And so – we write for five minutes, our words tumbling out – no editing, no polishing – just flat out on a one word prompt! We gather all our beautiful thoughts here in our Five Minute Friday community and then love on each other as only we can do! Click here to learn all about it.
Home is where the Five Minute Friday community gathers so please join us at Kate Motaung’s for our Friday fun!
HOLD
GO…
2014 has been a year of memories-holding onto treasured moments from the past and creating new snapshots to hold onto for the future.
This year began with the loss of my mom in January. Classic childhood memories continually float past whenever quiet fills my time and my mind wanders. In my mind, I replay the joy of having my mom live for 88 years and the example she gifted us with of grace and strength until her final breath. I see how she struggled, but on the outside her demeanor was gracious with a keen interest in her family. In my mind, I remember that her love and her marriage was such a testament to me of how to live my own life. Her legacy is strong- flowing through my brothers and I. In turn, we honor the same path by passing our family strength onto our own kids. These are memories that I hold onto because of the life that flows through them.
In this second half of the year, I am in the process of creating new memories of my last year of teaching.
Etching children’s faces into my mind and heart…
Teaching with love and passion…
Showing my students that learning is a gift but it is hard work…
Leaving my legacy through 25 third graders to continue into the future…
These moments-these new snapshots of life- are little treasures that I will hold tight as I move into all the new that God has planned for me! Each gift is a chance for me to hold onto for the future and the opportunity for me to let it go for others to grow and learn from.
A moment in time is a memory for the future- God’s gift for us to hold and then let go for others!
STOP
May we all hold tight to God’s promises that come to us through the gift of family and friends in the present, past and future!
Blessings,
Mary
Linking with:
Letting go and holding on – all at the same time! What beautiful things you are choosing to keep!
Your words blessed me! So glad you stopped by! In the darkness there is always light and od is always showing me what that looks like. Blessings!
I loved this little peak into your daily life. What a blessing to have such a legacy your mother left you!
Thank you! Sharing me with others is my way of encouraging but when God called me to write He promised me healing too. Writing is healing as well as a way to share my story to hopefully touch others. Can’t wait to meet you soon!
mmm, Mary … all this loss, all these changes, all the memories tucked in close. may you find Him lingering very near through this transition time.
hugs.
Thank you for your kind words. The changes are all part of God’s plan and I feel nervous, excited and full of anticipation all at once. Keep praying for God to reveal next steps to me and for my heart to be open to accept the new with a big “yes”. Happy weekend!
I didn’t realize this was your last year of teaching. How bittersweet. But I love the way you juxtapose your mother’s passing with the zest of life those third-graders have. Such promise for the future and so many memories to hold onto. Thanks for sharing, dear friend!
Your words are such an encouragement to me. Life is a combination of past and present- of learned experiences and new discoveries. That is the beauty of our journey. Always blessed when you stop by. Weekend blessings!
I appreciate all that God provides and creating new memories to hold is something I really needed to hear as well. My last few years have been a little difficult (my son passed away), but when I have trusted God for my life, incredible things have happened. Thank you for your inspiring post Mary!
My momma’s heart breaks for you and your loss but my heart that knows God rejoices with you that our faith can not only restore us but reveal all the amazing things that God has planned just for us. I am so blessed you stopped by today, Verona! Blessings!
Those are the moments to hold on to and enjoy. The little everyday moments…life moments!
It is in the little, surprise moments of the day that God reveals and creates memories just for us. I treasure these life moments and am blessed that I can save them and share them with others. From one lover of life moments to another-happy weekend!
Hi Mary – your post was timely. For the past two weeks I have been sorting thru boxes and totes full of our kids’ school papers, books, toys, etc. in order to eliminate some clutter in our storage spaces. It is difficult to let go of the things that we “hold” dear to us. Cards and notes from family members and friends who have passed away; pictures and stories that my sweet children made for me when they were younger. And even 20 of my piano books from my childhood! These items are physical reminders of years past and it’s time to let go and embrace the fond memories that are held in my heart, mind and soul. And yes, to thank God for all of the ways he has blessed our children with gifts and talents that they can pass on to the next generation. Thank you Mary for opening my eyes to what we should “hold” and what we should release. Love you!
Sorting through memories is so bittersweet and time consuming. I did some of that this summer and was blessed in the process besides being overwhelmed. I love that we can set these memories free to bless someone else instead of holding so tightly that we lose focus as to what is important. Have a beautiful day and weekend!
Beautiful… teaching is such a gift!
Teaching is a gift and a ministry. It is so amazing to think that I have been able to do this for 30 years and God has blessed this endeavor along the way. Happy weekend!