Down in the Mouth

The only time I've gotten out for a photo shoot I found these sheep on a hillside. I like the color of spring in the snap. Of course, the sheep and lamb ran away when I stopped.

"Down in the Mouth." What a funny phrase. Of course, we all know it means being sad, depressed, low-spirited, filled with melancholy. That's sure a fair description of Eeyore, whom I well associate with. Yes, I've been "down in the mouth" lately.

When something serious happens to you it causes you to think strongly about your life and what you do. I suppose I've been in that frame of mind recently. I've thought about the time and effort I put into photography--just how many pictures of fawn can I take? my writing for my blog--do I really have something useful to say, and does God still want me to write encouraging notes.

Yes, I have a mother living with us and see to her care, and Jerry has his own physical ailments that we deal with. But, is there more? Sound familiar?

Recently I read these words by Tricia Goyer in her devotional "Amish Peace": "It is not uncommon for Americans to go through what is referred to as a midlife crisis. Men and women realize their mortality more clearly as the years tick by, and they desire a change in their day-to-day situation. Some may make good choices, such as turning away from selfish pursuits to serve other people. Others focus on self-indulgence and pursue things they wish they had had before, whether it be a new place to live or a different kind of work."

Continuing, Tricia said: "It's not uncommon for those who believe in God to have spiritual midlife crises too. Maybe they had expected that life with God would turn out differently. Yet the level of their devotion to God--their commitment--becomes evident when doing good is hard. Aren't you glad that God does not leave us alone in our efforts?"

There is some color in the second garden. That's my own little lamb to enjoy.

I don't feel like I'm having a mid-life crisis, but my journey with cancer is giving me cause to consider what I'm doing. I find my energy level is still low, and it prohibits me from doing things I yearn to do like working in my garden. Who I am hasn't changed. I'm still the extreme introvert whose emotions cry at the thought of any thing the least bit emotional. I prefer writing to talking--which isn't necessarily a bad thing.

The world will continue to change, and more than likely, I will not. I do want the fervor of finding fawn and snapping their picture, making note cards to share God's creation; I do want to be filled with inspiration to write posts that may encourage others, and I do want to continue writing notes to cheer the hearts of others with God's love.

Doing good is becoming harder as I experience the maladies of age and aches. May my season of "down in the mouth" be exchanged with "Those who trust in the Lord will find new strength . . ." Isaiah 50:31a

   This sweet snap came from the Shenandoah National Park website. The cub was born in Jan/Feb.

I feel like I do so little, and yet I can't do more. The years have taken their toll, and I must accept what life has given me. The phrase "little is much when God is in it" just popped into my mind and as most of us know, it's the title of a song written by Kittie L. Suffield, 1924

 

The refrain goes like this:

"Little is much when God is in it! Labor not for wealth or fame;
There’s a crown, and you can win it, If you go in Jesus’ name."

The third verse seems to fit me:

"Does the place you’re called to labor, Seem so small and little known?
It is great if God is in it, And He’ll not forget His own."

Before they all started running away I managed to get this snap off. One's nursing at the top of the hill.

Yes, Eeyore and I have been friends for a very long time. Eeyore may be blue on the outside, but I believe there must be a heart of gold on the inside doing those small things to encourage others. Least I'd like to think that. May I be as worthy.