Learning To Lean In - The Month of November

Greetings dear and precious sisters-in-Christ, Do you ever consider just how rich your life is? This being the month of November where "giving thanks" is the phrase that is spoken out more often. By that I mean organizations, food banks, donation centers, etc. are more pronounced in the month of November. I do not have a problem with that at all! The awareness of it needs to be expressed consistently for there are so many in need of... . Since 2009 I have dedicated the month of November to writing a novel. It is called NaNoWriMo and it is a site dedicated to writers. The goal is to write 50,000 words during the month of November! All except for 2 years I have been able to complete the goal and usually surpass the 50,000 words required. And this year is no exception. In particular I am learning to lean in by listening, observing, and giving attention to the small details of my days. Yes, the small details like yesterday while visiting mom in the nursing home, a simple thing like taking a walk in the hallways and mom's friend asked to join us. Yes, mom has a friend! How rich is my mom that her days in the nursing home and with advanced dementia she has a friend. The richness of having a friend, and how long that friend has been or the extent that your friend is involved in your life and vice versa doesn't matter for it is a richness that cannot be explained. As I type this I am reminded of a hymn from several years back, titled, "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" Verses: 1. What a Friend we have in Jesus, All our sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege to carry Ev'ry-thing to God in prayer! O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear, All because we do not carry Ev'rything to God in prayer! 2. Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble any where? We should never be discouraged Take it to the Lord in prayer. Can we find a friend so faithful Who will all our sorrows share? Jesus knows our every weakness Take it to the Lord in prayer. 3. Are we weak and heavy laden, Cumbered with a load of care? Precious Savior, still our refuge Take it to the Lord in prayer. Do thy friends despise, forsake thee? Take it to the Lord in prayer, In His arms He'll take and shield thee - Thou wilt find a solace there. Let us pray - Abba Father, thank You for friendships, thank You for all the riches you supply us with. Praise to thee oh Lord for always and in all ways being a Friend! I pray for each dear and precious sister-in-Christ that she learn to lean in and in the small details witness Your richness and beauty and faithfulness to her and surround her with Your Presence giving her a Joy and Peace that overwhelms and completes her. In Jesus Name, Amen. Leaning In,

LyndiaSue