A Real Week

Friday May 11, 2012


This has been a real week—full of good stuff and hard stuff, too. But that’s what makes it real. It’s not the rose-strewn pathway or an insurmountable mountain, it’s just seven days of real life after Eden. The best part about it? Having a hand to hold, arms to rest in, a Saviour to lean on.

I’m linking up with Susanne to talk about our five favorites of the week for Friday’s Fave Five. Click on over to Living to Tell the Story if you’d like to join us.

My favorites for this week:

1. The countdown! Yes, one more week of classes and then exams. Pretty excited about that.

2. The generosity of friends. Our faculty hosted a spring luncheon and took donations…to help with Andrew’s medical expenses. So sweet, and we’re so thankful.

3. Time to bake. Now that my research papers are graded, I’m finding I have more time in the evenings. I’ve even gotten to bake some cookies. I love to bake! (And my husband loves it, too.)

4. Prayers and encouragement. My son Andrew had a little discouraging news this week, and the sweet words and prayers of friends have been so uplifting.

5. This quote. It’s a poem, really, and it fits real life perfectly.

“Ah, my dear angry Lord,
Since thou dost love, yet strike,
Cast down, yet help afford,
Sure I will do the like.
I will complain, yet praise;
I will bewail, approve;
And all my sour-sweet days,
I will lament, and love."
(George Herbert)

This poem, Bittersweet, was written by a Welsh-born poet and Anglican priest who lived in the 1600s. I love the language and the sentiment, too.

I love that His grace extends to the smooth and the rocky path, to the smiles and the tears. He’s always there, no matter what we’re feeling or facing. What more could we ask?

Grace to you this week,

10 comments:

Faith said...

well, i can relate to the "real" life week for sure...that was mine last couple of weeks! Your poem is wonderful....I will continue to keep your son A in prayer....thank the Lord for His mercy, grace, love and those arms that hold us up! have a blessed weekend and HAPPY MOTHER's DAY!!

Anonymous said...

What a sweet gesture by your faculty.

I know there are ups and downs with any recovery, but I am sorry for Andrew's bad news this week. I hope he can continue to progress. I'm glad the Lord encouraged him.

What a wonderful poem -- I'd never heard that before.

aspiritofsimplicity said...

I baked cookies today also. Lemon crinkle cookies and they are delicious

Annette Whipple said...

That is wonderful that your son has a bit more help financially. Medical bills can be incredibly daunting, even with insurance.

Many blessings...and yes, thank you for sharing the poem.

GLENDA CHILDERS said...

I am sorry that Andrew got discouraging news. He is young to have to be dealing with this.

Brenda said...

I'm always thankful when I have time to cook or bake and do not have to be rushed.

What wonderful, caring friends you have to bless you in that way.

Karen said...

Laura, I love how the school is helping, too! Great poem with deep thoughts. Thanks!

Willow said...

Ah yes, George Herbert. Wonderful! The poem is beautiful, not sweet, but pithy. And right on. There is no century gap in people's thoughts and emotions.

I'm sorry about Andrew's discouraging news. The gifts from your faculty friends came with perfect timing.

Happy Mother's Day to you!

Mom24 said...

So nice of your friends.

I love to bake too. Enjoy.

Anonymous said...

You're so right -- hard weeks are when we feel His presence. Hopefully, you're already counting hours until next week. Either that or you're busily baking already :-)

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