Remembering the Good

Why is it that some days and weeks come to us as sweet as spring, and others like the dead of winter? I suppose our lives have seasons in them too. The last couple of weeks have been harder ones for me overall. Though there has been good moments, it seems that we remember the hard or bad more than the smiling ones. Knowing that, I try to reflect on the good.
Sunday I decided to go to the evening service at church as it's a lot less crowded. After a couple of minutes of sitting, a man by the name of William came and sat next to me. The stale smell of cigarettes and alcohol was noticeable, and I wondered if he might be homeless. When I introduced myself and asked him his name, there was a twinkle in his eye, a connection that only seems to be there with fellow believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. It's an unexplainable mystery. During one of the songs we sang, I noticed his hand raised in praise to God, and inside I smiled. After the service, as we walked out, William asked me if I had any money so that he could get something to eat as he hadn't had a bite all day. I thought for a moment, and said, "I don't think I have any cash, but can I buy you dinner?" He responded with a, "Yes. That'd be really nice." So, we headed down the street to MacDonald's.
We talked of his situation and how he got there. Upon having an accident, he lost his job, and soon after his lost his home. The accident caused bleeding in his brain, which in turn causes seizures that come at random. It hasn't been taken care of completely yet, but he says he still has medical. He is just so thankful for a dry place to sleep at night, with blankets to keep him warm.
William said he hasn't been to church in five years, but that it was really nice to go again. He said he knows that he needs to press into God again, and that this was a good experience for him.
I think of these few minutes I spent with him and am thankful, and hope I will get to see him again soon.
So, even when things are rough, even in the disagreement that I had with my boss this week, I know that overall, I have a lot of blessings in my life that I need to remember and praise God for. Tomorrow, could prove to offer the same things to me as it has to this man, but one thing I know, God promises that He will never leave nor forsake us, and we can bank our faith on that.

February refreshment

A beautiful day in Portland in the middle of February deserves to be spent outdoors enjoying the moment. Maggie and I went up on Mt. Tabor, where many were fast to be friends with the puppy and I. What a wonderful day of walking, playing, and exploring! It was a good moment to get a breath of fresh air, to be refreshed in body and spirit, and to remember the value of life and the beauty that surrounds us. Sometimes we just need to be reminded, especially when our days seem so monotonous with work or school, or whatever is going on in our lives on a regular basis.
I thoroughly enjoy working at the hospital, even if it isn't the most ideal job that I'm in at the moment, but being human, I get burnt out and need a few hours away. That's what I love about Portland. You can travel a short distance outside of the city and you are in new and beautiful scenery. Or, you can do as Maggie and I did today and just explore part of Portland that makes it seem as though you are removed from the ongoings of the city. We need a balance between the normal activities of the day, and a change of pace here and again. Balance really is key in our lives, one that we need to be continually finding and living in.

Now Maggie sleeps, and I think that sounds like the perfect ending to such a great day. :)

Valentine's Day Rain

My new Puppy, Maggie