for a purpose. Don't let your strengths keep you from remembering your weaknesses. Trust me. I've been here. We all have. But make the effort this week. I promise--you won't be disappointed.